Arriving at an Event

Arriving at an Event

Being prompt is a guest’s most important responsibility. The host carefully chose a time for the event to begin, and you must respect that choice by showing up at that time. Keep the following points in mind about timing:

•   Fashionably late is unfashionably rude.

•  You shouldn’t arrive later than 15 or 20 minutes after the scheduled start of an event.

•  If the event is a dinner party and you’re running late, phone ahead to request that the host start without you.

• Informal invitations that use words like sevenish imply a somewhat looser definition of arrival time.

• Arriving too early is as unacceptable as arriving too late.

As a guest, if you’re met at the door by the host, thank them for the invitation. Engaging in a little small talk is okay; however, don’t hold up the host if other guests are arriving. If necessary, offer introductions.

If no one happens to be greeting you and the door is left open (which is the case with some open houses or housewarming parties), don’t be shy. Do your best to locate the host or a catering staff member. If necessary, ask where you can put your coat or hostess gift and begin to mingle.

Don’t assume that additional company is welcome.  Don’t bring an uninvited guest with you! If you happen to have an unexpected houseguest show up on the day of the scheduled event, you can call the host and ask if it’s possible for you to bring a friend. Present the question respectfully, in a manner that doesn’t put the host on the spot.

A gracious host would have extra food available and extend a sincere invitation.