While planning for an actual wedding day might be one of the most important things a person plans for in life, there is also some responsibility on those attending such a special day and event as well. There are many ways to be the perfect wedding guest, so a little advice is in order before your big day.
In this article we are going to provide you with a list of what you need to be aware of, and how to prepare for that special day — even as just a guest. Such measures include sending in your RSVP as early as possible, choosing a great wedding gift and making sure you have something nice to wear!
This will make the entire day run smoother for you and your partner. In addition to that, remember to stay at home and avoid bringing the kids unless they are an absolute necessity.
What it Takes to Be the Perfect Wedding Guest
The couple has done their research to find the perfect seating chart and place cards, taking into consideration the personalities and life stages of the wedding party. If you’re in a difficult position, be sure to check the seating chart before you arrive at the wedding. Introduce yourself to the newlyweds and make a point of speaking to those sitting near you. Pay attention to any guests who may feel out of place, and if you notice something out of place, notify the coordinator or planner as soon as possible.
Before arriving at a wedding, compile a list of people who may be invited. Begin by inviting immediate family and close friends. From there, work your way outwards to include distant relatives and fair-weather acquaintances. You may also want to invite your partners or children. If you’re unsure of how to dress, check out these helpful tips. You’ll be surprised at how little you know about proper wedding etiquette.
Send in Your RSVP as Soon as Possible
Once you receive your invitations, read them over and send in your RSVP as soon as possible. Many people forget to respond to their RSVP cards, so the last thing you want is to have to search for your guests at the last minute. To be sure to be on time for your wedding, be sure to include alternative RSVP methods on your invitation. Sandy Hammer, event planning expert and founder of AllSeated, recommends putting alternative methods on your invitations. If you must use the old-fashioned mail-in card, make it easy to fill out by providing pre-stamped envelopes for each guest.
Once you’ve received your RSVP, send it back as soon as possible. The earlier you send it in, the sooner you’ll have time to decide who will attend the reception and pick a plus one. You don’t want to rush the process and leave your guests with a feeling of dread. As soon as possible, give guests sufficient time to RSVP. Otherwise, you will end up wasting a lot of time tracking down those people.
Take Time to Choose a Great Wedding Gift
Receiving a wedding invitation is an honor and a great way to show someone you care, but it can also be stressful. Picking out the perfect gift for the couple can be difficult and frustrating for some people. Here are some great wedding gift ideas to make the experience more enjoyable and stress-free for everyone. Using a wedding registry to guide you is an excellent idea. To be sure you get the perfect gift for the couple, consider the following tips.
Don’t rush to buy a gift at the last minute. Weddings can be months or even years away, so don’t rush to the store right before the wedding. Then again, you don’t want to forget to buy a wedding gift for your guests. Also, remember that you may have to wait until the wedding is over to deliver the gift, so giving yourself a full year is a great idea.
Keep the Kids at Home and Don’t Bring Them
Many guests will be happy to bring their children to the wedding instead of worrying about them while you enjoy yourself. It also saves your guests some money, as a babysitter will charge by the hour. Having children at your wedding can also add a funny element to your reception, stealing the photo-ops and melt hearts with their playfulness. Here are some tips for being the perfect wedding guest with children.
For a wedding that is for adults, consider leaving the children at home. The children will need their own bedtimes and will most likely get tired quickly if they are left alone for a prolonged period of time. You may also have to leave early if you have children to put them to bed. Children also can’t stay still for long, so bribing them with lollipops before the ceremony can help them warm up. If you have younger children, dangle lollipops at the top of the aisle.
Know What You are Wearing in Advance
Before attending a wedding, know what the dress code is. You may not find this information on the invitation, but you can generally assume that the bride will be wearing a light colored dress. A white dress is inappropriate unless the bride requests it. Men should avoid wearing full-length white dresses. Women should avoid wearing brightly colored, over-the-top dresses. Regardless of the event’s dress code, the following general guidelines can help you look your best.
Ask for advice. You can get this information from the bridal party. Ask other wedding party members to give you advice on what to wear. A good way to ask the bridal party is at a bridal shower or bachelorette party. This way, you can make sure your dress fits the theme and avoid wearing a similar one to the bridal party. Often, the bridal party shops at the same stores, so you can ask them for ideas.
Make Sure You Arrive Early or On Time
Arriving late to a wedding is an obvious faux pas. Try to arrive fifteen to thirty minutes early to get a good seat and to scope out the venue. Also, try to avoid bringing your cell phone to the wedding – you can always check it in a private room later. Also, be sure to stay off your cell phone during the reception. It’s important to be on time for the ceremony as well.
If the invitation states that the wedding is for adults only, you don’t need to worry. Bringing children to a wedding is considered bad etiquette, so you should leave the invitation at home. It’s also polite to buy the couple a gift from the wedding registry if you know the bride and groom. The to-be-weds may have requested certain things and would be appreciative of a gift fulfilled during the planning process.
After you arrive at the wedding, be sure to visit the bride and groom’s parents. This will ensure that the newlyweds are greeted by their parents, as they probably did a lot of the planning behind the scenes. Make conversation with other guests. The bride and groom will appreciate it if you show some love and support to them on their special day. The wedding will be even more special with a full dance floor, so make sure to bring some good energy to the event.
Choose Your Dinner Before Hand
As a guest at a wedding, you will likely have to feed a large number of people, so you should always put yourself first, and this includes choosing your dinner dishes wisely. This way, you can spend your money wisely and ensure that everyone enjoys the food. Be sure to avoid dishes with strong flavors and fatty ingredients, as they may turn people off. To be the perfect wedding guest, make sure to keep it simple.
When you choose your wedding dinner, you’ll give your guests the chance to express their preferences. By offering to let them choose their own meal, you’ll make them feel more important, as well as add a personal touch to your invitations. To make your RSVP card extra special, add some illustrated icons. You can also write down which type of meal your guests can choose on the card. If you know someone with allergies or dietary restrictions, you can include a note about their preferences so that you can tailor your dinner accordingly.
Wedding Guest Tips Summary
If you want to be a wedding guest, here are some tips: Don’t be shy! The wedding couple did their due diligence in planning the wedding, taking into account the personalities and life stages of all of the guests. Make sure that you acknowledge the couple’s thoughtfulness and congratulations by signing the guestbook and visiting the photobooth. While you’re there, keep the bride and groom’s time free to enjoy the day.
When RSVPing, be sure to clarify whether you’re welcome to bring a plus one or kids. If you’re not sure, ask the couple if the wedding is suitable for them. You don’t want to cause them distress by asking them to invite children. Similarly, don’t demand that the couple invite you to bring your plus one. You may even get a lucky dropout, so don’t make it a point to ask them if they want to bring their children.
Another great way to make a wedding guest is to check the wedding registry. Not everyone has access to these, but checking them will give you an idea of the couple’s tastes and preferences. Remember that you don’t need to spend a fortune on a gift – the amount depends on your budget and your relationship with the couple. If the couple’s budget is low, a gift of cash or gift certificate is perfectly acceptable. Don’t buy the couple costumes, as these are not appropriate wedding guest attire.
If you enjoyed this article, don’t forget to take a look at our recent bachelorette party ideas list!
