The Wedding Guests

Weddings are not like birthdays or Christmas parties that one goes to and just be who you are. These occasions are usually formal and require good manners and proper decorum from the guests. But if this is the first time that you are going to attend a wedding, here are some tips.

Before the Ceremony: Wedding Invitations

The wedding list is carefully planned by the couple, and they have allocated an amount for the wedding reception. Some wedding invitations have a “+ Guest” on it, and it is important that you honor this. Remember that the couple is only expecting those they have invited, so bringing unexpected guests is very impolite. Do not ask the couple if you can bring a date. You are only going to make the couple uncomfortable.

Reply to the invitation promptly. As some wedding invitations have a reply card attached to it, send it back to the couple and state if you are bringing a date (if the card says that you can bring one). They will be finalizing their wedding lists based on how many guests confirmed that they will be attending. If you are going to cancel, make sure that you inform the couple as soon as possible.

During the Ceremony: Wedding Proper

Be sure that you arrive on time. If the invitation states that the ceremony will start at 6 p.m., make sure that you are there a quarter to 6. You have some time to find yourself and your date a seat, and you also have some time to mingle with other guests.

Do not take photographs when the ceremony is going on. They have professional photographers and videographers to do that. You will only be disrupting the ceremony. Weddings are solemn events, and you should respect that.

If you have a gift for the couple, you can give it to them before the wedding. You would spare yourself from lugging your gift around and spare the couple having to worry who will bring the gifts home. It is also all right to give gifts after the wedding in the event that you were not able to go to the ceremony.

Weddings are like reunions. You will see people you have not seen for months or even years, and you are excited to catch up on things. Do not do this during the ceremony. Respect the sacredness of the occasion and respect the couple’s wish for a solemn ceremony. You have ample time to do this at the reception.

After the Ceremony: Wedding Reception

Some weddings have a buffet arrangement during the reception instead of the usual formal dinner where the food is already served on the table. If it is a buffet, keep in mind that it is not an eat-all-you can event. There are other guests who have not yet been served. If you want a second serving, you can always go back after all guests have taken their share.

As there will be wine and liquor during the reception, keep in mind that nobody wants to see a drunken guest!

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