Wedding reception rules for start time?

Question

I'm searching around for preliminary info on reception sites. Some sites (like museums, etc) say that they are unavailable until 6:30 and the like. Is that typically when your wedding can actually START? Or is that when you can start setting up? For those locations should I add another hour or so of set-up time? (In other words, in the previous example, should I expect that the wedding can't start until 7:30pm?) Or do they typically factor set-up time in and the wedding itself can actually start at the time listed.

I know that the best way to do this is to just call all the places, but I'm just wondering if there's a standard rule so I can see if some places I can just rule out right now.

Additional Details

For clarity, although I said "reception" in the title, I am actually asking about places that are ceremony/reception venues. 7:30 just seems a little late for a wedding....If the ceremony is an hour and the cocktail hour is an hour, it means that the dinner can't start until 9:30....it just seems unusual for a popular wedding venue to have such late weddings, which I why I'm asking.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

It would depend on the venue. I haven't heard of a standard rule for places like museums because that's not really their main use. Definitely give a call because I'm sure you'll find that some will tell you that they've already factored in set-up time and some will tell you that they have not. Good luck.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

thanks

Answer 2

it's up to you. do you have kids coming? is it formal or less formal?

if there aren't kids, you can make it later, but if you want your guests to stay for the whole thing remember that they might have a sitter and need to get home.

we're having a reception that starts at 6pm, and we're setting up at 5pm. we're having it earlier because of people's kids.

Answer 3

no standard rule, you would have to ask at each venue

Answer 4

It really depends on the site. Some, you can't set up until that time, while others set up for you prior to their close time. No standard rule.

Edit: Most places, like museums, won't allow you to have the ceremony at their site, only receptions.

Source(s):

I work in the museum industry.

Answer 5

It's safest to assume that if it's not available until 6:30, you cannot set up until then. You should allow at least an hour of setup--I'd start the wedding at 8, just to give yourself some room for error.

Answer 6

There is no standard rule. Each and every venue gets to make up their own rules and it's up to you if you want to follow those rules or look elsewhere. Your only choice is to cal and ask each place.

Answer 7

Like others said there is no standard rule. Regardless, even if they consider set-up time or not you will be having a late wedding. The reception site might not be expecting you to serve a full meal just cocktails and dessert. Look for other sites, many do allow you to start earlier. When asking what time you can set up also ask how early the cake can be delivered and the D.J. set up if you're having one.

Answer 8

No, no rules - just totally varies on the locations, cities, etc.
Those available just in the evening are probably primarily for receptions only -- and an evening ceremony and dance. But I don't think that's great, because then you aren't able to host a dinner for your guests.
What you would typically want is to have your ceremony and reception in different locations. A ceremony in early or mid-afternoon, then you go for photographs, showing up at the reception location just towards the end of the cocktail hour, pretty much just in time for dinner.
Most - again, everything is dependent on location - venues allow you to decorate the evening before, and there's time in the afternoon before the dinner for the caterers to set everything up.