Wedding guest etiquette

is called upon whenever you are invited to your friends or family marriage ceremony. While it is true there are wedding etiquette rules for those arranging and conducting the marriage, it should be remembered that there are rules for wedding guests too. A well behaved and involved wedding guest helps make the ‘special day’ one to be remembered, for all the right things, for the bride and groom. Proper behaviour begins from the moment you recieve your wedding invitation. You should reply promptly as the couple will be making lots of decisions based on who and how many people will be accepting their invitation to the ceremony and reception. If for some reason you are unable to attend either the ceremony or reception or both. Let them know and yes it is the done thing to send your wedding gift to the couple. If the couple have asked for any special dress then try to accomodate them because the day is for them not you. Don’t worry if you can’t exactly match the dress code as long as you make the attemp everyone will be happy. One

wedding guest etiquette

that you must not flout is being on time if the ceremony begins at 1pn be sure to be there at 12.45 at the latest. You do not want to be marching into the venue just behind the bride. It is also polite to go along and be part of the ceremony regardless of your own personal views. Don’t let religion, culture or age distract you from being a guest that the couple are glad they invited. If you are not part of a couple invite don’t bring a date with you unless your invitation clearly mentions them or it specifically says plus guest. To bring extra people that haven’t been catered for is very embarrassing for the couple and your guest. This also applies to children. If you are in doubt ask before you go. This is accepable wedding guest etiquette. The couple have invited you to their wedding so you can join in the festivities and enjoy yourself. So enjoy yourself but don’t over indulge because nothing spoils a wedding like a drunk or high guest. A final quick

wedding guest etiquette

tip is be sure to tell the ‘happy couple’ that you are delighted they are married and when you leave go out of your way to thank them for a wonderful day or evening. More advice on wedding guest etiquette can be found here – Just Click. Any views on wedding guest etiquette are most welcome.