Time to fill after ceremony before cocktail hour

We have a slight gap after our ceremony as well before cocktail hour. However our venue is also outside so there is lawn games that were provided such as big size jenga, bean bag toss, bocce ball, ring toss, wooden ladder toss etc!

So we are having a very large gap in ours, our venue is 15 minutes out of town. And we are doing this so we have time to get photos as well as giving guests time to check into their hotels (as not every hotel offers early check in)
Our ceremony is from 1-130 ish. Cocktail hour starting at 4-4:30 ish. We’re showing up around 5-530. We have free transportation driving everyone back out to the venue though, to save people gas money as well as giving them a safe drive back to avoid any drinking/driving and cars left out of town!
We will also be setting up lawn games etc for anyone wanting to stay out there during the break and have our bartenders on hand incase we need to open the bar early!

View quoted message You’re quite welcome Kasia.

View quoted message Ohhhhh yes, that would be a great idea. A lovely breather to take it all in after the ceremony is a great idea.

Outdoor games are a great way to entertain your guests to keep busy as some others may do their thing to kill time. Options are always there to know if you have family attending and kids can do some games such as bowling or bean bag toss. Close off a section for this as the adults can roam around as well.

Ours is being held in a hotel, with about 1.5 hrs between the ceremony and cocktail hour, so guests will have the option to either go have a coffee, head back to their rooms to freshen up or visit some of the local shops. Immediate family members will be coming for photos with us afterward.

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That is genius, I will definitely do that - thank you!!!

View quoted message Thanks! Our venue coordinator said that most guests are able to occupy themselves in the area since there are a number of boutiques, an art gallery, and plenty or wineries in the surrounding region so we're now considering creating a map of the area with local attractions to include with our invites. You could do the same for Niagara-on-the-Lake.

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A wine tour or the hot cider bar both sound so lovely!!

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That is so helpful, thank you!!

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Haha omg yes, a nap, a snack and a break from standing in heels would be WONDERFUL mid-day!

View quoted message Also, check this page out if you want to have multiple ideas and games…


8 Outdoor Wedding Reception Games That’ll Keep Your Guests Entertained

https://www.weddingwire.ca/wedding-ideas/7-lawn-games-that-ll-keep-your-wedding-guests-entertained--c517

View quoted message Ohhhhh, okay. That’s fine, haha to make the best of it. Haha. Some people can definitely go home if they like and return if it’s not too far either.


Maybe tell them the schedule as well. So they have an idea on if they want to make other plans.
But yes, I love the ideas on taking photos with your guests outside. And also, you and your SO can relax and take a breather before the reception! Hahaa!

Hi Kasia - I have the same dilemma. My wedding is also at a Vintage Hotel property but ours is Cave Spring Vineyard and Inn on the Twenty. Our ceremony is 2-2:30 pm to maximize photo time in the vineyard (they book it in 4-hr slots so we have it from 1-4pm, another couple has the vineyard in the evening) and cocktail hour is at 5 pm followed by the formal reception at 6 pm. Our ceremony and reception locations are only about 12min apart so the 2.5 hr gap is definitely concerning me. I'm investigating options for a custom 2-hr wine tour during the in-between time since we are in wine country - but obviously it will depend on pricing. Since your wedding is also in Niagara a stop at a local winery may be an option for you too 😊


Alternatively - my first thought was to set up games in the vineyard for our guests with a hot cider bar and snacks (kind of a 'fall fair' vibe since our wedding is in October). Curious to hear what you decide on!

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There is another event happening which forced us to have the ceremony earlier unfortunately.

The cocktail hour is 1 hour!

The photography session is a great idea; we're doing our first look before the ceremony, so this time can be spent taking pictures with all the guests.

Thank you for the suggestions!!

You can try lawn games, and have your photography session with guests outside. This would be an amazing option for outside photos with everyone at your party too.


Is there a reason there is that big gap with ceremony and cocktail hour? And how long is your cocktail hour going to be?

Take photos with the guests. It's the perfect time for everyone to take all the formal portraits with you before you run off to do bridal party photos during cocktail hour (or enjoy cocktail hour if you're doing a first look).

I went to a wedding where they had lawn games set up which was fun! I would also say if you can open the bar a bit early it might get people chatting and mingling

We're doing ours outside too! I don't have the same problem as it's at family property but while we are getting photos done we are doing yard games!
We decided to make a corn hole game, yardzee game, and jenga game! I also believe the photo booth is coming at that time too.

Since our wedding is more close family/friends were opening up some photos to the guests if they want some with us as we have from 3:30-5 ish dinner being around 5:30 😊