Is it normal to run late? - The PASH Wedding Forums and Message Boards

Jennifer · #1 12-12-2005, 08:31 PM

FH and I went to a wedding this weekend that was supposed to start at 2. It didn't start until about 2:30. Is it normal for weddings to start late?

When my brother got married in June...the wedding was scheduled for 3 but we didn't start until closer to 4...but that was b/c there was a big wreck and road closures that day and everyone was running late.

SuzyBride · #2 12-12-2005, 08:41 PM

Mine started on time, if not early. But I was soooooo ready to get the show on the road I got on the walkie talkie and told the sound guy to start the music!! LOL

ljeagle · #3 12-12-2005, 08:47 PM

lol Suzy! I don't think I have every been to a wedding where it started on time. Something always goes wrong. One wedding I was in the bride had to go to the ER 30 min b-4 the wedding because a bee got her and she got sick. The wedding started 2 hours late.

bebe · #4 12-12-2005, 09:10 PM

I am not sure how the timing thing works. I was ready to go 20 minutes before the wedding was supposed to start (at 4,) and they made me wait! I don't think we got started until about 4:20. I made sure to tell people that I was ready not only on time, but EARLY, so they weren't waiting on me! I think they allow time for late guests and for everyone to be seated or something.

CupieJen · #5 12-12-2005, 09:37 PM

Honestly, I have no idea if ours started on time or not. I do know that everything leading up to it was on time though (photos, etc.) so I'm assuming that it did.

I actually can't remember being to a wedding that DIDN'T start on time..but then again I guess I've never really paid too close attention either.

TheaterDiva1 · #6 12-12-2005, 09:48 PM

With your brother's wedding, since there were extenuating circumstances, a delay may be reasonable. However, I've never been to a wedding that DIDN'T start on time. Did something happen at the wedding from this weekend?

Jennifer · #7 12-12-2005, 09:59 PM

Not that I know of. I just think they were taking their time or something. I was getting annoyed b/c everyone was just sitting there looking around and wondering where the bride was.

deputysgurl · #8 12-12-2005, 11:35 PM

All Weddings that I have ever been to have been on time except one, my uncles, but yet his wife will probably be late for her own funeral. I am one who is always early so mine better be on time or i will be getting cranky.

gymrat · #9 12-13-2005, 12:13 AM

Mine would of started on time but just as every thing was about to start my Aunt fainted. I have been to several weddings that did not start on time.

syringa · #10 12-13-2005, 02:04 AM

Weddings should start on time for a couple of reasons: you are paying the photographer and perhaps a videographer by the hour to stand around; and, if the ceremony starts late, then the reception starts late and you get cold food and a DJ or band that are again being paid to stand around. Plus, you will probably have a shorter reception if you have to vacate the premises at a certain time or the music stops at a certain time. Unless there is a very serious problem, the wedding should start on time. Its professional courtesy to everyone involved.

whiddle · #11 12-13-2005, 02:07 AM

My wedding started on time. I was ready to go like 30 minutes early. I was telling the coordinator from the bridal suite "If our parents are here, let's just get the show on the road" Other than my own, I have never been to a wedding that started on time.

prunella · #12 12-13-2005, 10:22 AM

I am with Susybride and Whiddle! I was on time but ready 15 minutes before..My mum arrived late! as far as other weddings are concerned, never more then 20 minutes late

DJ Craig · #13 12-14-2005, 06:54 AM

Most ceremonies I have been to have been at least 15 minutes late. Even if the wedding party and families are ready, it is sometimes delayed because the guests are running late.

One trick I tell my clients is to move up the time on the invitation by 1/2 hour if possible. Especially if it is at a location that has traffic congestion or limited close by parking.

- DJ Craig

cru5h · #14 12-14-2005, 02:31 PM

DJ Craig I like your weblog. *pretending to scratch a record*

Jennifer, I've never been to a wedding that started on time. I don't like that either, especially since I'm not really interested in the ceremony itself, only that my friends wanted me to be there. So being bored to tears before the ceremony kicks off doesn't make me --->

feb-bride · #15 12-14-2005, 02:57 PM

My wedding started on time, and most weddings I've attended have started on time. I've only been to one wedding that I specifically remember starting late (almost an hour after it was supposed to), but that was because the groom forgot his tux jacket and someone had to go to his house to pick it up.

Lizbet · #16 12-14-2005, 03:00 PM

Mine started on time. And, I've really only been to one other. It started about 5 minutes late.

Marge129 · #17 12-14-2005, 04:11 PM

My first wedding started on time. I think the most a wedding that I've attended has run late was 10-15 minutes.

baconsmom · #18 12-18-2005, 06:00 PM

I've already told everybody that we're starting on time, come hell or high water. Seriously. I'm incredibly punctual - my wedding party and his mom, not so much. We have wranglers to get everyone where they need to be on time, and I'm walking down that aisle exactly at <whatever time we decide upon with the priest>. If people aren't there, oh, well. I don't wait for lateys.

wedbyjean · #19 01-05-2006, 03:05 AM

As a rule, most weddings start on time (give or take a couple minutes). This does not take into consideration situations like the aunt fainting, or a trip to the ER - or some cultures where things always start late (but then the people in/from those cultures know this beforehand.)

Put the actual start time on your invitation, NOT a half hour early to get people there on time. As most guests will arrive on time, their comfort will be jeopardized by trying to accommodate a few potential latecomers. You don't want to give them reason to not feel

as cru5h mentioned. If there is an anticipated parking or traffic problem, include it on an enclosure card or through word of mouth -- guests need to know. Guests also need to take the responsibility to get their behinds there on time.

However, I believe that it is perfectly ok to tell the bridal party, and immediate family (the folks who HAVE to be there) to be there earlier than they really need to be. (If pre-ceremony photos start at 2:30, tell them they need to be dressed and ready to go by 2:00).

Also, most churches really frown upon having the ceremony start late. Especially if they have another wedding scheduled later on.