Singapore on Wednesday began its latest behavior modification campaign _ a wedding ``punctuality drive'' _ to encourage guests to turn up on time for couples' big day.

The government-backed Singapore Kindness Movement said it would provide 400,000 cards for couples to insert into their invitations as ``gentle reminders.''

Previously the group has led efforts to encourage the city-state's citizens to smile more, wave at fellow motorists and switch off mobile phones in cinemas.
``Wedding couples are held back from starting their wedding dinners when the majority of their guests turn up late,'' the Singapore Kindness Movement said in a statement.

The reminder cards will be distributed by leading hotels to ``prompt guests to be more socially responsible,'' the statement said.

``It's a small act of courtesy, but can mean so much to everyone, especially the wedding couple on their big day,'' the movement's chairman Noel Hon said in the statement.

Bliss Tan, 27, said she would be inserting 400 of the cards into invitations for her wedding next month, and said she applauded the movement's initiative because late arrivals were a growing trend in Singapore.

``It's basic good manners to be punctual. It's also practical; otherwise dinner won't be enjoyable,'' Tan said.

Weddings in Singapore traditionally end with a banquet dinner and the movement's campaign will last until the end of the year. The last three months of the year are generally regarded as the busiest time for weddings in the city-state.

Hotels are being asked to report weddings that begin on schedule and the newlyweds will be eligible to win ``wine and dine'' cruise tickets each month.

The government provides funding to the Singapore Kindness Movement to manage the city-state's frequent courtesy campaigns. Critics have denounced the campaigns as Orwellian and condescending toward citizens.

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