After hosting dozens of weddings at our modern countryside venue, we’ve learned a thing or two about creating a seamless transition from your ceremony to reception. Every part of your wedding day should feel easy and intentional. No one wants to wander around wondering what’s next, where to go, or how to get there. So so we’ve outlined everything you need to know to plan an easy, smooth transition from your ceremony to reception!
Understanding The Layout Of The Venue
If you want your timeline to run smoothly, the first thing you need to understand is the layout of your venue. The Diamond A Ranch is a large space. From the lake and the shooting range to the Homestead Quarters and Saloon, you have room to spread out and enjoy every inch of our lush property! With the joy of having lots of space and many amenities comes the challenge of navigating them. Luckily, we have everything you need!
We start by shuttling your guests from the parking lot to the venue, starting one hour before your ceremony. Signs have been installed around the property to direct guests, and we have paved sidewalks throughout the property that help you get from one building to another. On top of our clear signage, we offer beautiful, hand-drawn maps to every couple. We encourage you to include these in your invitations or programs, so your guests have a practical map and sentimental keepsake all in one! These maps help guide your guests from ceremony to reception and every festivity in between.
Directing Your Guests from Ceremony to Reception
In addition to having physical maps, your DJ or Master of Ceremonies needs to direct your guests. Even if you include a copy of the timeline in your program, people can easily get lost and not know what’s coming next. This is why we recommend having someone speak at the end of your ceremony and tell guests exactly what is coming next and where it will take place.
Cocktail hour usually follows the ceremony, and we recommend hosting it on the patio outside the Homestead Saloon. Having your guests near your reception area ensures a smooth transition from ceremony to reception.
Keeping Guests Entertained During The Transition
Another way to keep the transition from ceremony to reception seamless is to entertain your guests during cocktail hour! While the bride and groom are taking portraits around the property, your guests can enjoy appetizers, drinks, live music, and yard games. Some couples even choose to include Beer Burros (little donkeys with saddlebags full of beer!) as part of cocktail hour, delighting their guests and making a memorable experience for everyone. We recommend keeping the cocktail hour between 60 and 90 minutes to keep your guests comfortable.
Transitions When Your Wedding Reception is in the Same Room as Your Ceremony
Have you been dreaming of an indoor wedding? Or maybe the forecast calls for rain, and you’re curious how we handle a ceremony-to-reception transition when the reception is in the same room. Don’t worry! We have lots of experience with quick transitions.
You have a few options when your reception is in the same room as your ceremony. First, we can clear your reception tables from the front of the room, near the cathedral windows. This will allow 50-75 guests to be seated ceremony-style, while the rest will sit at your pre-decorated reception tables. The other option is to do a full flip. This takes about an hour, and we require a wedding planner with one helper to completely transform the space from ceremony to reception. In this scenario, your guests will leave the room during cocktail hour and re-enter to a completely new space!
Working With An Experienced Venue Team
When you work with an experienced team, creating a seamless transition from ceremony to reception is easy. The Diamond A Ranch offers so many options for your ceremony and reception, ensuring that you can make your wedding feel personal and intentional. Plus, we have many creative and unique ways to entertain your guests and create a memorable celebration!
I just got married and I genuinely could not recommend Diamond A Ranch enough!! The venue itself is absolutely stunning in every way. All of our guests raved about how beautiful everything was! The sunsets, the photo opportunities, the combination of modern and rustic, it’s truly all so so beautiful! Not only that, but there is ample space for everything! I could not have dreamed a more perfect day! – Sydney K.
Are you ready for a beautiful, seamless, easy wedding? Explore our wedding services and contact us to secure your date!