A wedding is a joyous occasion celebrating two lives becoming one. Since it is a fun event, some people get carried away and end up embarrassing themselves and others.
So you won’t be one of them, here are eight essential tips for enjoying a wedding ceremony and reception.
If you want to know what they are, keep reading!
Always RSVP
It’s essential to respond to the invitation as soon as possible. RSVP is the abbreviation for the French phrase ‘Respondez, s’il vous plait,’ which means “Respond if you please.”
So, if you plan on attending, indicate your attendance and return the invite. If you decide not to go, politely decline the invite and return it.
By doing this, you let the couple know whether to expect you. One of the most critical aspects of wedding planning is getting an accurate count of attendees.
I usually wait three days before the due date to RSVP since life happens, and it’s hard to change your decision later. For instance, if you decide you want to attend later, you may or may not be able to get your spot back.
If you do need to change your RSVP, reach out to the person you RSVP to, but be warned, you may or may not be able to make changes.
Don’t Wear All White!
Traditionally, brides wear white, dating back to Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, who wore a white dress and veil for her wedding in 1840. Since then, white has become a traditional bridal color.
It’s an unwritten rule that no other woman wears white to the ceremony or reception.
To avoid drama, don’t wear an all-white dress or outfit to the wedding.
Don’t Add a Guest Unless the Invite Specifies “+ 1”
Most invitations I’ve seen include a “+ 1” notation after my name, which means I can bring a date, which is nice. If you receive an invite without this notation, don’t bring a date. The reason is keep the wedding or reception at a certain size the couple will limit the guest list.
If you bring an unexpected guest, there may not be enough food and drink for everyone.
This goes for child-free weddings which are becoming more common. So if it’s unclear whether children are welcome, reach out to the RSVP contact person or bride for clarification.
If they say little Joey can’t come, then you have a decision to make: either find a babysitter or not come to the event. It’s not a good idea to bring a child to a child-free wedding.
There are plenty of stories online about people who have done this and the ruined relationships that resulted.
When choosing a bridal gift, consider the couple’s likes and interests. If you’re unsure, check if they have a bridal registry. Stores like Macy’s, CB2, and Target offer wedding registries, as does Amazon. If all else fails, cash is always good.
If the bridal couple indicates they don’t want gifts, please respect their wishes.
It’s a good idea to send or drop off the gift before the wedding, so the couple doesn’t have to worry about transporting it home.
Spend What You Can Afford
My advice is to spend within your means. Some people may want to be generous, and that’s fine if you can afford it.
However, if you’re on a tight budget, there are still thoughtful gifts you can give. Knowing the couple’s likes and interests can help you choose the perfect gift.
Social Media Wedding Etiquette
When it comes to social media, remember a few points.
Firstly, be mindful of the professional photographer hired for the wedding. While you may want to capture the perfect shot, try not to get in their way. They’re paid to capture those moments for the couple.
Secondly, when posting about the wedding on social media, wait until after the bridal party has posted their photos.
This is their event, and they should have the privilege of sharing it first! If you’re unsure about a photo, check with the bridal couple before posting it.
Keep it Classy!
Please behave appropriately and leave any drama at the door. A wedding is a happy occasion, and the couple wants to enjoy it with their loved ones. If you’re going to cause a scene or spread negativity, it’s better not to attend.
This is not the time to make life-changing announcements or steal the spotlight from the bride and groom!
A wedding is a huge affair, and offering your help could be a blessing to the couple.
The takeaway
Weddings are wonderful events, but it’s important to follow guidelines to avoid making a bad impression or causing embarrassment for yourself and others.
Always remember to RSVP, avoid wearing white, keep your guest list in check, follow social media etiquette, bring an appropriate gift, spend within your means, behave appropriately, and offer to help.
By keeping essential tips for enjoying a wedding ceremony and reception, you’ll have a wonderful time.
Just saying!
If you have comments or a story to share, feel free to share them in the Comments section below. Your comments are greatly appreciated.
