Wedding season is exciting! Maybe a dear friend is tying the knot or a close family member is planning on saying “I do”. Perhaps a colleague or neighbour has invited you to their nuptials. These are all great opportunities to celebrate the people in your life, and are definitely events to look forward to. Most people agree that weddings are a lot of fun. However, you may be a bit worried about what is expected of you as a wedding guest.

Sure, even the most seasoned wedding guest can mistakenly break the rules every now and then. But, the last thing you want is to embarrass yourself in front of all the other guests or be an inconvenience. If you want to ensure that your wedding-attendance-reputation is top quality and that you’re the best wedding guest you can be, then follow these simple tips.

– RSVP as soon as you can
Whether or not you’re planning on attending, you should RSVP as soon as you can. If you don’t, it’ll be a huge inconvenience to the couple, especially if you still show up to the wedding. Often, the couple needs to communicate a final head-count to vendors such as caterers. While you may think putting off the RSVP is minor, you could be unnecessarily adding to the couples wedding stress. Don’t do it!

– Don’t bring a guest if you weren’t given a plus one
If the wedding invite doesn’t clearly state that you can bring a guest, then don’t. It’s also probably a good idea not to assume that you can bring your kids either. If the invite doesn’t say anything, then find out first.

Weddings are expensive. If you didn’t get a plus one, then the couple wasn’t planning on catering for your plus one. Additionally, most venues have a maximum capacity. It will be mighty awkward if you bring a guest and there is no seat for them.

We know it can be uncomfortable to attend a wedding alone, but it’s better than causing an inconvenience on the couple’s special day.

– Dress appropriately
Take the season and the time of day into account, then dress appropriately for those factors. Be sure to check if there are any dress code specifications on the invitation. If there are, then follow them. Do not take any artistic liberty.

Additionally, avoid wearing white at all costs. Wearing white is considered to be extremely rude – you’ll be wearing the bride’s colour on her special day.

– Arrive on time
This is not the time to arrive fashionably late. If you arrive late you may disrupt the ceremony or proceedings. You’ll be considered rude and inconsiderate.

– Put your phone on silent
This is another way you may mistakenly disrupt the ceremony. If you get some notifications or a phone call during the ceremony, it is quite distracting. The attention should be on the couple, do not take it away from them.

In fact, you should try to keep texting and social media to a minimum during the wedding, lest you come across as uninterested or bored.

– Don’t abuse the open bar
You don’t need to take full advantage of the free drinks. A wedding is a classy event, so behave as such. A story about you passing out at the wedding is sure to get you uninvited from future weddings very quickly.

– Mingle with the other guests
If you’re at a table with strangers, be sure to introduce yourself and make some conversation. When it’s appropriate, get up and talk to other people too. This simply makes you a pleasant guest to have in attendance. You should, however, avoid sitting in a different seat because you know people at a table that isn’t the one you were assigned. You’ll be messing with months’ worth of planning.

– Don’t compare the wedding to others you’ve attended
It may seem as though you’re being judgemental or criticizing the wedding. The couple has spent a great amount of time planning this, and to them it’s perfect. Keep your opinions to yourself. Nobody wants to be seated next to a Negative Nancy.

– Unless you’re the actual photographer, keep the pic snapping to a minimum
Hovering around the couple all day to take pictures can be quite annoying. It can also be quite distracting. Refrain from this. One or two pictures are fine, but don’t over-do it.

Another thing that you should remember is to avoid using your flash. Your flash may ruin the official photographer’s photos or simply just distract the couple and other guests.

– Don’t leave early
Unless it is really necessary, it’s best not to leave early. Wait at least until the cake is cut. It’s simply good manners. You wouldn’t want to make the couple feel bad on their special day, would you?

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