What is wedding guest etiquette?

Check the wedding website before asking the couple

As much as you have a world of love in your heart for the couple, they’ve spent a lot of time working on their wedding website. Many couples triple check their lists, to ensure they include every piece of information you need.

The website is a valuable resource, because the couple usually has a full plate during the planning process, especially within the few weeks leading to the wedding. Instead of the couple being your first point of contact, leverage the site. Make sure you’ve visited every page, but especially those that include information like how to get there, and frequently as questions.

If you visit the site, and still don’t find what you need, it’s completely fine to reach out.

RSVP and book travel in a timely manner

So much time, money, and energy goes into a wedding that it’s important to know who is and isn’t going to be in attendance. Your shaky, or non-existent commitment to attend can impact the couple’s budget, timeline and guest list. If you choose to not RSVP, you run the risk of not being able to enter the ceremony or the reception.

If the wedding is far away, and you’d need to book a flight, rental car or hotel, begin that process as soon as possible, so you can stand on your RSVP. Couples usually have a certain number of plates and table settings ahead of time,  and have prepared enough space in their ceremony for those who took the effort to give them a heads up.

Do your best not to put a couple in a bind, reworking floor plans, budget, and décor, to accommodate last-minute RSVPs or no-shows.

Don’t assume centerpieces are party favors

The floral arrangements looking irresistible is no excuse for you to swipe them for your own home. Many times, wedding decor is rented to better serve the couple’s budget.

Unless told otherwise, you should assume that any wedding décor is for the wedding planning company to collect, or the couple to take home at the end of the night. You taking them without permission could cause the couple more money. Moral of the story: swiper no swiping!

Get your plus one approved by the couple

You know that feeling you get when someone shows up to your house, unannounced? Couples who get unexpected guests at their wedding, feel that, times ten. We know that it may make you nervous to go to a wedding by yourself, but the couple has chosen you to share this big moment with you. They may not be okay with an extra person, whether they know them or not, experiencing this private moment alongside you.

One night away from your partner, or best friend will not be the end of the world. Whether it’s a wedding with 300 guests, or a 20 person intimate ceremony, the couple has carefully crafted their guest list, and deserve to have their boundaries respected.

Show up on time. No…early.

Be sure to plan accordingly throughout the day to make it to the ceremony on time. We can do a headcount of how many guests we’ve had to stop from walking down the aisle right as the bride is about to make her entrance. FIY: the prelude (the portion of time before the event begins) is typically 30 minutes before the actual wedding. This is a great opportunity to arrive and get first dibs on your seat!

Plan your week and day, to allow yourself ample time to get to the venue, park, find the location of the ceremony, grab a seat, and even mix and mingle with other guests. As much as couples have a set schedule for the day, guest attendance is imperative on the ceremony starting on time. The longer it’s delayed, the longer it will take to get to the best stuff at the end of the night (hello open bar).

Be actively engaged throughout the day

Although you may have gone to many weddings that summer, this is still a once-in-a-lifetime memory that this couple is creating. Be an amazing guest by showing up and being attentive to what they have planned. Avoid being glued to your phone, or talking to one another while important wedding activities are going on.

If you follow these tips, you’ll have passed Wedding Etiquette 101! This all boils down to keeping in touch with your manners, and treating folks how you would want to be treated. The next wedding you go to, put these tips in practice and remain on the good side of the couple. It’s the best place to be.

What’s the craziest wedding guest faux pa you’ve ever seen?

Comment below and let us know!