R-E-S-P-E-C-TWeddings come in all shapes and sizes and you may even witness weddings that have different traditions, customs or religions than you are familiar or not familiar with. While you aren’t expected to participate in those rituals at a wedding, be respectful, mindful, and follow the lead of those family members and friends who are participating. You can show respect to the wedding couple by keeping your opinions and thoughts to yourself. It is not your job as a wedding guest to criticize how or what happens at their wedding.
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UnplugLet’s all pretend we are at the movies or church and silence our cell phones so we aren’t distracting others around us. More times than not, the officiant or a sign walking into the wedding will request that you do not to use your cell phone during the ceremony. The couple has hired professional photographers and it likely is one of their bigger spends, so it is very important that you’re not seen with your cell phone in the air obstructing the professional. Just a friendly reminder that making phone calls, texting, or watching the big game during the ceremony is something that you should also avoid. |
Be seated
Maybe you know a lot of other wedding guests, and maybe you don’t know anyone, but but socializing is one of the best parts about weddings. Between cocktail hour and dinner, the bride and groom want to encourage everyone to get acquainted. In fact, you already have something in common with everyone - you all know the couple in one way or another!
If you are married, then you know how stressful and how much time seating charts can take! As a guest, check the seating chart and sit where you're supposed to, then introduce yourself to those that you may not know at your table. If there's a specific seating arrangement, the couple probably put you with people they thought you'd enjoy talking to, so start talking, and enjoy yourself! Whatever you do, do NOT move your chair and change your seating assignment; doing something like this can completely change the dynamic of the reception and cause several hiccups when it comes to dinner service.
If you are married, then you know how stressful and how much time seating charts can take! As a guest, check the seating chart and sit where you're supposed to, then introduce yourself to those that you may not know at your table. If there's a specific seating arrangement, the couple probably put you with people they thought you'd enjoy talking to, so start talking, and enjoy yourself! Whatever you do, do NOT move your chair and change your seating assignment; doing something like this can completely change the dynamic of the reception and cause several hiccups when it comes to dinner service.
Because no great story started with a salad
The best, yet very tempting, words of a wedding… open bar. I think we can all agree that the only person that should be talked about on wedding night is the couple. If you’re being talked about post-wedding, chances are it isn’t going to be good. Pace yourself and be sure to hydrate in between drinks. Take advantage of the appetizers, dinner and cake the couple has provided for you. If you’re not invited to give a toast, don’t invite yourself. After dinner, don’t be afraid to swap out your last cocktails for coffee and take advantage of any late night snacks! If the bar tells you enough is enough, trust their judgment and keep that between you and the bartenders; no body wants to have to defend their decision after it has been made.
Dance, dance, dance!
After the rings have been exchanged, the vows have been shared, the dinner has been served and toasts have been given, it is time to hit the dance floor! Dancing can be the BEST part of the wedding and your chance to finally let loose. Follow the lead of the couple, of course after their first dances have happened. Try to let the DJ control the crowd and dance floor and limit your requests, after all this isn’t a dance party just for you.
Na Na Na Na, Goodbye!Not sure when to say your goodbyes? Wedding receptions typically last 3-5 hours and near the end of it, the DJ usually makes it known with some last dance announcements, last call, or a grand exit. The “best” time to leave is after the couple cuts the cake, but if you want to catch some more time to mingle, grab a drink and hit the dance floor post-cake cutting! Once you are ready to head out, it’s a nice gesture to thank and say goodbye to the couple, or their parents. If you decide to stay until the very end of the reception, it is always the grandest gesture to ask the couple, parents, or planners if they need any help package anything up or taking things out as you exit. SUCCESS!Wedding guest etiquette isn’t rocket science, but there is a lot more to it than people are told. Try your best to be respectful and polite, but still social, welcomed, and fun guest. The newlyweds put a lot of time and energy into perfecting their special day and the best way that we recommend showing your gratitude is to show them how much you appreciate the invitation to their big day. Now onto the next wedding! |