We generally look for a nice cafe in the area (Google Maps or TripAdvisor can help here) and have a long cup of coffee/tea with a group of friends who are also attending.

We do McDonalds!

Any attractions nearby are either worth more time than available when driving distance is also included or not of interest to them. Other than family to be involved in post service photos, the "GREATS" don't know anyone else at the wedding. They won't be included in pix [right or wrong].

Do I have them stay at the church, sitting alone together, while the photo ops shifts occur?

There will some time after photos & before the Reception, so I guess Grampa & I will join them at McDonalds for 3/4th of an hour - Grampa in his Tux, me in my formal dress. Somehow it doesn't feel right!

If you do go to McDonald's in your formal wear, please promise me you will ask a cashier, "Excuse me, is formal dress required here?" and when they say (probably with a baffled look) "No, of course not," turn to your husband and fume, "I TOLD you we didn't have to get dressed up to come here!"

Gellchom, I am reminded of my own wedding many years ago. One of my (two) bridesmaids had herself married about six months previously, and she still had her wedding dress. Her husband was unable to attend our wedding due to being involved in a cross country car rally, and so my bridesmaid was planning to leave the reception early enough to drive down to meet him in the hotel where he was staying that night.

Since she had her hair all done up with flowers, and an obvious wedding-type bouquet, she went home and changed into her wedding dress before driving down. Then she dashed into the hotel with her bouquet saying, "Where is that rat?" giving the impression she had been left waiting at the altar.

It was most amusing :-)

Just read a wedding story in the Sunday paper. Every week, a couple and their courtship and wedding is profiled. This morning's was a big Catholic wedding and reception at a country club. While photos were being taken and before the reception began, the guests were invited to stop for refreshments at the bride's uncle's business, a funeral home.

These days they are not so much taking pictures as bar hopping. I find it rude and irritating. This hopping often extends into the first hour of the reception. We use this time to check into our hotel, and don't feel we have to hurry as the guests of honor will not be present at their party for some time.

That is inconsiderate, I agree. You need to think of ALL your guests’ comfort and convenience, not just your peer group friends’ that will be bar hopping with you. Very rude to come to your reception an hour late for that reason.