Would you commit to attending a wedding the day you land back off a long haul flight?

[AnthonyCrowley]

Land at Manchester around 7am if plane isn't delayed. Coming from Mexico. Wedding is a 3 hour drive from Manchester and is at 2pm.

It's my step brother and I would like to go, dd would really like to go. Obviously we will be as jet lagged as shit.

But my main concern is what if the flight is delayed back and miss the whole thing but they've paid out for food for us, etc?

I would if it was a wedding I wanted to go to. Plus if it's your step brother just explain to him. I don't think a potential delay would put me off. I think I'd leave wedding outfits in the car with any other bits I need then change once I get there.

Depends how much I wanted to go. If I wasn't bothered, I think you have a decent excuse. But if you do want to go, then I would - just give them a heads up about the situation so if for some reason you are delayed (or don't want to stay too late) they know why.

I would if I wanted to go, but yes, tell him the situation and explain that there's a possibility (although unlikely) that you could be delayed.

I do it every time I go to a wedding, as I live a long haul flight away.

Easiest if you stay at the venue, so you can have a nap if needed, and freshen up too.

Try and sleep on the plane if you can. We flew back from LA and arrived at 9am and I didn't manage to sleep. I felt like poo all day and I def would not have been fit fort a wedding.

For family Yes!

I’ve done this and it’s been fine. You more then likely won’t be the last one on the dance floor though. Funnily it’s probably easier to go on the day you travel than the next day ( which is when the jet lag hits me).
Have you somewhere to change and shower?
Can you upgrade (even to premium economy) or buy extra leg room that will increase your chances of sleeping on the flight?
Go for it OP. it’s only one day you’ve to get through. Coffee is your friend. Enjoy the wedding!

Do the timings work? Get through by 8am, get home by 9am, need to leave at 10.30 to arrive 1.30 for a 2pm start?

I wouldn't be keen to do the 3 hour drive after an 11 hour flight, but otherwise yes I'd go.

You could make it work if you wanted to, assuming no delays. I actually like having stuff to do after a long haul flight, helps stave off the jet lag.

I would. Book to stay at the venue, and ask if you can pay for an early check in so you can shower and dress.
Drink lots of water before you get on the plane and a big carby meal, then when you get on, eye mask and silicone earplugs as soon as you've taken off and really try and sleep. Even closed eyes is better than watching a movie etc.

Yes. I flew back from Mauritius landing early morning with a 7 month old. Got home and showered, dropped baby at relatives, and then 2 hour drive to wedding. It is do-able

Yes, it's doable, although you will be tired, particularly the day after! Go outside for a blast of fresh air as often as you can at the wedding, it helps, plus drink lots of water.

Depends on whether you can sleep in flights really. I can’t and am always a complete zombie after coming off a long haul, overnight flight. Going to a wedding the same day would be my idea of hell.

Forgot to say I’d be in no fit state to drive after an overnight flight either.

Well I've got to drive home. The wedding is about 5 miles from home so hoping I can call in and shower and change. It's a church wedding so no changing or showering there.

I did similar for my sisters 30th. Managed a small nap, but managed to keep going until late. It was absolutely fine. No ideal, but fine.

Longhaul international flights are not usually significantly delayed. You have every reason to expect you can attend so it’s just a matter of what you want to do. My stepbrother is absolutely family to me so I would never consider missing his wedding but every family is different.

Yes, I would.

My DH and I emigrated a few years ago so a lot of the weddings I go to are straight from a long haul flight. I find it's actually quite useful because it means you're forced to stay up and not go to bed until night time, so you get into the right pattern quicker.

I'd say rsvp attending, but just mention that a delay is a possibility. And anyway people can check flight delays easily online so he will know you are telling the truth if it happens, it's a pretty solid excuse.

Fab, am going to accept. I really do want to go! Thanks everyone.

nope - but I hate flying and wouldn't be in any fit state.

I've done this I was tired but it was worth it. I would consider if I could afford to get a taxi back though. It will be safer and allow you to get some more sleep.

Ive seen the invitation now and we've been invited to the wedding and the evening reception but not the wedding breakfast/sit down meal.

Which makes me feel better about accepting it because if we are delayed there won't be food going to waste. And I can sleep between the wedding and the evening do!

Personally, in that case, I'd not rush, go home and sleep, then go to the evening reception.