I received a text from the mother-of-the-bride:
If we want the ceremony to start at 6:30 pm., what time should we write on the invitation… 6:15 p.m.?  If we write 6:00, then people could come at 5:45, and would be waiting for forty-five minutes.  What is your opinion?

Your Philadelphia wedding planner always has an opinion, and here is is about this subject:
I like to start the ceremony promptly.  In my experience, guests start arriving a half our prior to the time on the invitation.  Last night’s ceremony started within just a few minutes of the start time.  There are ALWAYS stragglers, but in my opinion it isn’t a good idea to delay the start.

So, the mother continues, for a 6:30 wedding write 6:15 on the invitation?

And I answered, No, 6:30 for a 6:30 start!  If you are worried about your guests arriving late, you could write PROMPTLY AT 6:30 p.m.

What do you think?  Are you annoyed if you arrive early or on time and the ceremony is delayed a half hour or more??

Photo courtesy of Marie Labbancz Photography.