A wedding ceremony is meant to be the happiest day of two people’s lives. For this to happen, it requires a lot of planning and hard work on behalf of the couple and their loved ones. It also involves a lot of cooperation from the couple’s chosen guests, not just in terms of RSVPing yes or no, but in terms of their pre-wedding preparations.
Guests at weddings have a special responsibility. They are part of the wedding itself. The happiness of the couple depends on the happiness of their guests. Being a guest at a wedding ceremony is an honor and a privilege. It’s also a heavy responsibility that many people don’t have the time to handle. Here we will discuss five responsibilities you have as a guest at a wedding.
1. Show Up on Time
Weddings are momentous occasions. They are also time-consuming affairs, which can be stressful for many people. Guests should arrive on time for the wedding. That would only make people uncomfortable and grumpy. A late guest will be an inconvenience to the bride, the groom, and their families. The couple will have to wait for you before starting their ceremony, which is unfair. Show up on time if you want to avoid looking rude or disrespectful.
Wake up early, go to the bathroom, and have a good morning breakfast. The best time to be at a wedding is 10 and 15 minutes before the ceremony starts. If your flight or train is late, call the bride or groom beforehand and let them know. A simple phone call will go a long way. If you’re stuck in traffic, call and tell them you’re on your way.
2. Bring a Gift
Gifts show how much you care. The cash you spend on a gift does not matter as long as it shows how much you care about the couple. Look for practical, thoughtful, and appropriate items. Consider the couple’s tastes and interests.
Young people may like gifts related to hobbies or the couple’s favorite songs. Older people may like gifts related to memories, like travel memorabilia and photographs. The best gift-givers know their friends and know what they want. Good gift-giving skills can mean the difference between being a good guest and an excellent guest.
3. Be Respectful and Polite
Behaving with good manners and etiquette will help ensure everything goes well. You need to know your place in the ceremony order. You should already know where you’re going to sit. Don’t be loud, rude, or disrespectful. No one wants a noisy, drunk guest who causes a scene at the wedding ceremony.
Be sure to limit yourself to just a few drinks. Be considerate of the other guests. Ensure your cell phone is turned off or on vibrate mode. Remember that you’re one of many guests who are there to celebrate a big day for the couple, not the center of attention. Good manners, sense, and etiquette can make a massive difference in the reception hall.
4. Dress Appropriately
Weddings are usually formal events where people wear their finest clothes and formal attire. Guests may not want to wear their snazziest suits or fanciest dresses as they do not want to outshine the bride and groom, but they should still dress appropriately. Very few people will appreciate it if you intend to dress clownishly or sloppily, especially the newly married couple who were kind enough to invite you. The goal is to blend in with the crowd so all attention is given to the bride and groom. You should also dress appropriately for the season. Wear a coat in the winter or some light clothes in the summer.
Decide what you want to wear ahead of time. As a general rule of thumb, it is best to dress conservatively and in a style that fits in with other guests at the wedding ceremony. Keep your attire simple, classy, and appropriate. Casual wedding guest dresses and suits are acceptable. Use good judgment when choosing your attire.
5. Mingle with the Couple or Other Guests
Shake hands with the bride and groom or another guest if you know them. Simply nodding hello can be enough to make other guests feel more welcome.
You don’t have to be outgoing, talkative, or social. You do not have to interact with everyone at the wedding ceremony. Be friendly and polite. Pay attention and look after your own needs.
Conclusion
Being a good guest at a wedding involves a lot of thought and planning. Understanding what is expected of you as a wedding guest and being on your best behavior will make the wedding ceremony experience happier, easier, and more memorable for everyone involved.