Getting invited to a wedding is a honor.
However, it can also be challenging.
Besides what to wear, there are several other things to ponder as a wedding guest.
One of them is when do you leave the wedding reception?
So, Is It Rude For A Guest To Leave a Wedding Reception Early?
If you decide to leave early, you need to let the couple know in advance so that they can plan for it. Inform the bride and groom that you will only attend the ceremony or the ceremony with the reception.
That way, they will know which part to count you in. Remember that buying food and drinks is costly. So, the newlyweds will appreciate knowing that you won’t stay for the reception in advance before they spend on someone who won’t show up.
What Should You Do If You REALLY Have to Leave Before The End Of The Festivities?
You may have planned to stay until the end.
However, life happens, and things can change, forcing you to decide to leave early. In that case, the couple will have to understand, especially if the reason is valid.
However, before leaving, make sure you talk to the newlyweds in person, congratulate them and appreciate their invitation.
Afterward, you can bid them goodbye, but you will have to explain why you are leaving early.
Alternatively, you can talk to the maid of honor or the best man to pass the message to the couple.
Remember that they may be so busy this day that you may not have time to speak to them. So, you can use another person close to them to pass the message.
How Long Is a Wedding Reception?
Knowing how long a wedding reception takes can help you approximate the time you will be out.
Most usually last for about six hours. So if it begins at 5 pm, expect it to end at approximately 11 pm.
Most couples have some activities, events, and traditions that they want to be included in the schedule.
They also want their guests to mingle, dance, drink and enjoy the food.
When Should Guests Leave the Reception?
Previously, couples left before the end of the reception.
Therefore, guests stayed longer than the couple and left at their pleasure.
But these days, late-night celebrations and after-parties have changed things.
While the bride and groom may be happy to stay until the wee hours, their guests may not.
If you want to leave the reception midway, do so after the cake cutting. After this time, the formalities of that day are over.
Wedding Reception Guest Etiquette – Five Tips
Although weddings are different, there is some shared wedding etiquette for guests.
For instance, RSVP-ing is a must as a show of courtesy so the couple will know how to plan.
But what are the does and don’ts of a wedding reception? Let’s look at some of them.
1. Take Your Seat
Once the cocktail hour ends, servers will approach guests and lead them to the reception.
It’s best to follow how you are asked. Remember, when guests delay sitting, it also causes delays in the kitchen which means cold food.
If you are in the middle of a conversation, wrap it up or finish it later. If you aren’t sure of where to sit, you can check the escort card display for your table number.
Once you get to your table number, check for the place cards with guest names on the seats, find yours and sit down.
If this is not the order, just grab a seat that looks good on your table. Sometimes couples don’t assign the seating leaving the guests to decide where they feel most comfortable.
2. Carry the Gift to the Reception
The couple’s registry, website and invitation suite will guide you to the type of gifts to buy.
However, many remain confused about when to present the gift to the newlyweds.
If you don’t choose to ship the gift directly to the couple’s home, it is wise to bring it to the reception itself.
Usually, the bride and the groom assign a person to receive gifts from the guests and store them safely.
3. Hit The Dance Floor at the Right Time
There is no specific time the dance begins.
However, most receptions start with the traditional bride and groom dance, followed by the father-daughter and\or mother-son dances.
Once these VIPS finish, the floor is now open to the rest of the guests.
If you aren’t sure when to go to the dancefloor, look for cues from the bridesmaid and groomsmen.
They usually know the plans for the evening schedule and will know when to let the guests dance with the newlyweds.
Some people do a small dance before dinner service, while others prefer to save the dance once guests have had a full meal.
Follow the crowd and the DJ to know the right time for the dance.
4. Don’t Try to Give a Speech
If the couple doesn’t invite you to say something or they don’t open the mic for anyone who wants to speak, avoid giving a speech.
While you may have something nice to say, some people may not appreciate it regardless of how sweet your words are.
The couple usually writes the wedding itinerary after several months of planning and thinking.
Therefore, showing up and giving an unexpected speech can mess things up. If you have something to say, approach the bride and group privately.
5. Check with the Couple About Posting Pictures
At some weddings, guests are asked to keep their phones away and enjoy the moment with the couple.
But this rule usually bends at the reception, although some couples still insist on it.
If you want to share photos on social media, confirm with the newlyweds whether they are comfortable and see whether they’ve provided a # you can use on your snaps.
That way, they will easily see the pictures you share after the celebration.
Final Thoughts
It may or may not be rude to leave a wedding reception early, depending on the situation.
If you already informed the couple early, there is no problem not staying until dinner.
But, if you communicate some days before or during the wedding itself, that may be inconsiderate.