A wedding guest took to Reddit seeking advice on whether it was permissible to leave an upcoming wedding early. The individual was hesitant about staying for the entirety of the event, which was scheduled to last from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. The guest, who was in her mid-40s, was attending the wedding solo and was unsure about being able to socialize comfortably for such an extended period of time. The wedding was also located 60 miles out of town, and the guest was considering leaving early out of respect for her aunt and uncle who were hosting the event.
The Reddit user expressed concerns about being introverted and feeling awkward at social events, especially without her partner who was unable to attend due to a back injury. She questioned whether it would be acceptable to leave the wedding at around 8:30 p.m. or earlier, given her discomfort with socializing and the long duration of the event. Etiquette expert Jacqueline Whitmore reassured the guest that it was perfectly acceptable to leave early, as long as she thanked the bride and groom before departing. This act of courtesy would show appreciation for the invitation and demonstrate proper etiquette towards the hosts of the wedding.
The Reddit post garnered responses from other users, with many agreeing that it was acceptable to leave a wedding reception before it ended. Some suggested waiting until after key moments such as the cake cutting or special dances before departing, while others emphasized the importance of staying through dinner if an RSVP had been given. One individual who recently got married shared that they didn’t mind when guests left early, indicating that the timing of an early departure was ultimately not a major concern for the couple. Overall, the consensus among Reddit users was that leaving a wedding reception early was permissible as long as it was done respectfully and not during a significant moment in the celebration.
In response to the Reddit post, the user was advised by etiquette expert Jacqueline Whitmore to express gratitude to the hosts before leaving the wedding. This simple gesture would serve as a sign of appreciation for the invitation and would be considered proper etiquette. While the guest had reservations about staying for the entire duration of the event due to personal reasons, it was clear that leaving early was viewed as acceptable by both the etiquette expert and other Reddit users. The emphasis was placed on showing courtesy and gratitude towards the hosts while also considering the comfort and needs of the guest attending the wedding.
The guest’s request for advice on leaving a wedding reception early sparked a discussion among Reddit users about the etiquette and social norms surrounding such a decision. Opinions varied, with some users suggesting specific guidelines for determining the appropriate time to exit the event, while others shared personal experiences as both guests and hosts. Ultimately, the consensus was that leaving a wedding early was acceptable as long as it was done respectfully and considerately. The importance of expressing thanks to the hosts before departing was reiterated as a key element of proper etiquette when leaving an event prematurely.
