If you’re planning your wedding timeline, having cocktail hour before the ceremony might be one of the best decisions you make.
It’s one of our favorite timeline tips because it creates a slower, more intentional wedding day. Instead of feeling rushed from one event to the next, you have room to actually enjoy the people who came to celebrate with you.
YOUR GUESTS GET TO EASE INTO THE DAY
Having cocktail hour before the ceremony gives your guests something to enjoy as they arrive.
Instead of waiting around for the ceremony to begin, they can grab a drink, say hello to friends, and settle in. It helps everyone relax before the day officially starts.
Meanwhile, we’ll finish your portraits and family photos.
Photo by Living Cross Photo + Film
YOU’LL SPEND MORE TIME CELEBRATING
If you’re open to doing a first look, we can usually finish your couple’s portraits before the ceremony.
We’ll also photograph your bridal party and family ahead of time.
Once you say I do, you’re free to enjoy your wedding instead of disappearing for an hour.
You’ll hug your grandparents.
Catch up with friends.
Enjoy cocktail hour.
And simply be present with the people you invited to celebrate your marriage.
That’s one of the biggest reasons we love cocktail hour before the ceremony. It gives you room to breathe.
YOUR PORTRAITS DON’T HAVE TO FEEL RUSHED
One of the biggest concerns couples have is finding enough time for portraits.
The good news?
You don’t have to choose between beautiful photos and spending time with your guests.
Later in the evening, we’ll step away with you for a few quiet minutes during sunset.
By then, the nerves have settled.
You’re officially married.
The timeline slows down.
Those moments create some of our favorite images because you’re no longer thinking about what’s next. You’re simply soaking it all in.
Photo by Living Cross Photo + Film
IS COCKTAIL HOUR BEFORE THE CEREMONY RIGHT FOR YOU?
Of course, if you’ve always dreamed of seeing each other for the first time as you walk down the aisle, keep that tradition.
There isn’t a right or wrong way to plan your wedding day.
But if you’re still deciding whether to do a first look, cocktail hour before the ceremony gives you so much more flexibility.
You’ll spend less time taking photos after the ceremony.
You’ll spend more time with your guests.
Most importantly, you’ll experience your wedding instead of watching it fly by.
Looking for another wedding timeline tip? Read our guide on Feed Your Wedding Guests Early to learn another simple way to create a relaxed and intentional celebration.
THINKING OF HIRING US?
Every one of our wedding collections includes customized timeline planning because we believe your day should feel peaceful.. not rushed.
We’ll help you build a timeline that gives you space to breathe, time to celebrate, and plenty of opportunities for beautiful photographs.
If that sounds like the kind of wedding day you’re dreaming of, we’d love to hear your story.
If you’re still building your wedding timeline, The Knot offers a helpful wedding timeline guide that can help you visualize how the day flows.
