Wedding Guest Do's and Don'ts
You just received an invitation to a wedding. This officially makes you a potential wedding guest. Being a guest at a wedding is an honor. It means that couple sincerely values you and wants you to take part in their special celebration. It also means that bride is willing to pay anywhere from $30 to $50 dollars for you to enjoy a night of eating and dancing.
Being a guest at a wedding comes with a few responsibilities. Every family dealing with a wedding is under enormous stress trying to complete everything on time and ensure all of their numbers are right. As a guest, you have such a simple job to do. But, more often than not, guests end up causing more stress for brides and their families. If you're invited as someone's wedding guest, follow these simple guidelines to ensure you don't end up on the bride's bad side.
DO Respond to the invitation before the cutoff date
Brides include a cutoff date for a reason. They need enough time to order the food, the plates, the chairs, the drinks, the tables and more. The cutoff date is very important and trying to respond after or showing up without responding destroys all prior planning. It only takes a moment to respond so just do it and do it on time.
DON'T Show up late and try to get in
Showing up late to a wedding is a big no. Showing up late and trying to walk in ruins the most important part of the wedding: the bridal march. If you try to get inside in front of the bride, I guarantee she will never speak to you again. If you end up being late, make sure to wait until her big reveal is over and walk in quietly while everyone else is staring at the joined couple.
DO Buy off the registry list
Brides spend a lot of time putting together their registry and typically they put things they really need on there. Buying off the registry when so many items have not been provided yet is insulting. They make it so easy for you to buy a gift. They've already picked the gift and set it up for an easy purchase. Why make it harder on yourself by looking for something elsewhere?
DON'T Show up empty-handed
The average cost of a wedding in the united states is around $25,000. If you're invited, that means a bride has added the cost of your food, your chair, and your place at the table into that budget. You can afford a simple gift card or a small gift for her and her new husband. After spending all of that money, they probably need help with a few things so don't show up empty-handed.
DO Dress appropriately
Jeans to a wedding, unless specified, is just not okay. And do not under any circumstance wear white. Dress appropriately and don't draw attention to yourself over the bride. This is her day, not yours. Let her have the spotlight and remember that your dress probably only costs $30 while hers costs upwards of $2000 or more.
DON'T Make a fool of yourself
If a bride gives you a bar, you better give her some respect. Serving alcohol is a major risk at weddings. Anything you puke on or anything you break is her liability. I know my venue provides a cleaning service, but if anyone pukes, IT'S ME who has to clean it up. Most venues refuse to handle issues caused by drunk people so behave and don't make a new bride have to worry about cleaning up your mess after her most special day.
DO Dance when the music starts
If a bride gives you a dance floor, you've gotta dance! They have to actually pay for a dance floor so if you don't dance, they waste money. Weddings are one of the only times that you, as an adult, get to dance and have a good time. Don't let that go to waste!
DON'T Switch tables when there's assigned seating
Brides spend a lot of time trying to place people at the perfect table. They also have a seating chart for a reason. Seating charts ensure that everyone has a place just for them and they give guests a direction to go so they aren't just roaming around for 20 minutes looking for a spot.
DO Have a good time
Weddings are a lot of fun. Catch up with old friends, celebrate a beautiful couple, and relax a little. This is a time to unwind and forget about work for a bit. Don't sit there with a frown on your face. Enjoy the dancing and the food and let loose.
