Wedding Motivational Monday: Guest Etiquette

Chances are if you're invited to someone's wedding you know there are rules :). Here are a few of the ones that simply make me cringe and guests seem to ignore.  However, follow these basic tips and the bride and groom will be thankful :) 

• Always RSVP: Wedding invitations have deadlines for a reason. The couple needs to make the seating chart, order the food, and get enough favors and programs, and all of those details take time to coordinate. Even if your RSVP is no, you should still send back the response card so they know yours didn’t just get lost in the mail.
• Read between the lines: Take note of who the invitation is addressed to. If you’re single and it does not specifically say and Guest or Plus One, unfortunately, that means you cannot bring a date. If it’s a close friend or relative and you have a special someone you want to bring along, feel free to ask the couple as soon as possible if there’s room for one more. However, be prepared the answer may be no, especially if the wedding date is approaching. If it’s a new boyfriend or girlfriend, you’ll have more fun without having to entertain them all night anyway.
• Bring a gift: This may go without saying, but one of the biggest wedding faux pas is showing up empty-handed. It is considered impolite to include where a couple is registered on the invitation, so check out their wedding website or ask around to find out where to shop. My parents have always said, around $50 per guest is the general rule of thumb, and large gifts should be shipped, so the couple doesn’t have to lug them home at the end of the night. Cash is always an acceptable alternative, but buying something that’s not on the registry means it will likely get returned. Oh, and btw, those bridal showers and bachelorette parties, they each require a separate gift, too.
• Be on time: My BIGGEST pet peeve!  The wedding isn't waiting on your grand entrance - Most churches and wedding venues start the ceremony at the exact time stated on the invitation, especially when they host multiple weddings on busy summer Saturdays. If you’re late, this means either missing the ceremony altogether, or being the person who opens the creaky chapel door as the bride is walking down the aisle. Allow plenty of time to get there and plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early.
• Have fun!: At the end of the day, all the bride and groom really want is to see their closest friends and family having a great time. Mix and mingle with some new people, take the flower girl for a spin around the dance floor, and take advantage of love and laughter that fills tha air. Weddings are some of the best parties around, so have a ball and the bride and groom will, too.

"Love Without End"

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Chances are if you're invited to someone's wedding you know there are rules :). Here are a few of the ones that simply make me cringe and guests seem to ignore.  However, follow these basic tips and the bride and groom will be thankful :) 

• Always RSVP: Wedding invitations have deadlines for a reason. The couple needs to make the seating chart, order the food, and get enough favors and programs, and all of those details take time to coordinate. Even if your RSVP is no, you should still send back the response card so they know yours didn’t just get lost in the mail.
• Read between the lines: Take note of who the invitation is addressed to. If you’re single and it does not specifically say and Guest or Plus One, unfortunately, that means you cannot bring a date. If it’s a close friend or relative and you have a special someone you want to bring along, feel free to ask the couple as soon as possible if there’s room for one more. However, be prepared the answer may be no, especially if the wedding date is approaching. If it’s a new boyfriend or girlfriend, you’ll have more fun without having to entertain them all night anyway.
• Bring a gift: This may go without saying, but one of the biggest wedding faux pas is showing up empty-handed. It is considered impolite to include where a couple is registered on the invitation, so check out their wedding website or ask around to find out where to shop. My parents have always said, around $50 per guest is the general rule of thumb, and large gifts should be shipped, so the couple doesn’t have to lug them home at the end of the night. Cash is always an acceptable alternative, but buying something that’s not on the registry means it will likely get returned. Oh, and btw, those bridal showers and bachelorette parties, they each require a separate gift, too.
• Be on time: My BIGGEST pet peeve!  The wedding isn't waiting on your grand entrance - Most churches and wedding venues start the ceremony at the exact time stated on the invitation, especially when they host multiple weddings on busy summer Saturdays. If you’re late, this means either missing the ceremony altogether, or being the person who opens the creaky chapel door as the bride is walking down the aisle. Allow plenty of time to get there and plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early.
• Have fun!: At the end of the day, all the bride and groom really want is to see their closest friends and family having a great time. Mix and mingle with some new people, take the flower girl for a spin around the dance floor, and take advantage of love and laughter that fills tha air. Weddings are some of the best parties around, so have a ball and the bride and groom will, too.

"Love Without End"

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.