Anyone been to a wedding at 10.30am before?

Wowzers that is early. liek you say though it will just make your special that little bit longer.

might be nice to highlight in your invites though that there will be a gap in the day so people are able to have a choice what to do.

i'm not sure what you could do though in the gap. i like your mums idea of a snooze haha

Hi,

We deliberately chose an 11am ceremony. We aren't in a hotel so no chance of a snooze for guests, but the venue has large abd beautiful gardens, so we have given about an hour and 3/4 between ceremony and breakfast for a few group photo's and for guests to take in the gardens etc while we have some of our couple photo's done.

Then between about 3.30/4 and 7 we will have a garden party outside with garden party games etc.

I suppose what activity you put on during the 'down' time will depend on the style of your day - could you do a quiz?, have board games out? Atreasure hunt?

I think it is a good idea to warn [people about the gap either in advance or on the day... and I also think its good to have something going on. I have often found,t hat if I'm not staying in the venue, that lull before the evening can actually be more tiring than a long full day - IYSWIM.

However, certainyl not a disaster!

Firstly think about the logistics from your point of view - will there be enough time in the morning to get ready, travel to the venue etc? My sister got married at 12 and the hairdresser came round at 8am. Factor in things like that to see if it's workable.

It's also a very long day at a wedding. What time are you expecting the reception to end? You'll be dead on your feet by the end of it!

Also, what about your guests travelling to the venue? Will they be able to travel there on the morning, or will some have to stay over the night before, which would be an added cost.

I like your idea of planning something for your guests. Personally, after my first couple of drinks at a wedding, I get quite tipsy and am geared up for the day. I wouldn't really want to go back to my room and have a lie down - I'd want to keep going (not only for the fact that if I went for a lie down, I'd probably never get up again!).

DarkMoomin has some good ideas about something to fill the gap, although as she says, these would depend on the style of your day and would fit well with an informal, laid back type of day. Alternatively, you could put suggestions in your invitations about things to do near your venue.

Personally, whilst of course I'd go to a wedding at 10.30, I'd honestly prefer it to be a bit later in the day. It's a long day for the guests as well as the couple.

You could always do the legal part at the registry office in the morning slot with your close family, then have a Humanist blessing at the venue in the afternoon. or if your in Scotland, the Humanist ceremony is legal.

Maybe not exactly what you have planned, but might work out better for you.

Hi, I think that although it early you only get one shot at having a dream wedding so just enjoy - everyone always says it goes too fast. I saw on a different forum somebody had various activities, such as a video of their hen party showing in one room, making a music wedding video, wedding themed party games, and a quiz about the couple. Of course it all depends on your venue - my venue is by a lake so I could have a boat trip if I wanted, or go to the animal park next door for a couple of hours. Look around at what is nearby and see if there is anything that could make it a bit more fun.

My wedding is December too, and I would have loved to have reindeers, but they are out of my budget - about £1500 for two. But if you could afford this you could have an area for people to go for pictures etc. Fireworks could also be useful at filling in some time in the evening.

Hope you think of something!

How about asking your photographer if he/she would be happy to do couple shots for your guests? as they will be dressed up for your wedding? maybe set up an area for this that people can pose for their special photos?