Second to the summer months, September is a popular month for weddings. The weather is nice and brides don’t have to compete for those few summer weekends with vendors. If you’re attending a wedding this month, follow these tips on how to be the perfect wedding guest: Gracious, considerate and respectful.
RSVP on Time. If you’ve ever planned a Wedding or a party, you know it’s important to have RSVPs in a timely manner. Since wedding vendors need final head counts 2-3 weeks in advance, please RSVP by four weeks from the big day – especially if you can NOT attend.
Never assume you can bring a date or children. The invitation will be addressed to the people invited. If the invite says “and Guest”, you’re welcome to bring a guest the bride and groom may not know. Usually if kids are invited, the invitation will be addressed to “The Kelly Family” and if they are not, the invitation will usually state “Adults Only”. It’s bad manners to ask for an exception and even worse, show up with a guest/children anyway.
Be on Time. To avoid any chance of arriving after the ceremony has started, plan to be in your seat 30 minutes prior to the ceremony. Never interrupt a ceremony service and/or make an entrance after the bride. Wait outside and join the celebration after the ceremony. During the ceremony, do not talk and mute your phone’s ringer.
Dress accordingly. Following the dress code shows respect for the bride and groom. If you’re unsure of what to wear or the invitation didn’t specify, refer to our guide “What to Wear to a Wedding“.
Bring or send a gift. If you are invited, even if you can’t attend, you should send a gift. If you are attending and do not want to carry the gift to and fro, it’s acceptable to mail the gift to the bride’s home before the wedding. If you shopped off their registry, many stores will gift wrap and send it on your behalf.
Be on your best behavior. If the bride and groom have offered to pay for cocktails, please be gracious and avoid treating the “Open bar” as an all-you-can drink. Pace yourself to ensure the focus stays on the bride and groom.
Do you have anything to add to our perfect wedding guest tips? Please share in the comments.
– S.O.
