We've all been to "one of those weddings". The kind where you need to amuse yourself between the ceremony and the reception because they're hours apart or you find yourself stuck in a receiving line that never ends. To keep friends and family happy rather than gritting their teeth in frustration, here are some tips for brides and grooms to consider during the wedding planning stages.

Have Your Wedding Pictures Taken Before The Ceremony

Many couples want to hold to the old-fashioned "the groom shouldn't see the bride before the ceremony" tradition. However, it's also important to consider just how long picture taking can actually be. Guests can be left waiting anywhere from one to three hours between the ceremony and reception. Not only will your guests find it frustrating, you will also have many guests showing up late to the reception... or not at all!

Be considerate of friends and family concerning their time. Remember, some of them may have to pay for babysitters and can't afford to spend an entire day attending a wedding and reception. Plan on having your wedding photos done before the ceremony when everyone in the wedding party is looking fresh. This will allow you to move smoothly from the ceremony to the reception with only a short travel time in between (assuming the reception is being held in a different location). Your wedding guests will be very appreciative.

Forget The Receiving Line

Traditionally, the bride, groom and wedding party stand in a receiving line so that guests can wish them well. Consider dropping this custom if you have invited a lot of guests to your ceremony. It is very time consuming and most people don't even know a good portion of the wedding party. As well, you'll always have "chatters" that will hold the line up, causing the guests behind them to become impatient. Most people really only want to congratulate the bride and groom and move on. If you insist on a receiving line, keep it minimal. Have only the bride, groom and parents receive the guests, rather than the entire wedding party.

Consider The Day Of The Week And The Times Of Your Ceremony And Reception

If your wedding is being held on a Friday or Saturday, then this usually doesn