Does everyone state times an hour earlier than they want to correct for this rule? Is this just time for the party's hosts to perform a certain function? ( Punctuality is heavily engrained in me, and I can't understand the point of a time if its to be disregarded as a matter of policy )

> Does everyone state times an hour earlier than they want to correct for this rule?

Certainly seems like that to me. I've arrived at wedding functions at the exact time mentioned in the invite and even the hosts weren't present. I had to wait 30 min for them to show up.

I experienced this in Sweden. A Indian colleague was having a party for family and friends at x hours. I showed up fifteen minute early and most guest arrived 1-2 hours later...