Weddings are meant to be a celebration of the happy couple as they enter a new chapter of their life together. However, all it takes is a few wayward guests to make the event stressful and tarnish the joy of the celebration. While you can’t control the actions of others, you can ensure that you bring nothing but happiness to the big day. Here are five tips for being an amazing wedding guest.
5 Tips for Being an Amazing Wedding Guest
Note the Dress Code
When you’re invited to a wedding, one of the first things you should be looking for is the dress code. Many couples will include the dress code on the invitations if they have expectations about attire. If they don’t clearly specify, you can usually piece it together based on your knowledge of the couple and the venue. Here are some wedding guest dresses from AW Bridal.
If the wedding is taking place at a church, semi-formal clothing is standard. Women should bring something to cover their shoulders as some churches deem it necessary. If you’re attending a cultural wedding, take some time to review their attire expectations. For example, if you’re attending an Indian wedding, you could peruse formal wear from Nihal Fashions to get a better idea of what to expect.
If you’re attending an outdoor wedding, prepare to brave the elements. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, an umbrella, and layers to be ready for anything.
RSVP ASAP
RSVP before the deadline if you want to be a great wedding guest. The couple needs this information to confirm numbers with their caterer and plan for seating arrangements. As wedding meals can cost anywhere from $50 to $200 per person, it’s essential that you RSVP on time.
Put the Phone Away
We live in a plugged-in society where holding a smartphone is second nature. Be a good wedding guest by putting your phone away for the reception. In fact, don’t even bring it with you from the vehicle.
Many couples are moving toward unplugged ceremonies as photographers and videographers continue to speak out about Instagrammers ruining their shots. As that first kiss is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, there are no reshoots. Don’t be the person who ruins the thousand-dollar wedding photo package.
Don’t Ask for Exceptions
Understand that the couple has a tough job of balancing the budget or venue capacity with the guest list. If you aren’t given a plus one, don’t ask for one. Additionally, if your children aren’t on the list, don’t ask to bring them.
There are many venues with licensing issues that don’t allow children in— use this opportunity as a date night! Furthermore, couples are dealing with the impacts of the Coronavirus pandemic and have to be extra cautious when crafting a guest list.
Here’s a good rule of thumb for being a great wedding guest: the only exception you should be asking about is if you have any food allergies.
Go with the Flow
Weddings rarely run on time; such is the nature of big events. Instead of getting impatient or cynical about the day, just go with the flow and enjoy it to the best of your ability. If there’s more down-time than you initially expected, create some entertainment by mingling and conversing with other guests. If you know there will be a big gap between the ceremony and reception, make a plan to fill the time.
Couples do their best to keep everything running on time and stress for months about things going wrong. Be a champion for the couple and keep the vibes upbeat and relaxed.
Being a great wedding guest means being a positive highlight on someone’s big day. Remember that it’s not about you and make decisions based on that framework.