Wedding Guest Etiquette

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How should you behave at someone’s wedding?

You knew they’d gotten engaged and in the back of your mind, you knew you’d get an invite to their wedding, after all, it’s not a party if you’re not there right?

Regardless of whether the couple have gone with a traditional wedding, there’s certain things that you must do as a guest, be that because it’s simply common courtesy or because you just can’t behave the same way you did on the Ibiza stag do (what happens in Ibiza *should never be repeated anywhere else, ever*…)

@kalvisuals

These useful tips may sound a bit harsh but trust me, having seen these things happen with my own eyes in my career as a Wedding Planner, it’s for your own good and you’ll thank me later. So yes… all of these horror stories have actually happened…

1. Invitations - the couple are already under a lot of pressure to get everything sorted in time. The last thing they need is to be chasing you for your RSVP

2. Don’t be offended if you didn’t get a +1 invite or an invite for the children. Weddings are expensive and this is the couples money, not yours

3. Food options and dietary requirements - the couple have given you a deadline date for a reason and of course the caterers will do what they can but you risk ‘getting what you’re given’ if you don’t reply on time. Also, don’t expect to turn up on the day and decide you’d ‘forgotten’ to let them know you suddenly turned Vegan last month

4. Don’t criticize - the couple have to make a lot of choices surrounding their wedding day, the last thing they need is negativity surrounding the decisions they made for special day, they’ve chosen them for a reason and whilst it may not be your cup of tea, it’s not your wedding day

5. Gifts - couples are more and more likely to ask for cash on their wedding day now and that is their prerogative. They are spending enough money on you attending so please honour their wishes and take point 3 into account but bear in mind, you don’t need to spend a lot if you are buying a gift, something homemade will probably mean more than something bought

6. Girls - do NOT wear white. It’s a well known fact you ‘cannot’ wear white to someone’s wedding (unless you want a death stare from the Bride!)

7. Bridesmaids - Don’t post a picture of the ‘beautiful bride’ in her dress, on her wedding day, BEFORE SHE’S EVEN WALKED DOWN THE AISLE!! No no no no no

8. Timekeeping - Do not be late! Coming from the mouth of experience (huge oopsie!), turning up late to a wedding is a huge no-no. Obviously there are some circumstances that cannot be avoided but either way, it does not look good if you are walking in as the couple are saying their vows (especially when it’s captured on video)

9. Spotlight - no matter what, under no circumstances should you use this platform to propose to your other half or announce a life changing event, this is not your day! (unless you have the approval from the happy couple!)

10. Behaviour - I’m all for people having fun at weddings, heck, twerk on the dance-floor if you must (I’m just jealous as I can’t do it) but… do not get so drunk that you become the talk of the day. It may be funny but there is a fine line between being drunk and showing up the happy couple - trust me, I have many horror stories about this one

11. Property - understand that if you cause damage to any property of the couples chosen venue, that this will be paid for by them. The last thing you need is to fall out with the couple because they are lumbered with a bill for damages you caused

12. Don’t try and seduce the brides mum (or dad!)… I don’t need to say any more on this matter

13. If you’re going to argue with your partner… leave it until you get home. It’s not the time of the place for negative vibes!

14. Last but not least. don’t forget to book a cab. The bride and groom will invite certain guests to stay at the venue, if you’re not on the accommodation list, they will not be pleased to find you sleeping on the sofa downstairs with a cushion as a blanket.

You’re welcome! Now…Enjoy the wedding!

Contact Hayley

@thomasw

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