The Do's and Don'ts of being a wedding Guest

Have you been invited to a wedding this year?  Ever wonder what the Etiquette rules are for being a guest?  Here are 20 Do's and Don'ts for being a guest at a wedding

 

Do

 

Rsvp right away...the couple have decisions to make based on numbers, if you have to cancel do that immediately too.

 

Don't

 

Make dietary requests unless it has been solicited

 

Don't

 

Feel obligated to bring a gift to the engagement party

 

Don't

 

Ask the Bride to be a bridesmaid.  There may be circumstances beyond her control, so don't take it personally if she doesn't choose you.

 

Don't

 

Pester the happy couple with all of your pre wedding questions.  Ask the members of the wedding party of consult their wedding website.

 

Don't

 

Ask for help with your hotel bill.  Even if you are flying in from another province, the couple is not required to pay for it.

 

Do

 

Purchase items from the wedding registry and make selections based on your relationship with the couple.

 

Do

 

Send a gift even if you can't make it to the wedding

 

Don't

 

Bring a guest unless the invitation suggests otherwise, this includes children

 

Don't

 

Wear white, Ivory is ok so is black

 

Do

 

Bring a shall or a pashmina if you have a strapless dress (unless the wedding is outdoors in the summer)

 

Don't

 

Bring your gift to the ceremony. You have up to one year to send something (although it is best to send it as close to the wedding as possible)

 

Do

 

Wait for a cue from the wedding or venue coordinator if you are late and the processional has already started for the ceremony

 

Do

 

Remember to turn off your cell phone during the ceremony

 

Don't

 

Take pictures during the ceremony, your flash might interfere with the professional photographer.

 

Do

 

Remain respectful even if you do not take part in the religious ceremony

 

Don't

 

Go crazy at the buffet table, there are a lot of guests who need to eat

 

Do

 

Wait for the couple to have their first dance before you hit the dance floor, even if the music is calling.  The couples get the honour of the first dance.

 

Don't

 

Just talk to your date, engage with everyone at your table in polite conversation even if you don't know them.

 

Do

 

Call or write the couple to see if your gift has arrived safely if you have not received a thank-you within two months.