It's certainly fine to leave before the end of the reception. If at all possible, stay until after the cutting of the cake. Regardless, simply make sure you get some face time with the couple to visit and offer your best wishes. If you've done this, it's not necessary to say goodbye.
In any case, just let the couple know early on in their planning process that you can only attend the ceremony or ceremony & cocktail reception. The couple will be rather grateful than disappointed to know well in advance that you won't stay for dinner, so they won't have to pay for someone who doesn't show up.
The After-Party
Many wedding venues have a curfew of 10 p.m., and some are even earlier, depending on zoning restrictions. For most couples, 10 p.m. is not nearly late enough to stop the party. Thus, the inclusion of an after-party has become a widely endorsed practice within the greater wedding community.
Traditionally, after the last song of the reception is played, guests usher the bride and groom off on their honeymoon. Since it is typically at night, sparklers, glow sticks, lanterns, and even fireworks are popular options to make this exit more formal and grand!
Weddings are the one exception to this: As long as you've spoken to the bride's or groom's family at some point during the reception, you do not have to say goodbye to them as you leave, especially if they're dining or dancing. It would be ruder to interrupt their merriment than to forego the farewell.
One of the most important things to remember is that if you have RSVP'd to a wedding, it is not polite to cancel at the last minute. Unfortunately, this happens more often than it should and can cause significant stress for couples planning their special day.
Leaving a party without saying goodbye can be seen as rude, but sometimes it's necessary. If you need to leave early for any reason, make sure to let the host know and apologize for leaving early. If you're leaving late, make sure to say goodbye to the host and thank them for a great time.
Leave early.
The guests usually take that as a sign the wedding's come to an end, and many will soon leave too. If someone has to leave before the bride and groom, it's fine as long as they wait until the wedding cake is cut.
The officiant, groom, and best man enter first and stand at the altar. Then enter the bride's attendants, either escorted by the groom's attendants or alone. The maid or matron of honor enters last. In some cases, the best man and maid/matron of honor enter together, but it's less traditional.
"While you should never feel obligated to attend a wedding you don't want to be a part of, think carefully if the reason you are using will hold up years later when you look back on it," Gottsman says. Once you decide to decline, you should ideally share the news in person, not through the mail.
It's certainly fine to leave before the end of the reception. If at all possible, stay until after the cutting of the cake. Regardless, simply make sure you get some face time with the couple to visit and offer your best wishes. If you've done this, it's not necessary to say goodbye.
The average wedding ceremony is usually somewhere between 20-30 minutes long. However, the length of your wedding ceremony largely depends on your religious denomination, the activities you plan, and which traditions you'd like to follow. All of these factors add time to a ceremony, and that's completely OK!
Examples of Polite Declines
“While I'd love to be with you on your special day, I'm sadly unable to attend. I will be there in spirit and cannot wait to see photos!” “Regretfully we are unable to attend. Best wishes on your special day!”
When writing your text, you'll want to be succinct and apologetic. Be honest about your reason for backing out, but know it's also not a good look to divulge every last detail. “You want to provide a valid reason, as having to change your RVSP last-minute is not ideal,' says Grumet.
Unbreakable Rule #1: RSVP Promptly
If you're one of the chosen few to be invited, make sure you respond promptly. Many wedding invitations will include a deadline to reply. Prompt RSVPs are important because wedding venues and vendors require a firm headcount ahead of time.
They suggest the following breakdown: coworkers or distant relatives should spend 50 to 75 dollars. Friends or relatives, 75 to 100 dollars. For close friends, family, or if you are in the wedding party, you should spend 100 to 150 dollars—or more.
"Couples should be prepared to pay for last-minute cancellations as venues and caterers normally ask for a final guest count at least a week in advance." Anticipate around 4-5 guests having to cancel last-minute.
The married couple go first! If the officiant has any announcements to make, the couple can walk down the aisle, the officiant can make the announcement, then the bridal party can start making their way back down the aisle. Here is a quick suggestion for a recessional order: Bride & Groom.
Traditionally, couples will take at least a week off for their post-nuptial vacation, but with the rise of the “mini-moon,” or a miniature honeymoon, some newlyweds are taking just a few days to relax somewhere local to their wedding destination.
The Dutch Reach is a practice for drivers and passengers where, rather than using your hand closest to the door to open it, you use your far hand1. This choice sets off a series of five linked actions: reach, swivel, look back, open slowly, and then exit facing traffic.