The Dazzling Blog
Wedding Etiquette
Hey Dazzlers! Here we go with another amazing blog post. This month we celebrate the start of Taurus season and I’m so happy that Spring is finally here! Ya girl’s birthday is coming up, and I look forward to enjoying this month. Today’s topic will be about wedding etiquette. This is an important topic and we will dive into some subtopics within this category.
RSVP
RSVP is a French phrase for respond, if you please. Planning a wedding is a lot and the Bride and Groom want to make sure they have a proper head count. For one, they need to know how many seats will be needed. They will also need a proper count for the amount of food they will serve, wedding thank you cards, and more! Also, make sure to not add on a plus one unless the couple has stated that you can bring one. Adding on extra heads without instruction to do so will throw the count off. I suggest that you RSVP in a timely manner and mark the special date on your calendar as a reminder!
Follow the Instructions on the Invite
On the invite, you will normally see instructions about parking, timing, seating, dress code, and more. You can also see these instructions on the wedding site if the couple has one. I suggest that you read through the instructions carefully and follow their rules. If this wedding mentions that it is an adult only event, please do not bring any kids. I definitely understand if you have little ones, but if the couple has sent out specific instructions then the proper way to go about this is to follow the rules. Give yourself time to find a babysitter for a few hours. The couple may mention not to wear white, or to wear a certain attire. You may also receive instruction on what time to show. We suggest guests arrive on time, or in other words arrive early. Instructions are given for a reason! Remember, the couple has planned out their big day, and they only want you as the guest to enjoy the moment.
Be on Time
I can not stress enough how important this topic is. Seriously, I’ve seen some people arrive right when the bride arrives to enter…like what in the world?!? There’s a time there for a reason, and weddings typically have a tight schedule. All weddings have a cut off time for the ceremony and reception. If you know you will not be able to show on time, then reach out to someone close to the couple. If the couple has instructed guests to reach out to them about attendance, then do so. Most of the time, the couple is already busy with a hundred other things so if you know there is a wedding planner or someone close to the couple that is involved, then that may be your best option!
Dress Code
Some traditional weddings have a thing about wearing white. We’ve all heard the saying that the Bride is the only one that should we white and it is forbidden for others to. This may not be a thing at every wedding, but if you receive instruction not to wear white, then PLEASE DO NOT WEAR IT! Some dress codes require that you wear after 5 attire.
Here are some good after 5 attire ideas below:
(Found on Martha Stewart Weddings: https://www.marthastewart.com/7871616/wedding-guest-attire)
Some weddings may have a semi-formal dress code. You can find semi-formal ideas below:
(Found on Green Wedding Shoes: https://greenweddingshoes.com/semi-formal-wedding-attire/ )
Seating Charts
In the past, we’ve seen weddings split the ceremony seating between two sides. You have the Groom’s and then you have the Bride’s side. Recently, I’ve seen this type of seating die down and most couples want everyone to commingle amongst both sections. They are getting married, and eventually the families will become one anyway so why not? During the reception, I’ve seen a lot of weddings have a seating chart with names next to each chair. In some receptions, I’ve seen some of the tables not have a seating chart. I suggest following any seating that the couple has and if there is no seating chart, feel free to mingle with people you don’t know and have fun! This is a celebration and the reception is the best part.
Major No-Nos
Some major No-Nos to consider are listed out below in a bullet point format. Please look this over and make sure you’re not one of the ones to do this!
Do not call the couple! The couple is already busy…I suggest reaching out to someone close to the couple that is involved.
Do not have your phone ringing throughout the ceremony. Make sure your phone is silent or does not disturb.
Limit pictures with flashes if the ceremony is in a low-light setting. This may be a destruction and I’m sure the couple has hired a photographer or they have someone to take pictures.
Make sure your attitude is positive and not negative. Your attitude and energy is everything!
Don’t be stand-offish. Celebrate and be social.
Please do not be a sloppy drunk at someone’s wedding. I promise, it’s not a good look.
Don’t be tacky. Look decent and have decorum.
Gifts
A lot of times the couple will have a wedding registry before-hand. It’s a good idea to take a look at the registry and purchase a gift from there. I also suggest having the gift shipped so you don;t have to worry about carrying items inside the venue. You can also gift the couple with a card-gift card, and that is easy to tote at the wedding. Here are a list of wedding gift ideas:
Gift Card with a decent amount
Any gift(s) from the wedding registry site
Home items and decor
Glassware set
Jewelry
Fashion Items
Items made from crystal
Put Phone on DND (Do Not Disturb)
On a special day like a wedding, you want to make sure you limit your phone use. It’s okay to take pictures, but phones can be a major destruction if you let it. Make sure you are not playing games on your phone, scrolling on social media, or taking calls. If you need to take an important call, make sure to step outside and handle it in a timely manner. When entering the ceremony or reception make sure you are not causing any distractions. Some weddings may not let you re-enter and this is understandable. So please make sure you are aware of your surroundings.
You also want to make sure notifications are silent so no ping sounds are heard. I’m sure we’ve all been at least to one wedding where a guest is causing a disruption with their notifications. This is an easy fix and it should not be tolerated. Some weddings will have a reminder out in the front about phones, or they will ask that you do not take pictures. Please be respectful of all wedding rules.
Summary
Well Dazzlers, I hope you either learned or understood what was taught today! I hope April is gracious to you and remember that having etiquette is a must on someone’s big day. I’ll see you in May with another great Wedding topic!
Love,
MaKayla
The Dazzling Wedding Officiant
