Poor Wedding Guest Etiquette
These are just a few of the things I have witnessed wedding guests do over the years that have either upset or made things difficult for the Bride….
Not sending an RSVP: This practice is most annoying as most things reception related are based on count. The Bride has thought enough of you to invite you to her wedding, and even provided you with a stamp (in most cases) the least you can do is give her the courtesy of a reply.
RSVP No Show: Sending a reply that you will attend and then not showing (with not so much as a phone call) is simply rude. On numerous occasions I have seen Brides pay unnecessarily for guest who did not attend. Most of the time these are the guest that did not RSVP and had to telephoned to get their reply. If you are invited to a wedding and you are unable to attend after sending a favorable reply please let the bride know as soon as possible.
Bringing extra uninvited guests: A wedding is a special occasion and should not be filled with unknown uninvited guests. When receiving an invitation the person/persons to whom it is addressed is/are the only ones invited. If you are single and your invitation stipulates plus one, that means only one. If it is an adult only affair, please do not bring your children (or anyone else’s children). Always honor the wish of your hostess and respect the amount of guests she wishes to have at her wedding.
Tardiness: Contraire to popular beliefs weddings do start on time. Guest tipping in as the bridal party is marching down the aisle is so distracting. If the wedding starts at five o’ clock that means five o’ clock (not 5:10-6:00). Make an effort to arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of a wedding to avoid being in the way as the bridal party is lining up for the procession. Watching the wedding from the lobby, or not being able to see the wedding at all is not the way you want to honor the person that thought enough of you to include you on their special day.
Semi pro photography: Unless you are asked by the couple to take pictures during the ceremony please refrain from doing so. In most cases the Bride and Groom have hired a professional photographer to capture their nuptials. Hanging around after the ceremony and taking pictures while the bridal party is posing for the professional photographer is simply annoying as well as intrusive. Leave the picture taking to the professionals.
Eat and Run: This is self explanatory. You have no idea how bad it looks to eat the meal and leave.
The Vulture: Nothing is more embarrassing than the person hording cake, wedding favors, centerpieces and all the freebies they can get their hands on, as well as overeating like it is the last supper. Shame on you!
Overdrinking: Just because the bar is open doesn’t mean you have to consume all the contents. Getting drunk and/or causing disturbances is not the way to honor the Bride and Groom.
In closing when invited to a wedding please use proper etiquette and be on your best behavior.
Not sending an RSVP: This practice is most annoying as most things reception related are based on count. The Bride has thought enough of you to invite you to her wedding, and even provided you with a stamp (in most cases) the least you can do is give her the courtesy of a reply.
RSVP No Show: Sending a reply that you will attend and then not showing (with not so much as a phone call) is simply rude. On numerous occasions I have seen Brides pay unnecessarily for guest who did not attend. Most of the time these are the guest that did not RSVP and had to telephoned to get their reply. If you are invited to a wedding and you are unable to attend after sending a favorable reply please let the bride know as soon as possible.
Bringing extra uninvited guests: A wedding is a special occasion and should not be filled with unknown uninvited guests. When receiving an invitation the person/persons to whom it is addressed is/are the only ones invited. If you are single and your invitation stipulates plus one, that means only one. If it is an adult only affair, please do not bring your children (or anyone else’s children). Always honor the wish of your hostess and respect the amount of guests she wishes to have at her wedding.
Tardiness: Contraire to popular beliefs weddings do start on time. Guest tipping in as the bridal party is marching down the aisle is so distracting. If the wedding starts at five o’ clock that means five o’ clock (not 5:10-6:00). Make an effort to arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of a wedding to avoid being in the way as the bridal party is lining up for the procession. Watching the wedding from the lobby, or not being able to see the wedding at all is not the way you want to honor the person that thought enough of you to include you on their special day.
Semi pro photography: Unless you are asked by the couple to take pictures during the ceremony please refrain from doing so. In most cases the Bride and Groom have hired a professional photographer to capture their nuptials. Hanging around after the ceremony and taking pictures while the bridal party is posing for the professional photographer is simply annoying as well as intrusive. Leave the picture taking to the professionals.
Eat and Run: This is self explanatory. You have no idea how bad it looks to eat the meal and leave.
The Vulture: Nothing is more embarrassing than the person hording cake, wedding favors, centerpieces and all the freebies they can get their hands on, as well as overeating like it is the last supper. Shame on you!
Overdrinking: Just because the bar is open doesn’t mean you have to consume all the contents. Getting drunk and/or causing disturbances is not the way to honor the Bride and Groom.
In closing when invited to a wedding please use proper etiquette and be on your best behavior.
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