Invitations: Guest Arrival Time VS. Ceremony Start

Hmm.. I've never seen the guest arrival time on the contract before. Mine just states ceremony time is at 5:00. So we assume the guests will arrive 15 mins till.

Do you have late people usually? Then, I'd put 5. But if you do put 5, and the ceremony doesn't start till 5:30 are people going to be upset because they sat their for 1/2? And that assumes the ceremony stats on time.

I would put 5:30. When people get your invitations they will assume the time is ceremony start time and (usually) arrive 15-20 min before that. if you were to put 5:00, you might have people showing up at 4:45.

My dilemma exactly - I was thinking I would put 530, the people who are usually late are in my bridal party! lol .. i would hope everyone would put the effort in to be on time.

Your bridal party should be there w/you. So you won't have to worry about them. Most weddings start a few minutes late. And most people I assume are on time to a wedding. Although I"m not 100% sure about that

Ok... you tell your guest on the invite that the ceremony starts at 5:30

I'm gonna guess that you are getting ready with your bridal party before the wedding... most brides will take their group pictures with their wedding party before to help save time for pictures after the ceremony.

on that note.... get ready and pictures done at the house / hotel.... and tell your wedding party they need to be at the ceremony site at 5. That way they are all in their places and ready to help out when the guests start to arrive. And you have time to freshen up your hair and make-up.