We hope you love the products we recommend! Just so you know, Trendy Mami may collect a share of sales or other compensations from the links on this page.
–
Wedding season is in full swing for friends and family members alike! It’s always useful to review wedding etiquette for guests, no matter if it’s your first or you’ve been to many. It’s the bride’s wedding day, and you never want to do something that might offend her!
Wedding Etiquette for Guests
Follow the Invitation
Once you’ve received your invitation, it’s important wedding etiquette for guests to RSVP by the requested date. This helps the bride know how many people off of her wedding guest lists will be there.
Don’t assume that you can bring a plus one or that children can come. Pay attention to how the invitation was addressed to you. If it doesn’t say your name and guest or your name and family, then only you are invited.
A couple may prefer a child-free wedding to maintain formality. Additionally, they may not have room in the budget for guests they don’t know. Respect their decision when you RSVP.
When attending a wedding, it’s essential to respect the couple’s wishes outlined in the invitation. The Knot, a trusted wedding planning resource, suggests reading the details carefully, including dress code and RSVP deadlines. It ensures a seamless experience for the bride and groom on their special day.
Wedding Gift
It is proper wedding etiquette to purchase a gift for the happy couple before the ceremony. Many couples will put together registries with items that they need the most. Peruse their registry so that you can ensure that you get a meaningful gift that is within your price range. Or, get the couple a personalized gift that they’ll cherish forever!
Options we love include a personalized heart map or a cutting board engraved with their names. Send the gift to the address given on the couple’s registry. No need to bring the gift to the wedding! If you plan to give the couple a monetary gift, tuck it into a congratulations card.
Dress Code
Typically, your invitation will let you know what the dress code is. A sundress and wedge heels would be perfect for a casual afternoon wedding. However, if the wedding is an evening formal event, you’ll be expected to wear a long evening gown.
If you’re unsure about the dress code, the venue and the invitation design can sometimes give you some clues. One rule of thumb is to never wear white to a wedding. Make sure that your selected outfit doesn’t outdo the bride and take away from her moment. When in doubt about the dress code, reach out to the couple.
Arrive Early
A wedding is not the place to arrive fashionably late. Aim to get to the venue at least twenty to thirty minutes early. You’ll then have time to check out the venue, mingle with other guests, and make your way to your seat.
Unplug
Sometimes, couples will request to have a “technology-free” ceremony. Even if they don’t specifically say that, it is still proper etiquette to have your phone silenced during the ceremony. No one wants to hear your ringtone going off in the middle of the vows!
Be aware of the photographer, too. Even though you may want to get a picture of the bride and the groom, people can ruin the photographer’s shots. It’s better to hold off and take pictures with the happy couple during the reception.
Have Fun
It’s proper wedding etiquette that you attend both the ceremony and the reception. During the reception, have fun! Go out and dance, enjoy the photo booth, sign the guest book, and eat cake! The couple has put everything together and wants to see their guests enjoying themselves.
While having a good time at the reception, make sure you don’t hog time with the bride and groom. Keep in mind that everyone there wants a chance to congratulate them. The couple also might want to enjoy time together as husband and wife.
Get Ready for Wedding Season
Weddings are meant to be a fun celebration for the new couple. Follow these wedding etiquette for guests tips and you’re bound to have an amazing time, and the bride will be happy.
If you need more ideas for outfits, check out our list of summer wedding guest outfits. And while you’re shopping, grab yourself some jewelry so you can accessorize. You can also get your nails done with the latest manicure trends. Enjoy the wedding!
