Another daft question - should I be there before the ceremony?

[itisnotacompetitionyouknow]

My previous question has now prompted this question (I really am no good at this "bridezilla" thing).

We aren't "traditional", we already have a DS, we are having a normal civil ceremony. I was considering turning up before the ceremony so I could mingle with guests. Also, that way people can see me turn up in the car. Is this not the done thing? Even though I am not superstitious I do feel a little funny about DP seeing me before the wedding...

DP's suggestion is to come and mingle in "normal" clothes, and then get changed, though I'm really not sure about this suggestion.

Or I could just turn up when everyone is seated and miss out on the fun beforehand.

Can anyone tell me what they did, or would do?

[Hassled]

We had small civil ceremony with the kids in tow and arrived together (by taxi), mingled together, got married. It was fine - no grand arrival, but I would have hated that.

Do whatever you feel happiest about. The changing outfit idea does seem a bit bonkers, though :o.

[piprabbit]

You'll have to arrive a bit early as I think you will have to have an interview with the registrar to complete some paperwork before the ceremony.

So you might as well enjoy mingling (although you might be more nervous than you expect).

[duffybeatmetoit]

I'd ask where you would get changed and how long it would take you to get ready - your mingling time might be cut to almost nothing unless you can get dressed at the speed of Superman.

[vouvrey]

what fun beforehand? Dont guests just turn up, sit down and wait for the bride/music?

[CleverClod]

We're having a civil wedding, not in the registry office, and I shall be putting on buck's fizz and canapes beforehand whilst me and h2b are with the registrar. I just hope we finish (beforehand) with enough time to down a glass and mingle with my guests!