Better late than never?

So, there I was rushing through traffic trying not to embarrass myself by being late. Looking at my watch periodically, I just wanted to ensure that I do not walk into the hall with the bridal entourage instead of before them. Not that it had not happened before!
I remember, many years ago, in my hometown, where everything was a lazy affair, my family and I were invited to a friend's parents' wedding anniversary which was celebrated in a glitzy and pompous manner. In keeping with the high brow nature of the function with distinguished guests and all, the host decided to start  right on the dot.

Deer in headlights!

Talk about right timing, we just made our entry just when the spotlights went on and Cliff Richard's 'Congratulations and Celebrations' started playing. It very much took us by surprise. We were dumbfounded in a 'deer in headlights' moment.
So were the guests who were expecting to see the special stars for the evening!
Anyway, coming back to the present times, I finally made it to the wedding reception hall. This time, the surprise was on me again as the hall was practically empty! The invitation quoted that dinner was to start at 7pm and there I was at 7.30pm.
After a good half and an hour of looking around from top to bottom and from side to side of the hall and the decorations, guests started strolling in. My friend who was supposed to join me coolly sauntered in at about 8.30pm just when the function was starting. As a matter-of-factly, he sneered at me for coming so early for a Malay wedding. He said that it is an unwritten rule that things are to start at least one and a half hour late.
So far, I have only heard the Chinese complained about their wedding dinners not starting on time. Even the Indian wedding receptions are better, half to an hour late.
Anyway, when the function actually started, everything was forgotten. Everyone was merry-making and having fun rather than brooding about wasted time.
So, the next time, it would be still a one and half hour delay. I would be wiser. I would also go late. And the trend would continue. Nobody is going to start a function when nobody is in attendance. There would be the royal couple but without lowly peasants, the royal couple would just a couple without the lowly subjects to fete them up to high heavens!