In the past, wedding invites had to wait until the ceremony was over to see off the newlyweds before exiting.
However, these days things are changing, and couples find themselves the last ones on the dance floor. So it is normal for people to leave a wedding early.
So, What Should You Do If You Need to Leave a Wedding Early?
It’s common for one to exit before the ceremony is over. But it would help if you were keen not to interrupt the ones getting married during special moments. If they are busy and you need to go immediately, you can inform one of the maids or groomsmen that you are leaving and tell them to do so quietly. But, it is always best to always tell the couple.
It is easy to exit during the reception without anyone noticing because people are focused on the food, drinks, and photos.
But it’s not polite to go without telling the newlyweds goodbye.
However, if the invites are many, the newlyweds will probably not notice if you go without notifying them.
Is It Rude to Leave the Ceremony Before the Reception?
Usually, many people who want to go do so after the marriage ceremony before the reception.
However, make sure that your intentions are clear about this from the word go.
It’s also worth noting that many people only show up at the cocktail reception and exit the celebrations before dinner.
If this is your plan, inform the ones getting married prior about which part of the wedding you will be present, depending on your availability.
That way, the newlyweds will be grateful and won’t feel wasted paying for a plate for someone who will not show up.
It might be rude or inconsiderate if you tell the bride and groom about your intentions when the event is already ongoing or some days before the wedding.
Remember that couples pay for the venue, food, and drinks days before the wedding. So that means your cover is already catered for, and it would be impolite to go without eating/having drinks.
How Soon Can You Leave a Wedding?
Most people will start leaving after the cake-cutting. Ensure that you see the newlyweds, congratulate and thank them for inviting you.
That way, even if you don’t see them again later on and head out without saying goodbye, you won’t violate any wedding etiquette.
Many attendees usually leave after dining and cake cutting if they don’t want to stay until the end.
During this time, the dance floor starts to get full for the night. So, the wedded may stay on the dance floor the remaining time.
It’s nearly impossible to say goodbye to the bride and groom when they are dancing. Therefore, some individuals take this as a cue to politely and quietly exit.
Three Reasons To Leave The Wedding Early
Personal commitments are the main reasons why most don’t stay until the end.
You may have to get some work done, release someone watching your kids or meet up with someone.
These are all valid reasons to excuse yourself from the ceremony. Here are some things that may force you to exit early from a wedding ceremony.
1. You Are Unwell
You may want to support and celebrate the newlyweds, but health issues may limit you.
You can leave the ceremony early if you are not feeling well.
Just explain to the bride and groom or let someone close to them inform them of your departure. They will understand this unavoidable situation.
And please ask assistance from the maid of honor, best man, or venue manager if you need help getting a ride home or medical attention.
2. The Music Is Too Loud
The noise from the band or DJ can be annoying sometimes.
And if you are seated directly next to the sound system, conversing with the person across the table or hearing your own thoughts can be difficult.
So, while you may want to stay throughout the night, you may find the noise really unbearable. So, it makes sense if you want to go home and relax.
3. The Party Has Turned Wild
It is normal to dance and party at weddings. This is a celebration, so people are joyous and full of life. But, sometimes, partying may become too overwhelming for some guests.
It could be they don’t love to dance, or their music doesn’t suit their taste.
You may feel bored when you don’t want to dance after eating. Usually, once people have dined, the party turns into a wild dance. So, you can leave if you feel things are too much for the night.
Can I Skip a Wedding Ceremony and Go to the Reception?
Yes. Many couples invite many people to the reception. But you are invited to both. It is just courteous to attend them.
However, things can happen, and you find that you have reasons to miss the ceremony. However, this is tricky as you have already accepted the invite.
However, a good reason would be if your babysitter came late. Any other reason you couldn’t make it to the ceremony may not sound believable, regardless of the story you come up with.
But if you’d told the bride and groom that you would only make it to the reception, you don’t need to do a lot of explaining.
How Long to Stay at a Wedding Reception?
A wedding ceremony, cocktails, dining, and dance can take around 6 hours or more.
If you don’t have somewhere, you have to be, and you’re not sick, you can stay up to the last dance. But if you want to leave, do it after the cake-cutting.
The reception ends when the band or DJ announces the last dance.
After that, the caterer would close the bars, and the venue staff will start cleaning. Many wedding receptions end at 11 pm to 12 am.
So, if you plan to stay until the last dance, ensure you are comfortable with this time.
Is It Rude Not to Go to the Wedding When You Are Invited?
Yes. Someone has to value you enough to invite you to their wedding. So rejecting the invite can be impolite, especially when you don’t have a good reason.
Worse is when you accept the invite and don’t show up. It is only courteous to make an effort to show up to someone’s wedding even if you have other commitments.
If the ones getting married are not close to you, you can skip the wedding if you have a good reason to.
But declining the invitation is not okay if it’s your sibling’s wedding.
But, there are some exceptions. For instance, you are sick, have travel restrictions, and have financial issues.
Final Thoughts
It is not mandatory to stay at a wedding ceremony until the last dance. Many leave to do other things or rest when the event is still going on.
If you need to depart early, let the bride and groom know you have left. Also, please exit quietly and politely to avoid disturbing others.
References
https://www.marthastewart.com/7865852/when-should-bride-and-groom-leave-the-wedding
https://introvertdear.com/news/dont-judge-me-because-im-leaving-the-wedding-early/