4 Things to Consider When Having Your Ceremony and Reception in Different Locations

Having your wedding ceremony and reception may seem ideal to some couples. Many couples like the idea of having an “all in one” wedding venue. At some venues you may have the option to have the ceremony outdoors, where you would exchange vows near a pond or on a rooftop, then move indoors for the reception. In some instances, couples may choose to have their wedding ceremony and reception at a separate venue. This alleviates having to “flip the room” so that the reception can take place. We’ve compiled a list of 4 Things to Consider When Having Your Ceremony and Reception in Different Locations should you choose this option.

4 Things to Consider When Having Your Ceremony and Reception in Different Locations - Photo Credit: Jolie Images

1. Directions

First on our list of 4 Things to Consider When Having Your Ceremony and Reception in Different Locations are directions. Be sure to give directions for where the actual ceremony will take place and where the actual reception will take place. You should definitely include this information on your wedding website. Your wedding invitation suite should also include any maps and directions for guests who are driving or riding a shuttle bus. Many guests will have forgotten that they will have to switch locations after the ceremony. That’s why it’s very important to communicate with your guests effectively about the two different locations.

2. Timelines

You have to consider the timeline so make the travel time from the ceremony site to the reception short. Guests can get discouraged if they are lost and may decide to skip it altogether. Also, you may want to consider extending the cocktail hour for those guests who need extra drive time, arrive late, or need to find parking. Be sure to have the ceremony and reception back to back. You don’t want too much time to pass between the ceremony and the reception. The key is to allot enough time where guests can arrive at the reception location but not so much time that they aren’t still in a celebratory mood.

3. Transportation

Also, on our list of 4 Things to Consider When Having Your Ceremony and Reception in Different Locations is transportation. While some guests may choose to drive themselves, offering guests another option would be ideal. Be sure to provide transportation such as shuttles or buses to help guests travel from one location to the next. Providing transportation could almost ensure that your guests will arrive on time.

4. Decorations

While you may not have to “flip the room” because your ceremony and reception are at separate locations, you have to consider your decorations. For instance, you may want the floral arrangements and other items that were a part of the ceremony to be transported to your reception site. Be sure to give the florist and other vendors enough time to travel to the second location and set things up the way you envisioned them.

If you would like to learn more about our 4 Things to Consider When Having Your Ceremony and Reception at Different Locations, contact us to speak to one of our wedding planners.