A friend of mine is getting married.. (I'm friends with her through a friend). Anyway, her ceremony starts at 11am but the reception isn't until 3:30pm. I live 45 minutes away from both locations. Is it rude if I just go to the reception? I'm going alone, and I'm not sure what I am supposed to do for 4 hours while I wait for the reception. I'll be in a formal dress, and won't be able to just go and walk around... Some people have told me it is okay to just go to the reception. Any thoughts??
2007-10-25 07:14:15 · 16 answers · asked by Bella143 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Sounds fine to me. I think it was rude of them to use such poor discretion while planning their wedding. I am sure you are not the only one traveling. It really bugs me when people have that long gap. I made sure for our wedding that people wouldn't have a long time gap.
2007-10-25 08:59:58 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'm sure it's not what you want to hear but it is absolutely rude to attend just the reception or "party" portion of the day. People are invited to bear witness to the ceremony ...... the part where you are fed (rather well usually) and entertained is in celebration of the true event. It seems to say that you'll attend only for the food and festivities. It is okay, however, to attend just the ceremony and skip the reception! Just don't forget the wedding gift!
2007-10-25 09:36:06 · answer #2 · answered by k m 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have heard of people just going to the reception all the time. If you are really against that then go to the reception after and bring a book and read while you wait. Chances are very likely you are not the only one so you could socialize while you wait. As far as etiquette, tell her about the drive and say you can only make one.
2007-10-25 08:31:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's perfectly fine if you just want to go to the reception.
When some friends of mine and my boyfriend got married this past April, my boyfriend had to work during the ceremony and let them know he wouldn't be able to attend. Our friends told him how much they really wanted him there and told him to at least come to the reception. No one minded in the least. They were just happy that he was able to make it at all!
You living more than 45 minutes away from the location of the wedding is more than enough of an excuse as to why you'd only want to attend the reception!
EDIT: To correct one of the other answerers, I too live in the South (Georgia) and it's PERFECTLY ACCEPTABLE. As long as you're able to share the day with the couple, it's fine.
2007-10-25 07:20:52 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 8⤊ 0⤋
It seems a lot of people don't go to the reception and wedding. And usually its the wedding portion that is skipped. And they shouldn't complain if people don't go to both - from what I've been reading, it's bad etiquette on the part of the bride & groom if they have too much time in between the wedding and the reception.
2007-10-25 07:23:46 · answer #5 · answered by Sunidaze 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
It's fine if you just go to the reception. Lots of people just go to either the ceremony or the reception. Some people simply can't do both. So it's ok, don't sweat it. Have a good time :)
2007-10-25 07:42:19 · answer #6 · answered by Sandy ♥ - semi retired :) 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
You are forgetting the time it takes for the ceremony. If it is a Catholic wedding be prepared to bring a book to the ceremony since they can last for hours! Seriously, you may find there is considerably less time between the end of the ceremony and the start of reception than you are expecting. Plus, there may be some nice socializing going on as well. Maybe then you will also find that, while you went there alone, you won't be alone during the reception.
2007-10-25 07:23:51 · answer #7 · answered by alb_4 3 · 3⤊ 5⤋
Nope it's not rude at all (at least it's not considered to be rude in New York) I know a lot of people on YA have different "rules" in relation to where you live.
My sister got married over the weekend and I would say only about half of the guests went to both the church and reception
2007-10-25 07:21:26 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
at least in this part of the world it's not uncommon for people to attend the reception only especially when distance, timing and kids are involved...no need for apologies that's just the way it works.
2007-10-25 07:23:30 · answer #9 · answered by pbj 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Extremely rude.
You either go to both, or just go to the ceremony.
What reasoning do they have for the reception being so far from the ceremony time-wise?
2007-10-25 13:57:29 · answer #10 · answered by Terri 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋