Wedding Guest Etiquette 101

Wedding season is in full swing, which means you'll be invited to a wedding or two this year! Weddings are a fun way to celebrate love, life, and new beginnings. But if you've never been invited to a wedding before or unfamiliar with wedding etiquette, it can be hard to know what is expected of guests. That's where we come in! Below are essential tips for guests to follow when attending weddings:

RSVP Promptly

Not RSVPing on time is a major faux pas! Don't assume that just because you're a close family member or friend the couple knows you will be able to attend. Even if you are not able to make it, let them know as soon as possible. It’s also important that you respond with an actual “yes” or “no” instead of simply ignoring them altogether. That will ensure that your message gets through in a timely manner and allows them to make necessary changes with little hassle.

Dress Accordingly

One of the most important things to keep in mind when considering what you should wear to a wedding is the dress code. The bride and groom will have specified this in their invitation, if not, check out their wedding website. There is nothing wrong with wanting to make a statement, just make sure your outfit is appropriate.

You don't want to be the guest who shows up in a red ballgown, when the invitation clearly states "Black Formal Attire Requested". Also consider the venue and time of year when planning an outfit. If the couple is having a beach wedding, there is no need to wear your six inch stiletto's.

Arrive on Time

Being "fashionably late" to someone's wedding is rude and tacky. Our pro tip is to always arrive earlier than the ceremony start time. If you plan on arriving time the ceremony is supposed to start, you will most likely have to stand outside the venue or ceremony space until the bridal processional concludes. If the bride and groom have been gracious enough to invite you, then arriving on time is expected and appreciated.

Prepare A Gift

When it comes to gift-giving etiquette use the couples registry as a starting point. Their registry exists for a reason, and they most likely spent a great deal of time deciding on what they wanted on it. If everything on their registry is already purchased or the couple doesn't have one, consider their needs. Couples who have already been living together for years, most likely are not in need of a pot set. Also remember that no gift is too small, everything the couple receives will be appreciated. Don't feel pressured to spend a certain dollar amount, if you can't afford it.

So, if you’ve been invited to a wedding, hopefully this blog has helped you understand what kind of etiquette is expected on the big day. After all, you're attending a wedding that's taking place on someone else's dime, it's only polite for you to follow some basic guidelines out of respect for the newlyweds.