Wedding Etiquette for Guests
When a family member or a close friend invites you to their wedding, its an indication that you have played a huge role in their life. They also want you to be a part of this new, romantic, and exhilarating chapter in their lives. Now it is up to you be the best wedding guest you can be. In order to do that, it’s important to follow the protocol. In our latest blog, we have put together some rules that every guest must follow.
RSVP on Time
Wedding invitations tend to go out six to eight weeks prior to the big day. On your wedding invitation, the couple always have a date to confirm your RSVP. It is essential to promptly let the couple know if you will be in attendance as soon as possible. The date is the deadline. Having your RSVP confirmed early will secure your spot and shows grace to the couple. This also helps the wedding caterer get an official headcount because the food is prepared in advance most of the time. Always let the couple know if you have any dietary restrictions.
Stick to the Dress Code
DO NOT WEAR WHITE. Or any type of shade of it. Ivory, cream, or champagne. Unless the wedding is all-white themed. Whether it’s black-tie, white-tie, semi-formal, adhere to it.
Put Your Phone Away
Unplugged wedding ceremonies are becoming a new normal for a lot of couples. An unplugged wedding ceremony is a ceremony in which the couple requests the guests to put away all cellphones , cameras, and devices in order for them to be present in the moment. Putting away those devices greatly helps the photographers. It gives them clear shots, great angles, and it’s more visually appealing. Guests have to be more respectful to the photographer. They are the professionals. There is nothing more disappointing and distasteful than to look at the couple’s wedding pictures and you see other guests with their phone out ruining a timeless moment.
No Kids Allowed
Couples are opting for adults-only celebrations. Kids are usually involved as ring-bearers, flower girls, junior bridesmaids and groomsmen. For the ceremony. But after that, make sure you have a babysitter on standby. No kids on the dance floor. The reception has no place for them. We have all seen the viral videos on social media. And a lot of us have personally seen the chaos that can ensue when they’re not being watched. Don’t do it. Hire that babysitter.
Drink and Behave Responsibly
Never outshine the couple. Especially the bride. Nothing wrong with dancing with your friends and taking some funny pictures in the photo booth, but once your behavior becomes erratic (drunk crying, puking, getting combative with other guests), it’s time to go. Nobody wants to deal with the drunk and rude friend or family member. And we all have them. When the couple provides an open bar, that it not the time to try to drink each other under the table. Pace yourself, know your limits, and make sure you eat because you don’t want to drink on an empty stomach.
Bring a Gift
Whether you can make it or not, you should always send a token of appreciation to the couple for being invited to their big day! Most couples have a registry link you can look up. Now if you’re the kind of guest that likes to go over-the-top and bring big gifts, make sure the couple gets it before the wedding. Send it to the mailing address that is on the registry. Cash gifts are usually the best option. Include a card too.
Plus-One’s
As an invited guest, you should only bring the guest listed on your invitation. The guest list is the VIP of your entire wedding. Never ask for a plus-one and never assume you get to bring one. Especially if you’re not married. Because, you’re basically asking the couple to pay for an extra person they don’t know. Respect the couple’s request. It’s not about you.
Do Not Propose at the Couple’s Wedding
We have all seen rom-com (romantic comedy) movies where a dramatic couple proposes at their friends wedding and everybody applauds them. This is not a Disney movie. This is not “The Best Man” and this is not about you. It may look good in the movies, but in reality, it’s distasteful, attention-seeking, and almost insulting to the couple. As I said in the previous rule, this is not about you. Be respectful of the couple and their requests and enjoy the celebration responsibly.
Photo Credit: Kendal Lanier - Champagne Love Stories - @champagnenupe