How important is attending the ceremony as a guest?

That seems really rude to me. The reception is the party, the ceremony is what you're celebrating. Not going to the ceremony but going to the reception means you don't actually care about the couple or their marriage, just a free party.

View Quoted Comment I agree with Kelly. I find it rude to skip the ceremony and only attend the reception, unless there's other circumstances, such as unexpected traffic or a family emergency or something.

I agree with PPs. The whole point is to witness the ceremony. The reception in part is the thank you to your guests for attending.

I agree with PPs that it's poor taste to skip the ceremony, the reception is celebrating the union and thanks to the guests for attending.

I will admit that I have skipped a ceremony one time. My (now) husband was best man for a couple I had never met, I didn't know anyone else there and it was in a completely different state, I would have had to drive myself about 45 min from their blocked hotel to the church and then back only to get on a party bus for the wedding party and significant others at the hotel. I don't like or feel entirely comfortable driving in large cities especially ones I've never driven in, so we agreed I'd just meet up with them when they came to get on the bus.

Most guests actually really like the wedding ceremony. It is personal, romantic, touching. Without it it's not a wedding. Just a party.