What Every Guest at a Wedding Needs to Know!

Sharon Naylor, the Emily Post institute and I concur that there are certain do’s and don’t’s for guests attending a wedding. Some are surely obvious; but reminders can’t hurt.

Let’s begin with the Do’s

…RSVP! Do this as soon as possible. Why? It’s essential to determining how much the wedding will cost. Most of the wedding expense is dictated by the numbers on the guest list.

…If you are invited to the ceremony, don’t just show up for the reception. The ceremony takes priority over the party. It is considered poor taste to show up to the open bar without first attending the main event.

…Dress as the style of the invitation suggests. If the invite has a casual feel, we’re not talking long fancy dresses. If that invitation is all formal in style, we’re probably not talking sun dresses and flip flops. If unsure, ask someone familiar with the wedding, like a bridesmaid. Don’t bother the bride..she has her own dress to worry about.

…arrive at the ceremony on time. Allow enough time to include getting lost or held up in traffic. If you do arrive late, protocol states that you only slip into a back pew once the processional is completely finished.

…Send a gift even if you don’t attend. Etiquette dictates that if you were invited, you own the couple a gift, even if you can’t make it to the wedding.
And, always shop from the registry.

…Sit at your assigned table. A lot of thought and time goes into these seating arrangements.

…Bring an approximate guest, only if you have actually been invited with a guest.

Tune in for the Don’t’s in next post!!!

Add a comment July 30, 2014

I’m Back!

Wedding and event planning curriculum for Ashworth College (online) has kept me away from my blog posts. I am back and will soon begin some short tips on wedding etiquette for both the wedding party and the guests. Stay tuned in!

Add a comment July 15, 2014