The Ten Rules to Being a Great Wedding Guest

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Photo by Eugenia Remark:

While it’s the little details that we can all obsess over, there is a fine art to being a great wedding guest. What does it take to ensure that wedding guests add to the day rather than add problems to the day?

Don't Be a Show-Off When It Comes to Style

Guests, whether male or female, need to remember that it is not their day. One of the biggest problems is that we can easily upstage the bride or groom. The groom and the groomsmen may be resplendent in their Oxford suits and the bride in their plunging white gown but for some reason, as guests, we can sometimes feel that temptation to use this event to showcase our unique style. Upstaging the bride is a big no-no, and something like see-through tops or plunging necklines can totally upstage the bride. Also, don’t wear white!

Be Punctual

If you are someone who would be late to your own wedding, you've got to work hard at punctuality, especially when it comes to the happy couple. There is nothing worse than the sound of the church doors creaking open in the middle of the ceremony with you apologising in a very audible whisper. This detracts from the sense of occasion, the feel of the ceremony, and it will result in daggers from the bride or groom. Be punctual, and this means that you should not just prepare your clothes the night before, but also know how to get to the venue, make sure that there is a plan B, and very simply, if you are someone who is always running late, you need to set aside at least 30 minutes more than is necessary! 30 minutes allows not just for traffic problems, but it also means you won't feel so stressed getting to the venue.

Make Sure Your Name is on the Gift

The bride and groom will have a lot of presents to go through, and if you slip a gift onto the gift table and there's no name, it can be quite disappointing for the bride and groom to get a great gift and not know who they should thank for it.

Be in the Moment

It's the couple's day, not yours, and it's so easy for us to flick out our phones when there is a lull in the ceremony, but we need to respect the couple and be fantastic guests. We should enjoy being engaged guests, and rather than sitting there on our phones being anti-social, we should talk to others that are there, including relatives, and sign the guest book, but also make sure that you spend the time being a wedding guest.

Let the Couple Have Their Day

The wedding guests are incredibly important, but we all know it's about the two right at the altar. They've asked you for a reason, and that's because they want you to celebrate with them, and there should be times when you don't intrude. During the cocktail party where they're all being whisked away for photos, you shouldn't attempt to stop them for a chance, and it's very likely they won't have much time to speak to you at all, but it is ultimately their day!

Show Appreciation and Gratitude

Take a moment to thank the couple for inviting you to their special day. Express your gratitude for their hospitality, the effort they put into planning the wedding, and the joy you experienced being part of their celebration. Sending a thank-you note or message after the wedding can be a thoughtful gesture.

Respect the Couple's Wishes

It's essential to follow any specific instructions or requests from the couple regarding the wedding. Whether it's regarding dress code, photography, or other aspects, honoring their wishes demonstrates your consideration and support for their special day.

Avoid Excessive Alcohol Consumption

While it's natural to enjoy the festivities and indulge in some drinks, it's crucial to maintain control and not go overboard with alcohol consumption. Getting excessively drunk can lead to inappropriate behavior or embarrassing situations that can overshadow the couple's wedding.

Be Mindful of Speeches and Toasts

If you're asked to give a speech or toast, keep it positive, brief, and appropriate. Avoid embarrassing stories or inside jokes that might make others uncomfortable. Focus on expressing your heartfelt congratulations and well-wishes to the couple.

Follow Seating Arrangements

If the couple has assigned seating, respect their plan and avoid switching or rearranging seats without permission. Seating arrangements are often carefully organized to ensure a smooth flow of the event and consider the comfort and dynamics of the guests.

Don't Overstay Your Welcome

While it's wonderful to celebrate and enjoy the wedding, be mindful of the timing and avoid overstaying your welcome. It's common for couples to have an after-party or private moments with close family and friends after the reception. Respect their need for privacy and know when it's time to bid your farewells.

Remember, being a great wedding guest is about supporting and celebrating the couple while respecting their wishes and the significance of the occasion. By keeping these points in mind, you can contribute to making the day memorable and enjoyable for everyone involved.


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7 Wedding Traditions It's Time To Forget

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Are you in the throes of planning your wedding? There are lots of traditions that you might be considering including in your plans. Here are a few that you should think about forgetting completely. 

Photo by Dmitriy Ganin

1. Getting Married In A Church 

First, you might want to think about avoiding getting married in the church. In the past, a church wedding was the only option. These days, there’s lots of different possibilities that are worth exploring. For instance, you might want to consider a beach wedding. A beach wedding will provide you with a minimal aesthetic and a care-free design that can really resonate with your guests. You do need to go about planning a wedding like this the right way. Contrary to popular belief you can’t just get married on any beach. You will need the right permissions. 

2. Letting Your Partner Choose The Engagement Ring 

Next, you should think about whether or not you should let your partner choose the engagement ring. While this can be a romantic notion, it does mean that you may not get the exact ring that you want, even if you do drop plenty of hints. If you get the ring yourself, you can ensure that it fits you perfectly down to the smallest detail and that could be important. There are lots of different styles of engagement rings to choose from. We recommend that you explore stores such as Jogia Diamonds if you are selecting your own.

3. Wearing White 

Have you ever looked into why brides wear white on their wedding day? If you have then you may be shocked as to why many brides today are still wearing it. White is the traditional colour of many wedding dresses found in bridal shops and boutiques. However, if you are no longer a virgin then don’t feel like you have to choose a white dress. There are also many other colour choices for you to choose from. For example, you could pick out an ivory or even champagne-coloured dress. If you wanted to be daring, different, and stand out on your wedding day then how about a red or black dress? 

4. Having Your Father Give You Away 

Finally, it has been drilled into people that it is tradition for the father to give the bride away at the wedding. However, in reality,2. you don’t need to be given away by anyone. If you wanted to walk down the aisle with your dad or even on your own then that is your choice. The reason this tradition is outdated is due to women now being their own person rather than the property of anyone. Back in the day the father gave their daughter away as she was his property. Many brides have now changed their perception of this practice and if you want to incorporate it into your wedding then it can be seen as a great symbol of love and unity. Consider walking down the aisle with both parents or having a close friend or family member escort you instead. Consider walking down the aisle with both parents or having a close friend or family member escort you instead.

5. Gender-Specific Roles

In the past, certain roles in the wedding party, such as bridesmaids and groomsmen, were gender-specific. Nowadays, it's more common to have a mixed-gender wedding party, or even to do away with the concept altogether.

6. Throwing Rice

Throwing rice as the couple exits the ceremony has long been considered a symbol of prosperity and fertility, but it can be harmful to birds and other wildlife. Consider using eco-friendly alternatives such as bubbles, flower petals, or even sparklers.

7. Wedding Cake.

While the wedding cake is a classic tradition, it can be costly and not everyone enjoys cake. Consider serving alternative desserts such as cheese stacked cakes, cupcakes, donuts, or even a dessert bar with a variety of sweets.

We hope this helps you understand some of the key old-fashioned wedding traditions that might be a little dated these days. Instead, you can consider exploring some alternatives that might be a better fit. 


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