Wedding Guest Etiquette: From The Proper To The Faux Pas

Wedding-Chispa MagazineWant to be a wonderful wedding guest? Stick to these rules and ensure you don’t make a fatal faux pas. Nobody wants to be that guest.

RSVP and Registry
Make sure you reply to the wedding invitation by the requested date. In fact, if you can, reply as soon as you receive it. If there is a response card, fill it in and post it back. If there isn’t one, use personal stationery to reply. Under no circumstances is it okay to reply by text, email or phone. Go through the gift registry carefully. Don’t bring your gift to the wedding. Imagine the poor wedding party having to transfer all those gifts back home. If there is a gift registry, there will be an address to ship to the bride and groom’s home. If money is requested for setting up home or going on a honeymoon, between $50-75 is appropriate. If it is a very close friend, you may want to consider more. Always take a wedding card to the ceremony.

Proper: RSVP by the date requested. Send the response card.
Faux Pas: Late Replies. Replying by text, email or phone.

Dress and Shoes
Feel free to amp up the glamour. The bride will want her photographs to look beautiful and elegant, and your choice of clothing should reflect this. Better to be overdressed than under-dressed. Think Fascinators, luxury Clutches and heels. These days it is acceptable to wear black, but never wear white. Check the bridesmaid color scheme before choosing your dress. You don’t want to look like one that didn’t make the cut. Bring an elegant flat shoe for late night dancing. Feel free to go for vivid colors and dramatic jewels. Make sure your man is up to a dapper standard too.

Proper: Florals, Beautiful, Elegant, Dressy, Pretty, Fascinators.
Faux Pas: White, Too Short, Off The Shoulder, Ball Gown.

Book The Hotel In Time
If the wedding is taking place further afield, make sure to book the suggested hotel in time. You don’t want to be that annoying guest ringing up the bride and asking for other suggestions because all the rooms are gone. If time allows, book in for the night before. Under no circumstance can you be late for the wedding, unless you are the bride.

If the area is pretty, why not book in for the night after too and make a long weekend of it. We can guarantee your head will thank you the morning after the wedding.

Proper: Be on time. Don’t cause a scene. Book your hotel in advance.
Faux Pas: Arriving Late. Unless you’re throwing up in the bathroom due to food poisoning, there’s just no excuse.

Photos and Social Media
Put your phone on silent and only take photos when it is appropriate. Give the professional photographer space. Don’t post any photos on social media before the bride has had a chance. And never post unflattering photos of the bride and groom. Some weddings will include a dedicated hashtag to use and will appreciate candid shots. But still, refrain from posting until the day after.

Proper: Phone on silent. Subtle photos. Give the professional photographer space.
Faux Pas: Don’t leak photos on social media before the bride and groom have had a chance.

Get Socializing
Congratulate the bride and groom’s family even if you haven’t met them before. Get on the dance floor and bust some moves. Mingle with other guests. Even those you don’t know. Ask someone to dance! The bride and groom will worry if everyone is not seen to be enjoying themselves. Smile, have fun and be happy. And, don’t forget to sign the guestbook.

Proper: Introduce yourself to the wedding party families. Mingle with guests.
Faux Pas: Refusing to Dance. Only sticking with the person you came with.

Photo by Andreas Rønningen

Facebooktwitterpinterestlinkedinmail
Romina Nabhen

Romina Nabhen

Lifestyle Director at Chispa Magazine
Bilingual influencer, spokesperson, panelist, and on-air personality, Romina Nabhen is internationally recognized as a Lifestyle, Fashion and Beauty Expert. She has over 20 years of experience on television, print, radio, online media, and the corporate world, Nabhen is an asset for all lifestyle, fashion, and beauty-related events. Plus, when it comes to encouraging young girls and teens, she speaks from the heart and her message compels all with her Unique Me approach.

Romina Nabhen

Bilingual influencer, spokesperson, panelist, and on-air personality, Romina Nabhen is internationally recognized as a Lifestyle, Fashion and Beauty Expert. She has over 20 years of experience on television, print, radio, online media, and the corporate world, Nabhen is an asset for all lifestyle, fashion, and beauty-related events. Plus, when it comes to encouraging young girls and teens, she speaks from the heart and her message compels all with her Unique Me approach.