Time of arrival etiquette?

Question

When there's an arranged meeting or party, is it best to be on time? or the so called "fashionably late"?

I am always either on time or early, and my friends are never on time and are normally late.

I don't know which is better?
Because when I go to a party early, I feel bad if the host is still preparing (mind you by early I mean 5-10 minutes).
But I don't want to be late as I feel it might ruin any plans or schedule the host may be trying to stick to.

Answer 1

Depends on the occasion - I always feel that at a scheduled occasion like a dinner party, it is perfectly acceptable to show up between 5 minutes early and 10 minutes late. That's a reasonable variation... 15 minutes late is pushing it, and 20 is just disorganized and rude.
It's good not to show up too early, stressing people out, but showing up late is just plain rude and inconsiderate.

If it's a meeting, being early is always appropriate - it shows consideration and can't possibly inconvenience anyone... if they're with another client or they haven't arrived at the restaurant, no harm done - you just wait.

If you're meeting someone somewhere (say a friend in a public place to go shopping) getting there early or on time is the answer, because otherwise they'll be waiting for you standing on a corner, or waiting bored in a cafe.

It's all about what the consequences will be for the other person or people.

Answer 2

When I invite people to my home for a party/dinner or something like that, I don't mind if they come 10 minutes early or 10 minutes late. I expect people to arrive sometime during that period. If they come later than that, I find it rude. If they come a lot earlier it can cause some inconvenience if I'm not done with preparations.

I always try to be on time or a couple of minutes early, no matter if it's for dinner, party, a business meeting or meeting a friend somewhere. I think it's rude to keep people waiting and being "fashionably late" is just pure arrogance.

Answer 3

It matters not if it is 10 minutes. Some people are late or early depending on their schedule.

Cool thing is to show up on time and ask if you can help w. anything. Usually that is a good time as everybody is still relaxed and the gesture says much....... making you a valued house guest. Much better than the people who show up 45 minutes later.

Answer 4

I personally prefer to be on time or slightly early. You never want to be too early or too late. Of course there are certain events that you should always plan to arrive on time to or early (weddings for example.) If your friends are always late, as is the host of said event, plan on being a bit late to allow for their clocks not being set the same as yours.

Answer 5

Never be early when attending a house party. The host might not be ready to receive you yet.

Answer 6

"Fashionably late" is an attempt to justify the behavior of people who are too inconsiderate/stupid to be on time. Being late and not apologizing -- or always being late -- is essentially saying to someone, in the rudest possible way, "my time is more valuable than yours".

It is best to be on time. Exactly on time is best, a minute or so early is fine. There was once a saying: "punctuality is the politeness of princes".

Answer 7

depends were I'm going - if I know someone is going to be on their own waiting for me - I try to get ther about 5 mins early - if a group is waiting for me I get there just on time - if I'm going to a party I like to come quite late (to do the whole entrance thing ;D)
Just read the last part of your qu again - i think we go to totally different parties :D - there is usually a host at the ones I go to, but...well you know I'm saying there is no schedule at the parties I go to....if yours is a different type of party you should probably get there on time or 5 mins late...

Answer 8

5 minutes early is always on time

Answer 9

Always being on time is proper, being late is very ignorant. As a guest, it shows that you don't really want to be there.

Answer 10

i WOULD DEFINITELY NOT SHOW UP EARLY, IT STRESSED OUT THE HOST. AND PERSONALLY I DONT LIKE IT WHEN PEOPLE SHOW UP EARLY, WORK IS ONE THING, BUT A PARTY IS DIFFERENT. USUALLY SHOW UP NO LATER THAN 10-15 MINUTES LATER THAN THE SCHEDULED TIME OF ARRIVAL....