Wedding guest etiquette is an art that elevates the joy and elegance of the special day. As a chosen attendee, your role is more than just showing up; it’s about adding to the celebration’s harmony and grace. This guide delves into the nuances of being the perfect wedding guest, ensuring your presence is a gift to the happy couple. From RSVPing promptly to dressing appropriately and navigating the reception with poise, these tips will help you honor the occasion with respect and style. Whether it’s a quaint country gathering or a grand ballroom affair, your thoughtful participation can make a world of difference in making their big day even more memorable.
For those who wish to dive deeper into the world of wedding guest manners, The Knot offers an extensive guide on being a great wedding guest. This resource provides additional insights and detailed advice, complementing the tips. It’s an excellent read for anyone looking to refine their wedding guest etiquette further, covering everything from the intricacies of gift-giving to navigating complex social situations at weddings. By exploring these comprehensive guidelines, you can ensure your presence is appreciated and truly cherished by the bride and groom on their special day.
Before the Wedding
- RSVP as soon as possible
The sooner you RSVP, the better. This way, the couple can plan accordingly.
- Respect the guest list.
If your invitation or the couple didn’t specify that it’s appropriate for you to bring an additional guest, don’t.
- Utilize the resources the couple provides
Be sure to read over the couple’s wedding website. It can give you a wealth of information, including their registry, map, hotel accommodations, etc.
- Be mindful of the dress code.
The location of the reception sets the tone for this. If it’s a country barn wedding? More casual. Ballroom reception? Cocktail attire.
- Don’t wear white.
Although some might say this is an outdated rule, it’s still most appropriate. Plus, there are so many cute, colorful options out there!
- Arrive at least 15 minutes (and up to a half hour) before the ceremony
Being late to a wedding is very disrespectful to everyone involved. Do your best to arrive at least 15 minutes early so you have plenty of time to park, walk in and take your seat.
- Put your camera and cell phone away (on silent)
Consider doing so before you leave the house. This is a big one that you don’t want to forget!
At the Recption
- Don’t attend the reception if you didn’t go to the ceremony
Although it may be tempting to skip straight to the party, it is not appropriate to attend one and not the other. If you’re short on time, make sure not to miss the most important part – the ceremony.
- Sit in the appropriate seat.
The bride and groom took time to set their seating assignments as they saw fit carefully. It’s best to abide by their wishes and sit at the correct table.
- Be mindful of social media.
It is generally best to avoid posting pictures and videos of the ceremony and reception until after the wedding. Unless there it is made clear that it’s okay to share on social media with their desired hashtag, avoid doing so until later on.
- Have fun!
Enjoy yourself, and don’t forget to sign the guestbook!
After the Wedding
- Send a thank you note.
Want to stand out as the best guest? Write the couple a thank you note to recognize all of the hard work that went into planning this big event. If you know the parents of the couple, send them a thank you note as well. As we all know, the bride and groom’s parents often invest a great deal of time, money, and energy in the children’s big day. Your note will let them know that their guests appreciate their efforts.
Photo by Shardayyy Photography on Unsplash
Editorial Update: We strive to keep our content accurate and up-to-date. As part of our ongoing efforts, this article has been moved from “Career + Professional Development Category” to “HOLIDAYS & CELEBRATIONS CATEGORY” on 9/8/2023.
