The On-Time Wedding: Clever Strategies to Ensure Your Guests Aren't Late

Late guests disrupt the smooth unfolding of your special day. And put you, and your celebrant, in a difficult position.

Do you delay the start of the ceremony until the latecomers have arrived and settled, potentially upsetting other guests. Or do you start on time and then have the atmosphere disrupted by successive late arrivals?

While punctuality can never be guaranteed, here are some creative and practical strategies to avoid the dilemma by helping ensure that your guests arrive on time.

Plan the Perfect Timeline

• Set Clear Arrival and Start Times
  Make sure your invitations and wedding website specify both the arrival and ceremony start times. Encourage guests to arrive at least 30 minutes before the ceremony starts. This buffer allows time for parking, mingling, and settling in.
  For example:
  Arrival Time: 3:00 PM
  Ceremony Start Time: 3:30 PM

• Share Detailed Travel Information
  GPS travel time estimates stop at the front gate. Give your guests detailed information about the venue and travel time once they arrive.
  
  • Travel Time: Estimate the time it will take guests to travel from the main entrance to the parking lot. For instance, if the entrance is a distance from the parking area, make this clear. Example: "Expect a 10-minute drive from the entrance to parking."
  • Walking Distance: Offer details about the walking distance from the parking lot to the ceremony space. Include a time estimate so guests can plan accordingly. Example: "It's a short 5-minute walk from the parking area to the ceremony space."
  
  
• Offer a Shuttle Service
  Consider providing a shuttle service from a central location to the venue. This convenience can help guests avoid parking hassles and ensure they arrive together and on time. It’s especially helpful for out-of-town guests unfamiliar with the area.
  

Enhance the Arrival Experience

• Pre-Ceremony Welcome Drinks
  Create a warm and inviting atmosphere by offering welcome drinks as guests arrive. This not only sets a celebratory tone but also motivates guests to arrive early. Consider offering a selection of refreshing beverages, such as:
  
  • Sparkling water
  • Lemonade
  • Mimosa bar for a touch of elegance
    

• Photographer for Red Carpet Arrival Photos
  Capture the excitement and joy of your guests' arrival with a "red carpet" photo opportunity. Hire a photographer to snap candid shots as guests make their grand entrance. This adds an element of fun and encourages timely arrival, as everyone loves a good photo op!
  

Friendly Reminders

Send out friendly reminders as the big day approaches. A week before and the day before the wedding, send an email or text message reminder about the date, time, and location. Be sure to include any pertinent details about parking and arrival.

Respect their effort

Having ensured, as far as humanly possible, that your guests will be present and ready for the ceremony to start on time, don't keep them waiting!

Thanks for reading!