Weddings are a joyous celebration of love and commitment between two people. It’s a special day for the couple. As a guest it’s important to remember that you are an integral part of the wedding and should adhere to proper guest etiquette. In this blog post we’ll discuss some important guest etiquette tips to follow when attending a wedding.

RSVP in a Timely Manner RSVPing to a wedding is crucial for planning purposes. The couple needs to know how many guests to expect so they can plan. RSVP as soon as possible and absolutely by the requested deadline. This allows the couple to plan – table assignments, catering, the number of wedding favors to order, etc. If you cannot attend, please let the couple know ASAP. They would prefer to know you will not be in attendance rather than not showing up at the last minute. Not only does it cause unnecessary stress and confusion on the day of, it also creates an awkward situation for the couple afterwards. Every empty chair is a cost that could have gone towards your honeymoon!

Arrive on Time It’s important to arrive at the wedding ceremony on time. Showing up too early can be just as disruptive as showing up too late. Arriving too early may mean the couple is still preparing and may not be ready for guests. It may also create additional stress for the couple, such as this bride who absolutely did not want to be seen by her guests.

On the other hand, arriving late may be disrespectful. You may miss important parts of the ceremony or cause a distraction by entering late. Being punctual not only shows respect for the couple’s schedule but also allows everyone to fully enjoy and participate in the celebration.

Don’t Bring Uninvited Guests It’s important to respect the couple’s wishes and only bring the guests which were explicitly invited. Bringing uninvited guests can cause an array of problems for the couple, including issues with seating arrangements, catering, and other logistical concerns. If you’re unsure about whether you can bring additional guests, it’s always best to ask the couple directly and honor their wishes.

Dress for the Occassion If you have set a style for your wedding, make it apparent to your guests. Your guests’ attire should be appropriate for the wedding you have planned. It’s important to dress modestly and avoid wearing anything that could be deemed inappropriate or distracting.

Your Guests should Be Patient The couple will have a specific timeline and plan for taking photos with family and the wedding party. It is crucial to respect their wishes and allow them to take their time. While waiting for the couple to finish taking photos can be tedious, it’s important not to rush them or ask them to hurry up.

Respect The Reveal Be respectful of the couple’s wishes and do not enter the reception space before they have had a chance to see it. The reception space is a significant part of the wedding day, and the couple may have specific decorations or arrangements that they want to keep a surprise until the reception.

Wait For The Slice Wedding cakes are a significant part of the reception. The couple will save the cutting of the cake as a special moment for themselves and their guests. It’s as simple as that.

Be Respectful of the Couple’s Wishes If the couple requests that no photos be taken during the ceremony or reception, it’s important to honor their wishes. It’s their special day, and they deserve to have it celebrated in the way that they choose.

Attending a wedding is a privilege, and it’s important to adhere to proper guest etiquette. By following these simple guidelines, you can help make the couple’s special day one they’ll always cherish.