Guest Etiquette

Things the Ideal Wedding Guest SHOULD Remember:
Don’t be late!

If a wedding invitation says that the ceremony will begin at 5, be sure to arrive there by 4:45 so as to give yourself time to find a seat and get settled.

Avoid taking photographs during the ceremony. Leave that to the professionals and respect the sanctity of the ritual in front of you.

You don’t need to bring a gift with you to the wedding. In fact, you have up until a year after the wedding to give a gift. Bringing a gift with you means that someone in the wedding party will have to worry about how to get it home.

If you are unable to attend the wedding, it is customary to still send a wedding gift.

Don’t bring a date unless your invitation specifically says “+ Guest” Remember that the cost for each person attending a wedding is generally very high, so bringing unexpected guests is very impolite.

Many ceremonies have parts where the congregation alternately stands and sits. The program or officiant may tell you when to do so; if not, follow the lead of others around you. If you are physically unable to stand, remain quietly seated.

RSVP promptly. The couple will be making many decisions based on the number of people who will be there.

Additionally, if you must cancel after you’ve accepted, do so as soon as possible.

While a wedding is a time to enjoy yourself, no one appreciates a drunk guest embarrassing themselves. Drink alcohol in moderation.

From Nina Callaway