You got invited to a wedding! Whether you’re attending the nuptials of your best friend, a distant cousin, or a coworking, being the perfect wedding guest is all about following a few simple guidelines. Weddings are a momentous occasion in the couple’s lives so knowing these unspoken (and spoken!) rules of etiquette will guarantee that you will be, in fact, the perfect guest. We have you covered with everything you need to know to make sure you’re a respectful, stylish, and appreciated guest. So, let’s dive in!
RSVP Like a Pro
The first step to being a stellar wedding guest? Respond to that invitation ASAP! It is crucial to respond as couples need an accurate headcount to finalize seating arrangements and catering orders. This can impact their budget, as more tables require centerpieces, and more guests require meals and drinks. If the invitation is addressed solely to you (or you and a plus one), it means the couple is requesting those guests—no extra friends, kids, or surprise guests. It is important to respect the couple’s wishes, and if you are unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out to the couple or whoever is coordinating the RSVP details.
Dress to Impress (But Don’t Outshine the Couple)
When it comes to wedding attire, the golden rule is to dress appropriately for the occasion—and that means taking into account the venue, season, and the dress code if it is listed on the invitation. For example, if the invite says, “Black Tie”, a woman will need to don a formal gown, and men should adorn a sharp tuxedo. A “semi-formal” or “cocktail” dress code gives you a little more flexibility, but it’s always better to err on the side of dressing up rather than down. The most important rule is WHITE is off limits—the color is reserved for the bride unless it is specified as the dress code.
Mind Your Manners at the Ceremony
The ceremony is the heart of the entire wedding day, so it is important to be respectful and attentive. Arrive on time (or even better, arrive a little early) to find your seat before the bride makes her grand entrance. It is not uncommon to attend an “Unplugged Ceremony” where the couple requests that you keep your phone tucked away and on silent. The couple wants you to be fully engaged in their nuptials and they often want you to resist the urge to snap photos during the ceremony as they have paid an excellent photographer to capture these moments for them. Sometimes, the couple will allow thirty seconds at the beginning of the ceremony to snap a few photos of yourself, but if that is not requested, keep your phone away.
Gift-Giving Etiquette
Choosing the perfect gift can sometimes feel tricky, but the couple’s registry is there to help you out. When giving a gift to the couple, it is important to remember that the couple has invested significantly in creating a memorable day for themselves and their guests. It is important to stick to the registry if you want to give them a physical gift as they curated a list of items they need to begin their life together. If you prefer to give cash or contribute to their honeymoon fund, that is totally fine too! When giving a monetary gift, it is proper etiquette to consider covering the cost of your meal and drinks, plus a little extra to allow the couple to put your generosity toward something they need or want to go after the wedding.
Hit the Dance Floor
Weddings are a celebration, and that means it’s time to dance! But before you bust a move, make sure to keep things classy. Most couples what a night to remember and dancing the night away will help make those memories. Be mindful with your song requests, try to stick with the vibe that the couple has asked the DJ or band to adhere to. The goal is to have fun, not to become the center of attention for the wrong reasons!
Be Gracious and Grateful
Last, but not least, remember to thank the couple and the hosts for inviting you to share in their special day. The couple is the main attraction at their wedding, so giving them a quick thank you during the receiving line or while hitting the dance floor with them ensures they can enjoy their special day to the fullest. As a gracious guest, your thoughtfulness of allowing them time during their day to enjoy themselves will help make all the best core memories on their big day.
Conclusion
Being the perfect wedding guest isn’t rocket science—it’s all about showing respect, following a few key etiquette rules, and most importantly, celebrating the couple’s love with joy and enthusiasm. Keeping these tips in mind, you’ll not only avoid any wedding faux pas but contribute to making the day as special as can be. So, put on your best outfit, bring your best dance moves, and get ready to celebrate the couple in style!
The Hidden Abbey Event Center is a locally owned and operated business. We sincerely hope to encourage couples to learn more about planning a wedding locally. We want to give a special thanks to some amazing wedding venues across the United States who inspire us and help support our venue. We are also thrilled to support other wedding venue owners from around the country with a shout out in each of our blogs. You can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.
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