Wedding Guests Etiquette

There are several wedding guest ettiquete that wedding guests need to be aware of; from what to wear, what gifts to buy the newlyweds, how to share pictures of the wedding and much more.

Here is a list of matters that you, as a wedding guest, should NOT be doing as a matter of ettiquete: 

• Don’t RSVP at the last minute. The happy couple and their families have put a lot of time, effort and money into planning this wedding. It is common courtesy to RSVP to the invitation within the time they have set for you.
• Don’t call the bride or groom a couple of days before the wedding and ask if you could bring a ‘plus one’. If you are a close friend of the bride or groom, ask them well in advance if you could bring your significant other, if they have not been invited already.
• Don’t bring along your children. We know it might come off as rude that they weren’t invited, but we can assure you it is not anything personal! Children can be a handful at weddings, so why not keep them with a trusted family member or a baby sitter, and enjoy a fun night out?
• Don’t under any circumstance, wear white. Please! Even if you think your dress is beige, cream or off-white, it doesn’t matter! The bride will not appreciate it, and you will look quite odd in the video and pictures!  
• Don’t show up in jeans either! Make sure you are dressed for the occasion. Especially if the wedding invitation states that it is a formal black-tie affair. It will look disrespectful, and again, definitely odd in the video and pictures!
• Don’t overdo it at the buffet or the open bar. Everyone’s there to have a good time, and that includes food and drinks. Just don’t make it seem as if it’s your sole purpose of the evening!
• Don’t deviate from the gift list. If the couple has registered for a gift list, don’t assume that you know better and get them something they have not registered for. Why the hassle anyway?
• Don’t arrive too late. This is a wedding not an after party, so try to make it in time to enjoy the whole wedding and be there to support the bride and groom.
• Don’t hog the pictures! Do send the happy couple pictures that you took on their wedding day. Even if they already have professional ones taken, they will still appreciate the natural spontaneous ones you’ve taken with your phone or camera.
• Don’t forget to have fun! Weddings are a joyous event, so just go with it! Dance, mingle, and spread the love.

Social Media Etiquette for Wedding Guests

As a wedding guest, you have to follow these simple social media rules:

• Keep it to yourself: If the couple has not yet announced their engagement or wedding plans on their social media networks, don’t congratulate them online. Wait until the couple is ready to share the news themselves. Send a private message, call them or congratulate them in person.
• Sharing the bride and groom’s pictures: Always ask the couple if they are OK with your sharing their pictures. Some will mind while others won’t, so just make sure you respect their wishes.
• Don’t share your wedding planning questions: Yes the bride is your best friend but send any wedding-related questions in a private message. The couple may have friends on their "friend" list who are not invited to the wedding and that will make it more awkward for them.