Wedding guest etiquette
I was in a wedding party this past weekend and this got me thinking of some good advice for wedding guests.
Arrive early
Some people like to arrive at weddings 30 minutes or longer before. I see this as largely unnecessary unless you know the bride and groom or their families well enough and you expect they will be asking you to do any last minute things. Otherwise, arriving 10-15 minutes before the ceremony is expected to start is just perfect. This gives you just enough time to find a seat, mingle with some friends or acquaintances that are also at the event, and get your camera ready to snap some photos.
Your cellphones/beepers/PDAs have the right to remain silent
There is nothing more jarring than observing a beautiful ceremony and during a key part, the jarring ring of a cellphone interrupts the ceremony. If you must have and leave your cellular telephone on, please set it on silent or vibrate, at least for the wedding ceremony.
Get your objections out of the way earlyAlthough the wedding I attended did not ask if there was anybody at the wedding who objected to the couple marrying, if you do have some serious objections to the union, objections that would truly in your opinion affect the decision to marry, get it out sooner rather than later. Having an open discussion may prove to be enlightening for all parties involved.
Save drunken behaviour for never your home
Some weddings have open bars, which can be a recipe for disaster as people who have alcohol regularly suddenly act like the concept of having an unlimited alcohol supply let it get to them. Think of how horrible you’d feel if numerous pictures of you were captured where you’re doing stupid things, or worse, if the bride and groom notice your behaviour.
Take interest and participate
For one night, throw aside your selfconsciousness on your ability to dance, and get on the dance floor. Have a good time, be enthusiastic and participate in all the different things that are planned by the wedding party for you as guest.
Mix and mingle
Despite there being a large number of people, mingling at a large event can be done. If there is a cocktail hour, give in to the temptation to stand by yourself and go introduce you to people, making sure you ask who they’re there for and how they know the bride and/or groom.
wedding, guest, guests, etiquette
June 20th, 2007 at 10:20 am
How about the rude guests from his side of the family who got lost and told us our directions sucked? They missed the ceremony. Funny - all the other 110 people made it. On time.
June 15th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
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