How to Be a Perfect Wedding Guest

A wedding is one of the most important days in a bride and grooms life so it is important that guests follow the guidelines of perfect etiquette before and after a wedding.  As a guest at a wedding you are there out of love and support of the bride and groom.  You are to share with their happy occasions and you are not supposed to create a scene or needless drama.  When the bride and groom reflect on their wedding day they should have happy memories.  Follow these tips and you will be a perfect wedding guest.

Step 1

Do respond the invitation RSVP.  When you receive your invitation read it thoroughly.  If you need to RSVP then do so by the specified date.  Fill out the RSVP with menu selection and attendance.  If you have questions then contact the wedding planner, maid of honor or mother of the bride.

Step 2

Don’t assume that it is okay to bring your children or other family members if they were not indicated on the invitation.

Step 3

Do dress according to the theme and of the wedding as well  as the time.  For a day wedding during the warm weather months it is appropriate to wear light colored dresses and men should wear warm weather suits unless the bride requests informal or formal attire.

Do dress for a formal or evening wedding. Women should wear short formal or black tie dresses or long gowns and men should wear a black suit.  If you are unsure of the attire for the wedding it is best to check with the bride or wedding planner.

Don't wear white to a wedding.

Step 4

Do arrive to the church on time. It is not proper etiquette to arrive late to wedding ceremony or reception.  Check the times on the invitation and make every effort to get to the church on time.  If you are arriving late due to work obligations then it is best to stand at the back of the church or to sit in the back.  Don’t make a scene, enter the church very quietly.

Step 5

Check your invitation for gift registry.  Do purchase your gift and have the store wrap and send to the brides home or you can hand deliver the gift before the wedding ceremony.

Step 6

It is proper wedding etiquette for the bridal party and the immediate family to make the wedding toasts.  Don't make a toast unless you were asked to by the bride or groom.

Step 7

Don't be a negative. Before you speak you must think and choose your words so that they are not hurtful.  If you do not like the brides gown, or the wedding theme then keep your remarks to yourself.   It is better to say nothing.

Step 8

If the bride and groom have selected a limited bar that offers non alcoholic drinks, beer, wine or champagne do not complain about the beverage choice.  Don't take it upon yourself to go out to liquor store and stock the bar.

Weddings are a celebration however it is not invitation to drink accessible and to get out of control.  Don’t dance on the tables, disrobe on the dance floor and shout out to the band or DJ to play your favorite song.

Step 9

Do choose your entree on the RSVP and don't make changes or suggestions. It is customary for the dinner at the reception to be a choice of three entrees with same sides, soup or salad.  Don’t ask the server if you can get different sides.  If you do not like what is served to you then don’t eat it.

Don't complain about the wedding or the reception.  If there is a drag time for the food service and entrée’s are coming out of the kitchen slowly sit patiently and wait for your food.

Step 10

Remember that a wedding is not a dating site.  Yes you may meet a wonderful man or women that you find attractive but that does not mean that you make a love connection.  Don't fornicate in the coatroom or restroom.  All love connections should be made after the wedding reception.

Tips

If anything negative should occur at the wedding and the reception then it stays there.  Don't repeat or gossip about the wedding to your friends after the wedding.  Even if you mention it to a close friend and tell them not to say anything or that it did not come to you, your tale will be shared with the bride, groom.

Do celebrate the bride and grooms union as one and make happy memories.

Don't change your seat at the reception and don’t complain about the seating assignments.

Related articles by Susan Golis

How to Plan a Winter Wedding

How to Plan an Engagement Party

How to Plan a Bridal Shower

Image Attribution: Wikipedia creative commons

Copyright © Susan Golis all rights reserved. You are not allowed to copy or use the contents of this page without permission from its author.

Comments (1)

jswana said:

	... Great Great tips on protocol. Essentially people try,but I have been too many who didn't. I personally love the three weddings I attended that gracefully said "Adults Only". :) Great article.
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July 19, 2012
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