Lets talk times and schedules for wedding day...

[Desnik]

Ok I am trying to figure out how long the ceremony takes and the reception. Is there a set amount of time for the reception? Do we choose how long we want it to be? How much time should be left between ceremony and reception? What if I'm doing an Illuminations DP the same night? How much time do I allot for transportation. My plans are to have the ceremony(VR) at the WP, then possibly(not 100% sure yet) have the reception(with cocktail hour) in the White Hall room at the GF, followed by the DP at Epcot. What time should we start the ceremony? Are there set times or do we get to pick like lets say I want it at 3pm is that doable?
Thanks!

 

[hiwaygal]

Disney does have set times for ceremonies at specific locations, and it varies based on the location and whether your wedding is a wishes or escape.

Your planner can help you figure out a schedule, but I'm also sure some other brides can help you too.

When I had my wedding two years ago at SBP, I was given options of 9, 11, 1 and 3.

 

[Desnik]

Thanks! We are having a Wishes Vow Renewal and am planning on 2009. We don't have the exact date yet! 3pm would be perfect, I just need to pick a date so I can call a year before to ensure I get the time I want at the WP!!

 

[hiwaygal]

Thanks! We are having a Wishes Vow Renewal and am planning on 2009. We don't have the exact date yet! 3pm would be perfect, I just need to pick a date so I can call a year before to ensure I get the time I want at the WP!!

Is the time more important or the date?

 

[PrincessBride010103]

at the WP its 2:30 not 3pm

 

[Desnik]

I think the time is more important. We are not doing the VR on our anniverary, which is July 21st. I just don't do WDW in July!LOL (not after our honeymoon!) I'm having a hard time picking a date that will work for my guests and with our kids school schedules while also try to pick a time where airfares won't be through the roof and it won't be too hot and too crowded,.....etc.... I just don't want a huge amount of time between the ceremony/reception/DP.

 

[hiwaygal]

I think the time is more important. We are not doing the VR on our anniverary, which is July 21st. I just don't do WDW in July!LOL (not after our honeymoon!) I'm having a hard time picking a date that will work for my guests and with our kids school schedules while also try to pick a time where airfares won't be through the roof and it won't be too hot and too crowded,.....etc.... I just don't want a huge amount of time between the ceremony/reception/DP.

Well, that's understandable!

Usually, it works out best if you can be flexible on at least one point, either the location, the time, or the date. If you are set on the time and the location, but your date is flexible, you have a better chance of getting what you want.

 

[shezfrombermuda]

I am having a 2:30 PM wedding at SBP. This is how the timing works out for me:

2:30 - 3:30PM Ceremony
3:30 - 4:30PM Cocktail Hour (White Hall Room)
4:30 - 8:30PM Reception (White Hall Room)
8:30 - 10:00PM Dessert Party (Grand Floridian Marina Patio)

If you are having a dessert party at Epcot then you might need to cut your cocktail hour or reception to allow for travel time. That will depend on what time illuminations starts at.

Or you could have an earlier ceremony if you wanted a break between the reception and dessert party. Other ceremony times are 10AM, 12, 5PM or 7:30PM. These times were given to me for SBP but I think they apply to the WP as well.

Happy Planning!

 

[cseca]

Our schedule is pretty tight actually:
5~5:30 or 6pm ceremony (my planner said that ceremony takes about 20min, 30min max)
5:30pm/6pm~6:30pm cocktail hour/ B&G picture time
6:30pm~8:30pm reception
8:30pm~9:30 dessert party

That's not a lot of time but we don't have dancing or garter/bouquet toss and our reception and DP location is really close (American Adv Parlor and Italy West).
So I hope people won't be spending too much time in their fancy attire...
I figure they'll be in their fancy clothes from 4pm~10pm... 6hrs is long enough... LOL!!!!