The Do’s (and Don’ts) of Being The Perfect Wedding Guest

Today’s carefully planned weddings showcase the bride’s commitment to detail and creating an overall “wedding experience” for her guests. In return, do you help make the wedding the best day possible for the happy couple? Review these helpful tips to be sure you are the guest every couple deserves.

• RSVP right away to show your enthusiasm for attending. This also prevents any last-minute changes as the bride finalizes her seating chart, place cards, etc.
• Fill out the response card carefully and only respond for the guests written on the envelope. If it doesn’t say, “and guest,” then one is not invited.
• Dress to match the degree of formality and style as communicated through the invitation and location of the wedding. And yes, the old rule still remains firm – no one wears white or ivory except the bride.
• Be on time for all wedding events.
• Select a personalized gift that suits the couple’s needs and pair it with a beautiful presentation and a thoughtful card.
• Participate in all of the festivities with enthusiasm – don’t be a spoilsport for the bouquet toss, anniversary dance, etc.
• Sincerely complement the bride’s selections in attire, décor, food, etc. as you see fit. Any personal dislikes, comparing it to other weddings or “everyone still talks about our wedding because…” advice is best be kept to yourself.
• Avoid calling or emailing the bride with unnecessary information the week before the wedding. She has enough phone calls and details to attend to.
• Be respectful of the bride’s wishes, even if it means a change to traditions.
• Enjoy yourself! Weddings are a wonderful celebration of love, family and togetherness. You have been invited because the couple wants you to share in their joy; doing so is the best possible gift you could give them.

Bonus points: Take photos throughout the wedding day; have them printed at one-hour photo the next morning and deliver the album to the bride to take on her honeymoon.