Each Wednesday, we tackle wedding etiquette. At times, it’s a reader question or one from a colleague, friend or family member and other times we’ll cover a popular issue. (Note: Questions may be edited for clarity and brevity.)
Question: My friend is getting married on the same day I have a charity board retreat. Conveniently, the retreat is on the way and close to the ceremony location. Inconveniently, the retreat ends 45 minutes before the wedding starts. I will arrive about 30 minutes before the time stated on the invitation. How early is too early to arrive at a wedding?
Answer: Typically, guests will want to arrive early. A good rule of thumb is 10- to-15 minutes. Try to avoid arriving too much earlier however, because it could throw off the hosts. I tend to run early most of the time, for fear of being late. I’ll either bring a book (or pull up an ebook) to read in the car or scout nearby businesses in advance and plan to run and errand or two. Regardless, just find a way that works best for you to fill the time, rather than showing up too early and causing additional stress on the couple, the family or the wedding planner.
Do you have a solution to share or a wedding etiquette question? Respond in the comments or email Melanie@MyNewOrleans.com.
