13 Things Not to do as a Wedding Guest
13 Things Not to do as a Wedding Guest
I feel like every bride has a horror story of a guest or family member that wasn’t on their best behavior during the wedding. Let’s all be the best wedding guests we can be!
1. Not respond to RSVPs
A lot of time and money goes into planning a wedding, make sure you respond whether you will be able to attend so they have an accurate number for the rentals & caterer!
2. Dress in White
This seems to be well known but we still see it at weddings. Do not try to outsmart this law by wearing ivory or light champagne attire, because that counts too! We hear pink tones are in style, you should try it.
3. Bring a plus one (if they didn’t get invited)
If the invitation doesn’t say someone else’s name or + guest, then DO NOT BRING A PLUS ONE. A wedding is very contingent on the guest count and additional guests not planned on can throw off a seating chart, catering numbers, bar numbers, place settings, chair numbers, and venue capacity limitations.
4. Don’t hit on people working
Photographers, DJs, planners, venue workers, catering staff, bar staff…..everyone has their own stories of intoxicated or pushy guests taking flirting a little too far. Be respectful, they are here to work. If you find someone attractive politely give them your number and let them respond if they feel inclined at a later date.
5. Ask the photographer about their gear
Or DJ or other vendors. It may seem like a harmless question, most days they are happy to chat about their professions. But again they are working, and it’s hard to stop what they are doing in the middle of a wedding day and have a chat about their equipment or gear. Just simply ask for their business card at the end of the wedding.
6. Interjecting your opinion
I have seen it one too many times where a family member or friend unknowingly says something snarky that was important to the couple. Or that the couple spent a lot of time getting together. Tell them thank you for the invitation, that they looked lovely and move on with your life, it may not be what you would have done but IT ISN’T YOUR WEDDING!
7. Over imbibe
Do not turn into the crazy drunk that steals the attention from the newlyweds. This is a wedding night, not a club. Drink with class and know your limitations. If you think you won’t be able to control yourself, then stick to the mocktails.
8. Using devices during the ceremony
Yes “influencers,” this also means you. You do not need to capture this moment because the bride and groom have already hired a professional photographer/videographer to take care of this task. So please, silence your phones, relax, and witness the lovebirds tie the knot. And if you truly need to use your device, kindly step out until you’re done.
9. Letting children run wild or bringing them when they weren’t invited
No one likes the aunt that brings all her uninvited kids to their wedding. Weddings are also meant for guests to enjoy them as well. There is no joy in running around after your kids rather than dancing or eating. So, hire a babysitter and enjoy the night off parenthood.
10. Don’t touch the desserts before the cake cutting
If you think sneaking one of the smaller sweets besides the cake like the doughnuts or cookies will go unnoticed, think again. The bride will be upset when taking her picture beside the cake only to notices the stand is half-eaten. We totally understand the temptation of this all, but just DON’T DO IT. It’s simply rude.
11. Ignore the couple’s requests
What happens when you ignore your bosses’ request? Yup, you will get fired. So, don’t jeopardize ruining your relationship with the couple. Trust us, grudges will be held. So be the good friend you are and follow directions. This includes listening to the wedding planner. The planner was hired by the couple to execute their dream wedding to their liking. So, if the planner tells you the bride does not what to throw flower petals, listen to her/him.
12. Compare it to another wedding or ask costs
Wedding ceremonies are very personal and hold lots of sentimental value. They also cost a lot of money and take up a lot of time. The least any respectful guest can do is attend the wedding without criticizing every detail. Do not sit there making comparisons to your wedding or so and so’s. And most importantly, DO NOT ASK how much ANYTHING costs. Just know they spent money on you, so be grateful and honored to have been invited.
13. Draw attention away from the couple
As they say, there is a time and place for everything. Meaning, a wedding is the only opportunity for any couple to celebrate their love with their friends and family. So please do not attempt to make any big announcements such as proposals or pregnancies. And if its grandpa John’s 90th birthday, wait till after the wedding to celebrate him. For the next wedding you attend, try not to create any drama and remember to follow all these rules.
