Weddings are the perfect opportunity to celebrate love and happiness with your nearest and dearest, and they have never been more varied. Couples are choosing from a range of themes and ideas, with everything from a destination event to a festival-themed forest affair. Whatever kind of wedding you’re attending, intimate or grand, it’s important to be aware of basic etiquette and expectations to ensure you’re a considerate guest who adds to the joy.
Here are five key guidelines you can follow when attending any nuptials.
Do RSVP on Time – Don’t Keep Them Waiting
A simple yet effective way to help the happy couple with their arrangements is to respond to the invitation as soon as possible. This allows them to finalise a guest list and make plans with caterers and venues.
Deciding on a venue is a fundamental part of the planning process, and often these locations have strict deadlines for headcounts. So, although it’s easy to keep the invite stuck on the calendar gathering dust, not promptly informing your loved ones of your attendance can cause logistical headaches.
Of course, things crop up or you may have conflicting commitments. Inform the couple of any issues you have rather than keeping them in suspense.
Do Follow the Dress Code – Don’t Ignore It
Dressing for any formal occasion can be tricky. For weddings, it’s crucial to respect the couple’s wishes regarding dress code to avoid any fashion faux pas. When deciding on a wedding guest dress, a general rule of thumb is to dodge white or any shade that could be mistaken for the bride’s gown.
With many ceremonies taking place outside or in less conventional settings, you’ll want to make sure your outfit is both practical and weather appropriate. For example, a service held at a beach or countryside venue might require footwear that’s appropriate for uneven terrain rather than a pair of stilettos.
Remember, your look shouldn’t overshadow the newlyweds.
Do Be Punctual – Don’t Arrive Late
Punctuality is essential. Arriving late can disrupt the ceremony, cause inconvenience to the wedding party, and can draw unwanted attention to you which is always a little embarrassing. Get your timings sorted before the big day, whether that’s pre-booking a taxi or plotting a route to avoid traffic. Give yourself time to find your seat and settle in without rushing.
Sometimes we cannot plan for roadworks or an outfit disaster, so if your arrival is delayed, try to enter quietly without making a scene.
Do Participate in the Celebration – Don’t Overindulge
Your presence is part of the bride and groom’s special day, and they’ll want everyone to participate in the festivities. Help to spread joy and keep things lively by engaging with other guests, dancing, and joining in the speeches.
That said, moderation is needed. Don’t be tempted by excessive indulgence that can end in an embarrassing story the following morning or cause disruption to the celebrations.
Do Be Mindful of Social Media – Don’t Post Without Permission
Social media plays a big part in many weddings nowadays, but couples have different preferences when it comes to sharing details of the day. Some may encourage guests to post photos with a designated hashtag to serve as a digital photo album, while others choose to keep it private until they’ve had the chance to oversee the professional photos.
Recent trends in the UK are proving that more duos are requesting an ‘unplugged’ ceremony. Attendees are asked to refrain from using their phones and personal cameras during key parts of the event. The aim is to encourage everyone to live in the moment throughout the nuptials.