BEING A PERFECT GUEST AT A WEDDING

BEING A PERFECT GUEST AT A WEDDING

There's more to attending a wedding than getting dressed up, shedding a few tears and partying all night long—you have some important responsibilities too. Here's the low-down on how to be a stellar wedding guest.

Getting an Invitation

When you receive an invite (usually six to eight weeks before the wedding), don't let it get lost on the coffee table. Check the event date and consult your calendar, then decide if you'll attend. Whether or not you can make it, respond as soon as you can—the RSVP date on the invitation isn't arbitrary. The couple needs to know who's coming promptly in order to give their vendors, like the caterer, a final head count no later than two weeks before the wedding. Your procrastination may seem trivial, but it could actually add to the couple's planning stress.

The Gift

Always plan on sending a gift when you accept a wedding invitation. If you can't make the wedding, it's still nice to send a gift, but you won't be committing a major faux pas if you don't. At the least, send a congratulatory card before the wedding.

What to Wear

Dress as you would for any other social event held at the hour and during the season of the wedding. Black used to be taboo for weddings, but these days, a black dress is perfect for an evening wedding. Female wedding guests should not wear white—it's considered extremely impolite to take away from the bride on her day by wearing her color. Avoid off-white and ivory too, unless there's a dress code mentioned on the invitation or wedding website that instructs guests to wear a certain color. http://ritspoke.blogspot.com.ng

The Reception

Usually the first thing you'll see at the reception (if the couple has arrived before the guests, which is ideal) is the receiving line. Don't blow it off—this is your opportunity to talk one-on-one with the couple, meet the bride or groom if you haven't yet, and thank their parents for inviting you. Especially if it's a large wedding, you might not get a chance to chat with the couple later. Don't spend too much time in line, though—just say a heartfelt congrats, shake a few hands then proceed to the reception.

The Ceremony

You should get to the ceremony on time—this is not a party to be "fashionably late" for. Also, never consider ditching the ceremony and just showing up for the reception. You've been invited as an honored wedding guest to watch this couple get married.

Ideally, you should arrive at the ceremony site 30 minutes before the time printed on the invitation, and even earlier for a large event (200 wedding guests or more). If you get there after it's begun, seat yourself quietly in the back. If the procession is going on, wait until the bride reaches the altar to enter and find a seat.

It’s polite to follow the lead of family members sitting in front as far as standing and sitting goes (you don't have to kneel if you don't want to, though). After the recession, wedding guests remain in their seats until the families of the newlyweds have been escorted out. If the receiving line is scheduled post ceremony, simply join in the line.

 Learn To Control Your Passion

People run amok during weddings don’t they? Freaking out because of the music and happy mood feeling but having said that, this is not the time to act like a wild animal without control. We know sometimes the bride or the groom gets drunk on their wedding day, are they excused? Not really. But it’s their wedding day and they will live to remember how drunk they were that day and that is enough pain for them but YOU, It is rude to be completely hay wired on that day causing havoc and embarrassment to other guests and especially to the couple.

As for the bouquet throw and garter toss, if you're not crazy about these traditions, don't just avoid them by hiding out in the bathroom. If you're not someone inclined to dive for the bouquet or garter, just go out there and stand in the back with a smile or remain seated at your table. Even if you think these traditions are silly, or that something else about the wedding is tacky or inappropriate, always keep your feelings to yourself. This might not be exactly how you'd do it, but the couple chose to do it, and it's not your place to complain or criticize.

When it’s appropriate to leave 

 Receptions usually last about four hours, and you'll know when things start winding down. You should stay at least until after the cake has been cut. Many brides and grooms stay until the bitter end these days, so it's hard to leave after them. When you decide to head out, find a member of the bride's immediate family (like her mom) and thank them. Also attempt to give the couple a last hug before you leave.