So you’ve been invited to a wedding. This unfortunately is not your day to shine, however following the below steps will lead you to become the perfect wedding guest, who will only make the lucky couples day easier and more enjoyable.
RSVP (on time!)
The invitation set a RSVP cut off date for a reason. Seats, drinks, dinner, cake — everything must be ordered and paid for based on number of attendees, and in a timely fashion, often months before the actual wedding date. If you miss the RSVP date, don’t be surprised if the couple have already counted you out.
Follow the dress code
Do not wear white. On any other given day, white might suit you best and accentuate your blue eyes and rosy cheeks — but not today. Wearing white, the same as the bride, is a sure-fire way of receiving your meal late or even not at all. There should be no competition on a bride’s special day. Wearing white will only cause unnecessary drama, and forfeit your right to a thank you letter or wedding favour. Not exactly the way to make friends.
Put down your iPhone
Don’t post photos until AFTER the wedding. While some weddings disallow photography other than the professional photographer(#UnpluggedWeddings), others perhaps haven’t given it a thought. As a courtesy, if you do take personal photos at the ceremony, keep them to yourself at least until after the groom has seen his bride for the first time. This moment is about them — not your Instagram followers.
Offer to help
And actually do it! No wedding is without its hiccups, but this shouldn’t be a burden on the newlyweds’ shoulders. It’s their day and night to enjoy, and if every guest is being as perfect as you, it will truly be one to remember.
Communicate!
If you have dietary requirements, don’t assume the couple remember or have time to worry about what you’ll eat… tell them! When you send your RSVP be sure to note if you may have any requirements and never assume that anyone is a mind reader.
Avoid over-drinking
There’s always one drunken mess at the reception, isn’t there? If you can think of one at the last wedding you attended, it was probably you. Unless the couple is keen on a dry wedding, it’s likely that someone will have a few too many. Make sure it isn’t you or your plus one to ensure the happy couple stay that way.
