It seems to happen every spring: the wedding invites start rolling in and before you know it, nearly every other weekend throughout spring and summer is booked with weddings. From relatives to close family friends, coworkers and even new friends – the invites come in waves – and you have to be prepared. As a guest you not only need enough wedding attire to get you through the season, but you also need to know the etiquette – the do’s and the don’ts of getting through wedding season. Not sure what to do, even down to the RSVP? Keep reading to find out.
Wedding Guest Etiquette: 6 Do’s & Don’ts
#1. Do I really have to RSVP? Absolutely. A wedding is not the time to be on the fence about whether or not you’ll attend. In fact, as soon as you know you should return the RSVP – it will help the bride and groom keep their headcount and budget on track.
#2. Can I bring a date? This one is absolutely not to be assumed. You can count on the fact that the bride and groom are counting every single attendee – and even one extra – could definitely throw them off. If your invite does not specifically state “and guest,” you should be prepared to fly solo for this one. No worries, though – you’ll have a great time dancing the night away with all the other singles.
#3. How do I know what to wear? If you’re unsure of the dress code for the wedding, look up the venue and try to get a sense for what the style is. Here’s the thing: it’s definitely an occasion to get dressed up for, no matter what. If you’re unsure, go with a dress…and for guys, a blazer and slacks or a suit. But always, no matter what – do not wear white. White is for the bride and the bride only.
#4. Should I bring my wedding gift to the wedding? If the couple is registered, why not go ahead and purchase the gift ahead of time? Guaranteed if it’s on their registry it’s definitely something they want or need – and will be delighted to have it. And, they’ll be even more delighted when it’s delivered right to their doorstep so they don’t have to worry about lugging it home afterwards. If your gift is monetary, go ahead and bring the card to the wedding, there will most certainly be many other guests doing the same.
#5. What if I am running late? If there’s any event you should aim to be on time for, it’s a wedding. Go ahead and set up your day so that you arrive at least a half an hour early – this will ensure you’re seated and ready the moment the bride starts walking down the aisle.
#6. Have fun! There’s nothing worse than a mopey wedding guest – so above all – put on a big smile, join in the celebration and let your hair down. It’s a wedding and it’s absolutely worth celebrating.
Do you have a big list of weddings to attend this season? Are you prepared with RSVPs, gifts and dresses?
