Be the Wedding Guest That Everyone Loves

If you are to be a guest at any wedding, you really will not behave any differently from the way you do at church, or at any nice party. Most people have learned the fundamental tenets of social behavior. However, everyone always seems to be concerned as to whether there may be some special requirements as a guest at a wedding - and there are.

Perhaps the greatest caution is required when you are invited to a wedding reception of people who are from another national background than American. They usually have customs of their own which you could not possibly anticipate. Don't hesitate to ask the bride or groom for information. You will find them most courteous and hospitable, and they will make you feel comfortable. So don't worry.

Replying to a Wedding Invitation

No reply is necessary to an invitation to a wedding in a church, without an invitation to a reception. However, an informal personal note is always correct and thoughtful - especially if a person is unable to attend. Send it to the bride, her parents or the groom or his parents. If a pew card is enclosed with your invitation, a reply is definitely in order so that the bride 's mother may know whether the pew will be occupied.

Every reception invitation should be answered, affirmatively or negatively, as soon as possible.

Concerning Wedding Gifts

A wedding invitation to the ceremony only does not obligate the recipient to send a wedding present, nor does a wedding announcement. However, a person is certainly free to send one if he wishes.

If the recipient of an invitation to a ceremony and reception declines, he is relieved of the obligation of sending a wedding present. On the other hand, there is no reason why he may not send one if he wants to.

The acceptance of an invitation to the ceremony and reception implies a wedding gift, but there is no absolute rule on this. It is a generally understood and accepted custom.

Note: One authority believes that the receipt of the invitation to the reception obligates one to send a gift - whether he intends to accept or decline.

If gifts are sent before the ceremony, they should be addressed to the bride; if after, to the bride and groom. Even a friend of the groom who does not know the bride, addresses the gift to her if he sends it before the ceremony.

Behaviour for the Wedding Guest During the Ceremony

The guests should arrive at the church about twenty minutes before the ceremony. However, for a big wedding, they may arrive three-quarters to a half-hour before. They should not be any later than fifteen to five minutes before. Guests are expected to keep their wraps with them (just as one does for any church service). Do not bring your children to the church or reception unless they have been especially invited. And then watch out for them. If they begin to fidget, do be considerate enough to take them home.

When the processional begins, in most churches, everyone stands. You may turn your head to watch the bride come down the aisle on her father 's arm. Protestant women should wear hats or head coverings of some sort in a Roman Catholic or Episcopal church, or in an Orthodox synagogue in deference to the custom of that church. Similarly, Christian men should wear hats or skull caps at a Jewish wedding of Orthodox or Conservative congregations.

If it is the custom of the church to stand during the ceremony, to kneel or sit during it, the guest usually conforms (unless his own religious beliefs prohibit). There is no reason, for instance, why a Protestant should cross himself in a Roman Catholic ceremony. A Protestant in a Catholic church may simply sit with head bowed while others kneel, but should stand when others do. What one does must be decided by his own personal feelings in the matter.

With these few guidelines in mind, you should know just how to behave at a wedding.

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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 couples 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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The Wedding Guest Attire Guide

The dress of the bride will draw the attention of everyone, but the wedding guest attire will also be important. At such events it is best to be well informed about what to wear and what to avoid, in order to be able to mingle in and feel good at this celebration party. When deciding on your wedding garments, you should be fully informed on where and when the event will take place. The level of formality is also important when choosing the wedding guest attire. All these are essential things to consider as you need to be appropriately dressed. Women and the wedding clothes

Women pay a lot of attention on the wedding guest attire and they always want to be in style and suitable to the occasion. Consequently, here are some indications for them. For day weddings, a suit or a short dress is what you need to get a hold of. For evening weddings, a cocktail dress is perfect. Long dresses are in for evening and night weddings. These may be adorned with beads and glittery jewelry. The color of your dress should be according to your taste and preferences. However, avoid white, as the white is the color of the bride at this event. Dark colors should be avoided during day and may be great for evening and night. Be decent when choosing the wedding guest attire, as you might offend people at the wedding with see through or if you show too much skin.

Men and wedding guest attire

Even if men do not care too much about what they wear there are certain codes which must be kept when going to a wedding. For day weddings suits are recommended. For late afternoon weddings, suits are also suggested, and this time they may be in darker colors. If you are invited to an ultra formal wedding, the ties must be worn plus a vest and a fancy suit. A tuxedo is not exactly a hot item during day time weddings; it’s too much for wedding guest attire. You are allowed to wear it at an evening event. However, the simplest attire is a black suit, and this will be suitable in any possible case. Wear a black suit and you will be chic and trendy.

Should I wear this?

These brief guide lines in wedding guest attire are essential. If you wear decent and recommended clothes, you will be safe and feel good and it is like a sign of respect to your hosts and the other guests. Last but not least, the wedding guest attire should be comfortable as you will have to dance and have a good time when such a joyful event occurs.

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