Worried about missing your cocktail hour when you don’t have a first look? Here is your solution!
One of my most asked questions from my couples is how can we not have a first look and still attend our cocktail hour. They are torn between no seeing each other before the ceremony, and wanting to attend their cocktail hour. Here are two examples of what your wedding day could look like if you choose to not do a first look. If you are worried about missing your cocktail hour then I would recommend adding an extended cocktail hour. This allows you to get your photos done after the ceremony AND attend part of your cocktail hour. Also, I would recommend trying to get as many photos done that we can before the ceremony, that way we have very few photos to take after the ceremony! Below are two itinerary examples on how to get this done no sweat!
Example: 8 Hours of two photographer coverage
1:00PM – Final Details & Getting Ready Photos
2:30PM – Bride & Bridesmaid Photos – With Main shooter
2:30PM – Groom & Groomsmen Photos – With Second Shooter ( Groom with Family Members if available)
3:30PM – Couple in hiding (Also buffer if we are running behind)
4:00PM – Ceremony- (you can adjust everything after this as needed. Some are an hour and some are as long as 15 mins!)
-Wedding Party (Bridesmaids & Groomsmen) Photos Immediately Following
-Family Photos Immediately Following
-Couple Portraits w/Photographer
5:00PM – Cocktail Hour Begins – While your guests are content with food and drinks, you, your wedding party and family are taking photos!
6:00 or 6:30PM – Cocktail Hour Ends. Guests are seated for reception. ( You can also choose to do an extended cocktail hour. This would allow you to mingle after photos)
6:50PM – Introductions, first dance, toasts. ( I usually recommend doing all traditions at the beginning of the reception or just after dinner. This is when everyone is present, hasn’t left, and allows you to get everything out of the way so you can be free to mingle and party the rest of the night!)
7:00PM – Dinner
7:30PM – Dancing Starts. Other Traditions. Cake cutting.
9:00PM – Opportunity for mock Sparkler exit if needed
Example: 10 Hours of two photographer coverage
1:00PM – Final Details & Getting Ready Photos
2:30PM – Bride & Bridesmaid Photos – With Main shooter
2:30PM – Groom & Groomsmen Photos – With Second Shooter ( Groom with Family Members if available)
3:30PM – Couple in hiding (Also buffer if we are running behind)
4:00PM – Ceremony – (you can adjust everything after this as needed. Some are an hour and some are as long as 15 mins!)
-Wedding Party (Bridesmaids & Groomsmen) Photos Immediately Following
-Family Photos Immediately Following
-Couple Portraits w/Photographer
5:00PM – Cocktail Hour Begins – While your guests are content with food and drinks, you, your wedding party and family are taking photos!
6:00 or 6:30PM – Cocktail Hour Ends. Guests are seated for reception. ( You can also choose to do an extended cocktail hour. This would allow you to mingle after photos)
6:50PM – Introductions, first dance, toasts. ( I usually recommend doing most traditions at the beginning of the reception or just after dinner. This is when everyone is present, hasn’t left, and allows you to get everything out of the way so you can be free to mingle and party the rest of the night!)
7:00PM – Dinner
8:00PM – Dancing
9:00PM – Cake Cutting
10:00PM – Last Dance. End of Reception. Sparkler Exit.
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