Wedding guests raise a glass to the bride and groom
Whether you’re planning your own wedding or will be a wedding guest at a few nuptials this summer, you may not have spent too much time pondering potential questionable behaviour from wedding guests or as a guest yourself. If you’re not part of the wedding party, you probably think all you have to do when invited to a wedding is show up and look good. That’s not really the case, though. Keep in mind that taking part in a loved one’s wedding is a special honour and should be treated with respect and courteous behaviour.
So, how do you make sure you are the perfect wedding guest? Take a look at this list of 10 wedding guest faux pas and make sure you don’t make any of them!
1. Don’t arrive late to the ceremony
One of the primary goals of a good wedding planner is to have everything in your wedding run like flawless clockwork. Every moment is diligently planned to the minute. Take care to get your directions in order and arrive on time, if not early, for the ceremony.
2. Don’t drink too much
Open bars are a great wedding option, but they can be a little risky for certain guests. Sometimes guests drink excessively because they feel socially awkward, or they simply feel especially celebratory. Slightly tipsy wedding guests are no big deal, but if you find yourself tempted to drink to excess, keep in mind that consuming too much can quickly lead to indiscretions like accidentally making a scene, saying something rude, or wiping out on the dance floor. Drink in moderation.
3. Don’t wear a white dress
There’s one massive wedding guest fashion faux pas that women should definitely avoid —wearing white. It can be seen as stealing thunder from the bride, obviously, and nobody wants to do that (hopefully!). Unless it’s a themed event like an all-white celebration, be thoughtful and make sure you wear an outfit in any other colour.
4. Don’t bring an uninvited guest
If your wedding invitation doesn’t specify a plus-one, assume that it’s not cool to bring someone along. The cost of each wedding guest adds up, so if you show up with an unexpected date, you’re adding expense for the bride and groom. Also, there may not be enough food, drink, or seating for that extra person.
5. Don’t make any big, personal announcements
Whether you’re newly pregnant, engaged, or have some other happy news, don’t choose someone else’s wedding as the time to share with friends and family. Your intentions may be good, but it will look as though you’re stealing the couple’s thunder, as it were. This event is about them, not you.
6. Don’t stare at your phone screen all night
We’re all pretty fond of our iPhones and other devices, but it’s a big no-no to snub real, live people for the sake of scrolling Instagram all evening. Also, remember to turn your ringer off during the ceremony and speeches!
7. Don’t grab more than one wedding favour
There may be a table brimming with cool treats and favours to take home, but don’t take more than your share!
8. Don’t talk during the toasts
When the toasts and speeches begin, be respectful and stop chatting with your chums. Listening to the wedding party speeches (no matter how long they are) is generally expected and courteous.
Celebrate at the wedding reception, just make sure you don’t over-do it
9. Don’t put the moves on a member of the wedding party
What is it about wedding receptions that gets people romantic and looking for love if they don’t already have it? Weddings tend to bring out the inner romantic in us. Keep in mind, though, that if you’re interested in one of the groomsmen or bridesmaids, hitting on a wedding party member is tacky.
10. Lastly, don’t stay too late…
When the songs slow down and people start filtering out, that’s a good time to start wrapping things up and saying your goodbyes. By the end of the night, the bride and groom will want to start heading out to enjoy the rest of their night together!
Any other wedding guest faux pas you’ve witnessed or you would add to this list? Let us know!
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