Believe it or not there is wedding etiquette as guests that you need to know before attending! These are tips that I have been taught and learned myself through experience of attending weddings and having our own.
10. Do Not Bring Kids If You Cannot Control Them
Some couples prefer you leave children at home all together. But with those who do not specify, make sure that if you do take your children that they know the rules and know how to be respectful during the ceremony. Do not let your children ruck a muck or ever leave them be unattended.
9. Do Not Complain
Never complain about the wedding especially if you are in the wedding party. Groomsmen, you should do nothing but agree and support the groom. Bridesmaids, you should support the Bride in every decision, wear the dress she wants you to wear, the make-up, the shoes, your hair…if you don’t like it, that doesn’t matter. It is the bride’s day and you’re extra special because she chose you to be a special part. Get over what you don’t like for a day and support and show her your love.
8. Do Not Follow The Photographer Around
The couple has obviously went above and beyond at selecting the one and only photographer that they love to take pictures at their wedding. Do not follow him/her around. Most professional photographers have policies in their contracts that tell the bride and groom they are not allowed to have attendees of the wedding take the same shots! & if they do, there could be an additional charge. It is extremely rude. Leave the photography up to the professionals.
7. Do Not Wear Shorts
It doesn’t matter if the wedding is on the hottest beach in Brazil, on the equator… have enough respect for the couple to dress nice. Shorts are completely unacceptable and in my opinion even for kids that you do bring to the wedding should never wear shorts.
6. Do Not Wear Jeans
This is just as tacky as wearing shorts. You should never, ever wear jeans to a wedding. If you think this is ok, you definitely need to sharpen up on your wedding etiquette. Men should wear dress pants, dress shirt and a tie – most of the men attending will even wear a jacket. And men your clothes should not stand out or be something crazy colorful…the wedding is not about you. Women should wear a nice dress that is not too short, not revealing and that is definitely NOT white [see rule 1]. Do not wear flashy jewelry, or crazy makeup. Do not wear anything that makes you stand out. Repeat: This is not about you!
5. Do Not Be On Your Phone
If you are attending a wedding, you have graciously been invited to partake in this very special moment of the bride and the groom and the joining of their families. You can stand not check your phone, twitter, and Facebook for the duration of the wedding. If you can’t, leave you phone in the car. If you can’t do that, then stay at home. Also, never, ever, ever, post a picture of the bride on social media before she does. It is all about her. Let her have her day, her picture, her moments to share…not you.
4. Do Not Bring Someone Uninvited
You should never, ever bring someone that is not listed on your invitation. If the couple did not include a plus one in your invitation, do not ask them if you can bring someone and definitely DO NOT bring someone with you. This is an extreme insult to both the bride and the groom when you show up uninvited or with uninvited guests.
3. Do Not Show Up Late
It would almost be better not to come at all than to show up to a wedding late. This is one of the biggest insult to both parties and families. Make sure you have plenty of time to show up to the wedding early! Make sure you have the directions ready and you have built in buffer time in case you get lost.
2. Do Not Attend Without A Gift
Do not be a moocher! You should be honored that the couple have sent you an invitation and the least that you can do is bring them a card and your blessing. I cannot fathom why anyone would show up to a wedding, eat the food, the cake, and not bring a gift for the couple.
1. Do Not Wear White
Talk about the biggest way that you can possibly insult the bride is to wear white at a wedding. It is all about the bride. She is the only one that is suppose to wear white. You would think and hope that everyone knows this rule, but they do not.
chadwmurphy 