Wedding, it is a celebration of love and mutual connection. A celebration of entering a new stage of life. It is also an excellent opportunity to have a good time. And also an opportunity to get properly embarrassed for decades.
While weddings make for perfect stories that are remembered with a smile, you may not want to be one of the main characters in those stories.
We've compiled the points of basic wedding etiquette. If you +/- stick to them, you should stay off the list of main performers of embarrassingly funny wedding stories.
Confirm your attendance (RSVP) early
Not confirming your attendance and just showing up to a wedding is a really serious faux pas. A wedding is mostly a long-planned process, associated with the preparation of the wedding list, venues, seating arrangements and last but not least, associated with costs. Respond to the wedding invitation on time and as soon as possible. Confirm the number of guests and children (unless the invitation specifically excludes the presence of children).
Adhere to the number of guests announced by RSVP
If you have declined attendance, it is not fair to just show up at the wedding. It is also not appropriate to confirm your attendance just a few days before the wedding. Do not bring an extra guest unless you have RSVP'd or otherwise made arrangements directly with both fiancés.
Please observe the dress code
Not all weddings have a set dress code, but if the engagement party has set one, respect it. As far as the dress code in general is concerned, the following rules apply:
- Guests are not to arrive in white or shades of white (champagne, sand, beige, etc.) unless the fiancés have specifically designated it. White should also be omitted if you know that the bride will not be wearing a white dress. This is a sort of sign of respect for the bride and groom.
- Avoid overly extravagant clothing that draws attention to the guest.
- Jeans, denim pieces do not belong at a wedding.
- Clothes should match the place where the ceremony or wedding is taking place. If it is taking place in a church, it is advisable to have your shoulders covered.
Bring a wedding gift
Although not required by the betrothed, wedding etiquette includes bringing a wedding gift. In one of our recent posts, we published a ranking of inappropriate wedding gifts (SEE POST). For inspiration, we bring you some good tips on wedding gifts in this blog.
In addition to physical gifts, it is also possible to donate a voucher for a purchase at Berndorf's. For more information, please call +421 45 68 44 328.
Don't take pictures of the ceremony with your own phone or camera (unless the bride and groom have specifically asked you to do so)
The fiancés have probably hired a professional photographer. Therefore, do not try to catch the best shot with your own camera. You may inadvertently walk into a professional photographer's shot at the least opportune moment. You may also inadvertently obstruct the view of other guests. Unless your fiancés have asked you to do so, enjoy the moment of being and leave the photography to others.
It's perfectly fine to take a few private shots for your own purposes. However, always make sure you're not standing in the way of a pro photographer.
Use social media wisely and according to your fiancé's wishes
Unless the bride and groom have specifically asked you to do so, don't post photos on social media before they do. Definitely do not share the wedding on social networks live (live streaming). If the couple has any special wishes regarding posting on social media, respect them. For example, if they do not wish to list the wedding location, tag (tag) guests, etc.
Social media disclosure is a sensitive topic and goes both ways. I.e., even fiancés/newlyweds should not post photos of you unless you want them to.
Keep negative comments to yourself
Complaining, gossiping, commenting on shortcomings won't do anyone any good. No one cares what flowers you would have chosen, whether a given colour of tablecloth is appropriate or what you think of the bride's dress. Keep inappropriate remarks to yourself.
However, if you discover a flaw that needs to be corrected, it's definitely a good idea to bring it to the wedding coordinator's attention.
Don't draw attention to your side
Weddings really aren't the appropriate event for announcing your engagement or announcing that you're expecting a baby. Save those big milestones in your life for another time. Let the bride and groom shine on this day.
"Hands up" yes, but responsibly
Everyone wants to have a good time at a wedding. However, there is no need to overdo it with alcohol. Know your limits. The last thing a pair of newlyweds are looking for is to deal with drunken guests.
Silence your mobile phone
Especially during the official parts of the wedding. The phone can ring at the most inopportune times. Don't spoil the ceremony for the newlyweds and don't embarrass yourself. Instead, put your phone on silent. Ideally, put it down completely and enjoy being present.
Even special guest requests have their own rules
If you're vegan, vegetarian, celiac, need special accommodations or handicapped parking, let your fiancé know as soon as possible.
The wedding is not supposed to be about you, so keep your special requests to a minimum so they don't inconvenience the fiancé or other guests.
Don't really do this:
- don't give the DJ your playlist/playlist,
- don't give the DJ your wedding song to play,
- don't move tables and chairs without the knowledge of the wedding coordinator or the newlyweds,
- don't arrange the table settings to suit yourself,
- don't customize your decorations.
Be helpful if you need to
Even if you're invited as a guest, it doesn't mean you're just there to have fun. If a helping hand is needed, be sure to offer it sincerely. Whether you need to run to the store for something last minute, soothe a crying baby, sew on a button, find one of the guests...even a seemingly small act of help can save a wedding day.
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When preparing for a wedding, many people pay attention to the wedding table until the end, possibly leaving it to the restaurant staff. For what wedding dining includes and inspiration on how to make wedding dining more interesting, see the blog >> Wedding Dining.
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Enjoy a wonderful time spent with family and friends at your wedding. Make this day as beautiful as possible for the newlyweds. After all, we all want as many positive things as possible to remain in our memories.
