Wedding season is nearly here, so it’s time to give you the wedding guest etiquette 101! From the invitation stage through to what wedding guest dresses to wear and what to bring, we’ve got it all covered. The main thing to remember is that this is someone’s really special day, so respect their wishes, be a fun guest and have a good time!
RSVP and Ask Questions Early
Our first tip is to RSVP and ask questions early. Once you receive your invite, make sure that you RSVP as soon as you can to take any stress away from the couple. They’ll be chasing people left right and centre as the deadline for RSVPs approaches, so you can make their life easier by getting it sorted. It’s also important that if you have any questions about the day or any dietary requirements, you let them know when you’re returning the RSVP.
The last thing a couple needs in the weeks running up to their wedding is any new information
about dietary requirements or questions about transport or accommodation really close to the day, so have a think about where the wedding is and ask your questions with lots of time to go. The best kind of wedding guest is a problematic one!
Only Bring A Guest If Specified
It’s also really important that you only bring a guest if specified. Unless the invite is clearly addressed to you and your partner, or it clearly states that you can bring a +1, then it’s important that you respect this and don’t ask to bring a guest, or even worse, just turn up with one. There are a whole host of reasons people may not be inviting +1’s they don’t know, from number restrictions to financial reasons or simply the fact they only want people they know there on the day. Even if you wouldn’t make this decision for your own wedding, it’s so important that you respect it.
What To Wear
Next, it’s time to think about what to wear for the wedding. The first thing to consider is what the invite says! They may give you a specific dress code which makes life easier in some ways. If not, then consider where the venue is. This can also help inform you about what to wear, for example, what you’d wear to a wholesome barn wedding (perhaps a nice floaty floral dress) would be quite different to a fancy hotel wedding (maybe nice blue dresses in a midi or maxi style). Then, remember the obvious things. Avoid wearing white, dress respectfully and generally although you want to look nice of course, don’t do anything to distract people’s attention from the bride!
What To Bring
Lastly, it’s time to think about the gift. Again, the invite might give it away which is good, whether it’s got a link to a gift registry or just some information about what they’d like, or they might also say that they don’t want a gift and instead a donation to a charity. If there is no mention of what they’d like, you could play it safe and get them a homeware voucher for a nice shop, a bottle of champagne if they’re drinkers, or perhaps book tickets to an experience for them if you know them well and know when they might be free.
