What every wedding guest should know!
As a multi-award-winning UK wedding event planner, I could share some horror stories that I’ve experienced over the years of planning weddings of wedding guests misbehaving! Of course, as a professional, my lips are sealed, but I would love to share a few do’s and don’ts if you’re attending a wedding as a guest this season!
There’s no doubt that attending a wedding as a wedding guest can be a minefield. Breaking wedding etiquette is a no-no, and causing unnecessary worry pr stress for the couple planning a wedding should be avoided at all costs!
So, here are the top things every wedding guest should know!
Wedding Guest Etiquette – Pre-wedding
Firstly, It goes without saying that you should NEVER ask for a plus one. If your invitation is directed to you, it means that you and you alone are invited. There are many reasons why a couple may not allow guests to invite a plus one – planning a wedding is an expensive endeavour, often wedding venues limit capacity, or simply, the couple wishes to share their wedding day only with their nearest and dearest.
Be grateful for the invitation, and whatever you do, RSVP on time, please!
Wedding Guest Etiquette – On the wedding day
I can tell you that so many wedding guests believe it’s acceptable to text or call the bride on the day of her wedding. DON’T DO THIS, EVER! If you haven’t taken note of the vital information on your wedding invitation or wedding website, that’s on you, not the couple who are about to get married. Take the time to ensure you have all of the information you need at least two weeks before the wedding so that the bride (and groom) can enjoy their special day without interruption.
Arrive on time for the wedding ceremony! – No sneaking into the back late, and no arriving hideously early either. Thirty minutes before the ceremony (unless you’re told otherwise) is just about right.
During the ceremony, stay out of the aisle and please avoid taking photographs when the professional wedding photographer is trying to work! So many wedding pictures have peoples iPhones ruining the big moment, don’t be the wedding guest to do this!
Be present. This is your friend or family members big moment; enjoy watching the couple get married.
Wedding Guest tips!
Dress appropriately! It goes without saying that you should never wear white (again, unless requested by the couple planning a wedding) and take into account the style of the wedding venue and surroundings. For example, if the couple is hosting a marquee wedding, tipi wedding or outdoor wedding, wearing stilettos may not be a wise idea! Summer evenings can still get chilly, so be prepared and pack a cardi or light coat for the evening.
Finally, the couple planning a wedding want you to have an amazing time at their wedding, but please, keep it PG! Nobody wants to be the person carried out of the wedding for drinking too much booze or starting arguments. Whatever you do, have fun, but behave! This is your loved ones wedding day, celebrate it in style with them!
I hope these quick tips for wedding guests have given you a little food for thought, and if you have any wedding planning advice or tips that I can share with One Curious Dream blog followers, get in touch!
In the meantime, if you’d like to find out more about my wedding planning services, why not get in touch to book your complimentary wedding consultation?
You can reach me on 0800 772 0765 or [email protected] or book a free wedding consultation with me here.
As an independent Wedding Planner, I’m not tied to recommending specific venues or suppliers, so you’ll always have access to the very best of the best across the industry, allowing us to produce a personal, unique wedding that’s designed just for you.
I don’t accept commission or referral fees from wedding venues or suppliers either, so you can always be sure that my recommendations are made with your very best interests at heart.
In the meantime, keep up to date with my wedding planning adventures on Instagram!
