Two wedding cars parked in front of a wedding venue with Bride and Groom holding each others between both vehicles.

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Is it normal for the Bride to arrive 'late' at the ceremony?

Last update on 21 Jan 2025

Quick answer

Some may think so, although it's usually not appreciated by the vicar or the registrar. Do let them know that you will be late.

In our experience this is the easiest way to upset the Vicar or Registrar conducting the service.  We would always suggest your car arrives outside the ceremony venue about 5 minutes before you are due to go inside, as you are going to use up this time having arrival photographs both inside and outside of the car.  

 

In some cases, usually civil ceremonies you may need to arrive even earlier than this in order to meet the registrar in private before the ceremony starts. Check with your registrar as most of them would require the Bride to arrive 15 to 20 minutes prior to cermeony start time. 

 

Bride and Groom standing in front of the vicar outside next to a blue vintage car and its fully uniformed chauffeur

 

We all know Bride’s wish to keep the Groom’s on their toes by arriving a little late but in reality planning to arrive late can have knock on effects throughout the day. If you have left your collection address late and are then held up by unexpected traffic this may make you even later. In some cases ceremonies have had to be cut short to bring everything back on schedule as there may be other couples getting married in the venue after yourself and timings for the vicar or registrar are therefore crucial. 

 

If you are planning to arrive a little late do inform the Vicar in advance so they can advice and check timings will be fine on the day.  

 

Bride wearing a white dressed stepping out of a vintage car helped by her fully uniformed chauffeur. Vicar is standing behind them. Bridesmaids and Flower girls wearing Turquoise blue dresses can be seen in the background.

 

We would always suggest you leave the collection address with plenty of time to spare so you can have a leisurely drive, it is better to arrive early and ask the chauffeur to pull up a little way from the ceremony venue to waste some time or even drive round the block than to run the risk of being late. 

 

However this is your day and the chauffeurs will do as you wish but they must drive within the legal speed limits and the limits of the vehicle.

 

Related FAQs

Can we pay extra if we need more time on the day

The ceremony and reception are in the same venue, can we have a drive after the ceremony ?

Can we use the Bride’s car to take Bridesmaids and others to and from the ceremony prior to the Bride?

How many hours should we book the vehicle for ?

How can I make changes to my existing booking ?

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