Haven't read all the replies, but you can lessen it happening (has happened to me when I've been playing early) by talking to any villagers that are out and about first.
If you do that then there is a good chance that at least one villager will be at the ceremony (doesn't guarantee it tho!)
If you do that then there is a good chance that at least one villager will be at the ceremony (doesn't guarantee it tho!)