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There is usually a good level of behavior among wedding guests, making sure the couple receives all of the attention, avoiding excessive drinking, and looking attentive during speeches. However, there may be one or two guests who will be talked about for days for their lack of proper decorum.
To ensure that no one from the wedding remembers you for the wrong reasons, pay close attention to this list of things you should NEVER do at a wedding as a wedding guest.
1. Replying Late or Not Replying to RSVPs at All
The couple has a long list of things to do and doesn’t have much time or energy to chase guests to RSVP. Do the polite thing and reply to the invitation as soon as possible. It’s best to reply within two weeks of receiving the invitation.
The couple probably has a list of backup guests. Replying early to the invitation will allow the couple to plan how many more guests they can accommodate and which from the backup guest list should be invited.
Plus, there’s the seating chart to be made, which can only be done once guests have confirmed their attendance.
2. Not Following the Dress Code
Dress accordingly by following the dress code. The dress code for a black-tie event in a ballroom will differ from the dress code for a morning garden or beach wedding.
If you’re unsure of what the dress code requires, then read up on the dress codes and what they mean. Alternatively, you can call up the mother of the bride, the wedding planner if there is one, or a member of the entourage to ask what would be the appropriate outfit.
3. Wearing a White Dress
It seems that there will be one female guest who will show up in a white dress, probably thinking that the no-white rule on ladies no longer applies.
Off-white, palest yellow, and sometimes even blues are no-nos at a wedding. These outfits are better worn for different occasions. No bride wants to see another female guest looking like she would be walking the aisle too.
4. Bringing a Plus One
Don’t bring a date unless you have been expressly told that you can. It will cause inconvenience and wreak havoc on the seating arrangements both at the ceremony and the reception.
Don’t go asking the bride or groom for a plus one if it’s not offered. If you’re already engaged, cohabiting, or married to your partner, then your significant other is likely to be invited. If not, just keep in mind that the couple has to stick to the budget and another guest will add to the costs.
If you have been allowed to bring another guest, make sure to bring someone who is enjoyable and of course, well-behaved. The last thing you want is to babysit and be stuck talking to your guest the entire occasion.
Likewise, don’t bring anyone who cannot control his or her alcohol consumption as drunk guests tend to embarrass themselves.
5. Being Disrespectful
If the wedding includes a religious ceremony, then make sure to be respectful of the event. You may want to reconsider shooting off your cleavage or covering your head as required for guests.
Plus, do your best to honor the couple’s wishes. If you have been invited to the ceremony, don’t skip it and only show up at the reception.
Long religious services or ceremonies may not be your cup of tea, but the couple wishes you to be there. So, do your best to honor their request.
6. Letting Your Kids Have Their Way
Some couples want to have your whole family at their weddings including your kids while others don’t. Check out the invitation if you are allowed to bring your kids.
For example, if the invite is addressed to “The Jones Family”, then the little ones can come along. However, if the invite is addressed to “Mr. And Mrs. Jones” then leave the little ones at home.
If you are allowed and will be bringing your kids to the wedding, be mindful and considerate. When the child starts crying and screaming during the ceremony, then calmly take him or her elsewhere. Don’t just sit there and let your children steal the couple’s thunder or worse, interrupt the ceremony entirely.
7. Changing Seats
Guests may be unhappy with the seating arrangement during the ceremony or reception. Or perhaps they’d prefer to sit with other friends than their current tablemates.
However, guests should keep in mind that the couple went through so much trouble preparing the seating arrangements. Changing seats last minute might only lead to problems later on.
Simply enjoy your food, try to make new friends, or stay quiet and polite even if you’re no longer having a good time.
8. Not Unplugging During the Event
Be mindful of your phone etiquette.
For one, don’t take photos or videos of the bride and post them online before she walks down the aisle. Otherwise, you will be spoiling the fun and the mystery of the bride.
Plus, make sure your phone is on silent mode during the ceremony. Any guest should be embarrassed if their phone rings anytime during the wedding ceremony especially if the ringtone is a unique one.
You might think twice too about taking photos or videos during the wedding ceremony. A bunch of phones all over the ceremony tends to make the moment less magical.
Guests should consider that the couple have hired a professional photographer and/or videographer to capture the moments. As such, you may just want to hide that phone and focus on the couple as they say their “I dos”.
Likewise, make sure to join the festivities during the reception rather than staring into your phone for hours. If you must make or take a phone call, then quietly step out of the venue.
9. Being Too Rowdy or Drunk
The bride and groom want their guests to have fun and so should you. But be sure to be mindful of how you have fun.
The couple may have prepared an open bar. But this isn’t an excuse for you to spend all the time sipping free wine, beer, or cocktails. Control your alcohol consumption or else you might end up embarrassing yourself and the newlyweds.
If you end up being too tipsy so much earlier then get yourself home.
10. Being Too Aggressive During Games
Perhaps you are really eager to be the next groom or bride. Your enthusiasm, however, isn’t an excuse to be aggressive during the singles games like garter or bouquet toss.
Do not push or tackle other guests in the hope of getting the bouquet or garter.
And, if on the other hand, you dislike these single games, then just play along – it’s not about you. Don’t make a scene refusing to be part of the games.
11. Rushing Off too Quickly
You may have a long journey back home or perhaps you are exceptionally exhausted as you attend the ceremony and the reception. However, consider staying until the couple has cut the cake or until the end of the program. You can then again express your best wishes to the couple and say your thank you’s and goodbyes.
In the end, consider that the bride and groom have spent months and perhaps even years planning and preparing for their wedding. It is a celebration of their love and they wish to share it with family and friends. And if you’re one of the lucky ones invited, the least you can do is enjoy the wedding responsibly and sensibly.
Wrapping Up
At the end of the day, it’s not rocket science. Simply behave towards the couple as you would wish others to behave towards you if it was you getting married. By being considerate of the couple’s feelings and requests, you’re making life easy for the couple and showing them that you care and appreciate their invitation.
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