{"id":2917,"date":"2023-09-02T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-09-02T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/makeaplan.blog\/?p=2917"},"modified":"2023-09-02T07:56:39","modified_gmt":"2023-09-02T11:56:39","slug":"how-to-be-a-good-wedding-guest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/makeaplan.blog\/index.php\/2023\/09\/02\/how-to-be-a-good-wedding-guest\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Be a Good Wedding Guest"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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There comes a season in life where many find themselves going to multiple weddings in one year. It can be tiring and expensive, but also a lot of fun filled with great memories. See my tips below on how to be a good wedding guest and not become one of those stories people talk about for years after.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is something really great about celebrating someone else’s love and happiness at weddings. I have been to weddings as an adult and as a child, as part of the wedding, as a guest and a bride. So, I speak from personal experience with a lot of this advice on how to be a good wedding guest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How to Be a Good Wedding Guest<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The key to how to be a good wedding guest is to remember that you are just there to celebrate the couple getting married. The best guests are ones that are drama-free and respectful.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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RSVP before the required date<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Having been on the other side as a bride, it is so frustrating having guests that wait until the last minute to RSVP or ones that don’t respond at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason couples send out RVSPs is so they can give a head count to their venue and caterer. If you don’t RSVP, you risk not having a plate or seat to sit at.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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As a bride, I remember specifically having to hunt down a few guests to get them to commit to a “yes” or a “no”. I felt horrible having to add that pressure, but my venue needed an answer in order to get an accurate number so they could plan (and charge) accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hot Tip:<\/strong> Be a good wedding guest by responding well before the official RSVP date. I like to do this the moment I get an invite so I don’t forget to do it later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Don\u2019t bring kids<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many couples like to have kid-free weddings<\/strong> as a way to avoid child meltdowns, but also as a way to allow parents a relaxing night away from the kids. Respect the couple’s wishes<\/strong> and don’t bring kids if they are not invited.<\/p>\n\n\n

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I was a horrible wedding guest when one of my best friends was getting married<\/strong>. Last minute, our kids weren’t going to visit their biological mom and they ended up traveling with us. I foolishly asked if they could come to my friend’s wedding, which in hindsight was a bad wedding guest faux pas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My friend clearly understood the situation since we were coming in from out of town and helped us arrange for a babysitter. If you find yourself in a similar bind, talk with the bride to see if they have suggestions for other arrangements, but do not just assume you can bring kids along if they weren’t invited.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Don\u2019t bring extra guests<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going along with not bringing kids, do not bring extra guests. Remember that weddings are usually priced per person<\/strong>. Some weddings are upwards of $200\/person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bride and groom likely have a budget and you bringing an extra guest can cost them in a big way<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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I see this typically arise when someone starts dating a new person and wants to bring them along. While weddings might feel a little uncomfortable solo, be aware of the couple’s wishes and don’t bring anyone not invited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Wedding guest dress code<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I have seen some weddings have very strict dress codes. ALWAYS follow the wedding guest dress code. If you have a question about what is acceptable to wear, ask the couple before you go!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The biggest mistake a wedding guest can make is wearing something white<\/strong> or bridal looking. For some brides, that might not make a difference but remember it is their big day, not yours.<\/p>\n\n\n

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My husband and I at my friend’s wedding.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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In that same vein, I personally like to wear neutral colors<\/strong> to a wedding. There will be a million photos taken of this event and you don’t want to stand out as the person in a hot pink dress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Casual Wedding Dress Code:<\/strong> You will find casual attire at more backyard weddings or beach destination weddings. This can be khakis and a button-down for men or a nice sundress for the ladies. Unless you know the couple and their style, I would avoid wearing jeans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Semi-formal Wedding Dress Code:<\/strong> Most weddings will fall into this category. A nice knee-length cocktail dress will do. Men can wear slacks with a button down and sports jacket, which they can take off during the reception.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Black-tie Wedding Dress Code:<\/strong> Typically, only the fanciest of weddings will require a black-tie dress code. Men will wear a tuxedo and women tend to wear longer evening gowns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Hot Tip:<\/strong> If you are attending an extra fancy wedding, but don’t want to spend a lot of money on a dress, try Rent the Runway<\/a>. It allows you to borrow designer gowns for the night without the designer price. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Be on time<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the most annoying things at a wedding is to have guests arrive in the middle of the ceremony and “quietly” try to find a seat. It is a distraction and it is rude.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you happen to get stuck in traffic or are running late (it happens!), hang in the back of the ceremony venue to keep the focus on the bride and groom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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