Should I go to late reception of wedding?

[caketree93]

I am new on my team in work and one of the girls is getting married this weekend. The rest of the team was invited to the full ceremony from 3pm ages ago, but because I'm new I totally wasnt expecting to be invited at all, so its lovely she has asked me.

These might be really silly questions but I have never been to a wedding so I don't know how they work. My team are arriving at 3, but my invite says to arrive at 9pm. My fear is that either my team will all be way drunker than me by the time I get there or they might have gone home already as I dont know if they're very into partying. I'm worried to arrive on my own essentially. I had other plans with a friend that I will have to cancel, and I'm wondering if maybe I should just leave it.

9pm arrival for an evening do? Very late, it's usually 7 or so.
I'd skip it, though to be fair I usually want to leave weddings by 8 anyway, they are tiring, all the standing around and waiting and polite chit chat.

9pm? There is no way I'd be going to a wedding reception for 9pm, most of them finish at 12! I'd politely decline if I were you and maybe get them a card

Not a chance! You have other plans with another friend.Keep then and politely decline.
'I would have loved to come X but I've got long term plans. It's so kind of you to invite me though! I hope you have a brilliant day/eve!'

The fact you have other plans is enough reason to say no! I've never come across an evening invite being as late as 9pm.

Is this a new 3 tire invite? Day guests full meal, evening guests buffet, bed time guests nothing? Way to save money i suppose 🤷🏽‍♀️