Skip to main content

Just the Facts: Wedding Etiquette Tips

 

Etiquette Tips for Guest

As a guest, it is important to remember that you are not the focus.  Keep that in mind.  It is easy to be a courteous guest. 

Attire

  • Unless it is part of the culture of the bridal couple, guests do not wear red.  It steals the show.
  • Avoid revealing attire.
  • Dress in the formality of the event.
  • When in doubt, ask the couple or a member of the family what the dress code is.

Behavior

  • Avoid being too loud.
  • Be observant and respectful of traditional wedding and reception elements.
  • Remember that it isn’t all about you.  

Yikes! Alcohol Consumption

  • No brainer!  Don’t overindulge. 
  • Drink plenty of non-alcoholic beverages to avoid embarrassing yourself and others. 

Etiquette Tips for Gift Giving

Couples, please remember that the shower is optional and wedding guests invited to the shower are then responsible for two gifts, one for the shower and one for the wedding, so be kind, thoughtful, and grateful.  When registering, also register for small, inexpensive items for the shower. 

Etiquette Tips for the Shower

Couples

  • Please don’t expect a shower; it is optional.
  • Never request one.
  • Family shouldn’t host.
  • Don't request cash or gift cards—not appropriate shower gifts.
  • Consider the gift-less shower.

Guests

  • Shower gifts are supposed to be less expensive than wedding gifts.
  • The gift may be a personal choice and not from the registry. 
  • Consider the couple when choosing a gift. 
  • Money is never an appropriate shower gift. 

Etiquette Tips for The Wedding

Couples

  • Don't expect cash gifts.
  • None of the gifts should be used until after the wedding.
  • Handwrite thank-you notes as soon as you receive a gift.

Guests

  • Those not attending the wedding are not obligated to send a gift.
  • All wedding gifts should be shipped to the couple’s or the bride’s home.
  • Consider the couple when choosing the gift. 
  • The gift may be a personal choice and not from the registry. 
  • If allowed to bring a date, this person is not obligated to give a gift. 

More by The Polite One

Wedding Etiquette Attire Interview: What are Today's Taboos?

Anti-Clueless Advice: How to Plan a Wedding That Doesn't Insult Guests

Encore Wedding Planning

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Bride Doesn’t Wants Alcohol or Dances at Reception

Dear Polite One, I've always dreamt that my wedding reception would be alcohol and dance-free - except for the first dance of the bride and groom.  When running the idea past a few people they seemed shocked that I've taken out both of these elements and are making me doubt my idea . The wedding will be in the evening, and then dinner. Is there a steadfast rule that there must be alcohol and dance at a wedding?  Isn't a nice dinner enough? And what things could be added to make it fun for the guests? Thank you, Visitor from Yorkton Saskatchewan Dear Yorkton Saskatchewan, People typically expect alcohol with their dinner at evening wedding receptions .  So, it would probably be better if this were held earlier in the day.  Dancing isn’t that important.  However, it is better to skip all dances, rather than just the one dance with you.  That may seem awkward.  The only hard and fast rule is that we, as hosts, offer our guests wha...
Post a Comment
Read more

Do I wear nylons with strappy sandals for a fall evening wedding?

  Dear Polite One, From what I have read on your site, I should wear a cocktail (little black dress or equivalent) to a fall evening wedding at a golf country club.  Do, I need to wear nylons with my strappy sandals? Wedding Newbie in Wisconsin Dear Wedding Newbie in Wisconsin, Bravo on doing your attire homework!  You are absolutely correct about your attire choice.  Nylons aren't nearly as popular or expected due to our love of sandals. Strappy sandals look splendid with nice dresses, even in the winter.  FYI: It is a faux pas to wear nylons with open-toed shoes. Sincerely, The Polite One More by The Polite One How to dress for a wedding as "the second wife"? How to Dress for Formal Wedding in New York ? What to wear to a formal evening wedding in Napa?
Post a Comment
Read more

Anti-Clueless Advice: What to Wear and What Gifts to Give

How to Decode the Dress Code and to Give the Right Gift Many questions I receive as an etiquette consultant are from wedding guests. Guests are especially concerned with what they should wear and what they should give as gifts .   All who contact me are deeply worried about committing any type of faux pas, as many weddings tend to be surrounded by drama these days. For example, one guest shared that the bride called fuming that the gift she shipped to the bride's home was inadequate, so she returned it to the store for cash—true story.     With crazy, hurtful behavior like that, it is no wonder wedding guests are apprehensive about wedding guest protocol. How do we know what to wear to a wedding? Wedding invitations are supposed to help guests understand the formality of a wedding.   Often, this is not the case.   Here is a real-life example: a guest received an invitation of heavy-weight paper indicating a formal wedding, but the location listed was a...
Post a Comment
Read more