As the wedding season looms, it would be good to brush up on wedding guest etiquette and mannerisms. After all, we have all witnessed moments during weddings where we went- “How do they NOT know that?” Well, sometimes people do not know. And this is where this handy guide comes in use.
It is important to keep in mind that the families of the happy couple invest a lot of time and labor, and behaving appropriately is how you acknowledge their efforts. The day needs to be perfect for the couple, so brushing up on your etiquette ensures that you are doing your part in helping them have the perfect wedding.
Here are a few of the most important Dos and Don’ts when it comes to wedding guest etiquette. Make a note!
Do arrive on time
This one is pretty self-explanatory. It is vital that you arrive timely to the ceremony, because let’s face it, they are not going to wait for you. Punctuality is a much-appreciated value, and you certainly do not want to attract unwarranted attention by arriving late and awkwardly stumbling into the seating area mid-ceremony.
Do follow the dress code
Honor the dress code mentioned in the invitation. In case there is no dress code explicitly stated, it never hurts to just ask the happy couple’s family or fellow attendees what they will be wearing. Who knows, maybe you will get some great fashion tips from them?
Don’t wear white
Although this is the golden rule for every wedding ceremony out there, people still violate it and show up in white. You may want to show off your brand-new dress, but is it worth it to steal the bride’s thunder on the happiest day of her life? Let’s not be THAT person.
Do bring a gift
It goes without saying, do not arrive at a wedding empty-handed. There will always be a table meant for gifts and cards from guests, and it will be plain awkward if people notice you coming in and not heading in that direction. However, if you feel like mailing their gift ahead of time, you can do so. This way, the family of the bride and groom will not have to haul a stack of gifts back home when the ceremony is over.
Don’t go off the registry
You may feel tempted to give the couple something unique and standoffish (maybe in an attempt to be memorable or stand out), but always remember, the safest bet is to pick an item from their registry. What may be appealing to you might end up being offensive to others. Or, the couple may simply have no use for your gift if you give them something completely unexpected. If you do so, do not expect a ‘thank you’ note from them!
Don’t smoke
Smoking at weddings is a big no-no. People may be sensitive to cigarette smoke, and second-hand smoke can be harmful to their health too. Instead, try vaping, as this is more stealthy and socially acceptable. Certain vapes release very little vapor, so it may not even be very noticeable.
Are you stuck on which vape to go for? The Crystal Bar disposable vape bar comes in an assortment of flavors, out of which it might be easier to pick a mild one for social settings.
Do compliment the food
Hear us out- it is always possible that the food might not be very good. But pointing that out is certainly a rude thing to do. If you do not like how something tastes, try to go for the other items. Something will certainly be appealing to you, and you can compliment the chef on that dish itself.
Don’t get drunk
A rude mistake many wedding guests make is to get drunk, particularly during the toast. It is only natural to get a little tipsy when there is an open bar, but getting completely wasted is a terrible idea since you will not just be embarrassing yourself, but also the bride and the groom.
As long as you keep these in mind, you can enjoy any wedding you go to and make sure to get invited to consequent events.
