Guests should generally aim to arrive at a wedding approximately 10 to 30 minutes before the ceremony start time listed on the invitation. Arriving about 10-15 minutes early is often recommended as a good rule of thumb to avoid causing stress to the couple or the wedding planners. For larger weddings, aiming closer to 30 minutes early can be appropriate to ensure enough time to find seating before the ceremony begins. However, guests should avoid arriving too early (e.g., an hour or more) as it may disrupt pre- ceremony activities like photos or preparation by the couple and wedding party. Arriving too close to or after the ceremony start time is generally discouraged as it could be seen as a etiquette faux pas and may cause delays or distractions. Guests are advised to allow extra time for parking and walking to the venue when planning their arrival. Some couples even suggest or include arrival times slightly before the ceremony to help guests anticipate start times better and avoid late arrivals. In summary:
- Aim to arrive about 10-15 minutes before the ceremony start for smaller weddings.
- For bigger weddings, 20-30 minutes early is often better.
- Avoid arriving too early (over 30 minutes) to prevent disruption.
- Be on time or early rather than late, as arriving after the ceremony begins is polite only if very discreet.
- Account for parking and walking time.
This timing helps guests settle in comfortably without disrupting events and shows respect for the couple's schedule and preparation.
