Tips For Preparing For A Wedding As A Guest
If you’ve been invited to someone’s wedding you’ll need to be fully prepared for it.
That’s why ladies seek ways to style their little black dresses and men go in search of suits and ties.
Perhaps you’re unsure of what to wear or are unfamiliar with wedding etiquette. If that’s the case don’t be anxious because we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll provide some tips for preparing for a wedding as a guest.
Follow The Dress Code
A dress code is simply a set of guidelines for what types of clothing are appropriate to wear on a specific occasion. For example, many workplaces have dress codes (e.g. casual, business-casual, or formal attire). It’s important to follow the dress code for a wedding because it shows that you respect the couple’s wishes for how they’d like their guests to look on their big day. Plus, it can help ensure that everyone looks their best in the photos!
If the invitation doesn’t specify a dress code, ask the couple or a member of their wedding party. When in doubt, err on the side of being more formally dressed. If you want to learn more about a wedding dress code, you can go online, because there are specialist websites that provide general guidelines and discuss wedding attire for men and women. There are also tips on how to dress for the season or match your date to a wedding.
RSVP Promptly
When you receive a wedding invitation in the mail, it will likely include an RSVP card. This special card is how you let the bride and groom know whether or not you plan on attending their wedding. It’s important to respond as soon as possible so that the couple can get an accurate headcount and make arrangements accordingly. If you wait too long to RSVP, they may have already made other plans assuming you weren’t coming.
If for some reason you can’t commit to attending the wedding right away, let the couple know and tell them as soon as you find out for sure. If you have food preferences (e.g. vegan, vegetarian) or allergies (e.g. dairy, wheat, gluten, nuts) put the details in your reply so they can notify the caterers.
Bring A Wedding Gift
It’s always a nice gesture to bring the happy couple a wedding gift, although it’s not compulsory. Sometimes the invite will provide a link to a special website where you can choose a gift from a selection. This will usually have been chosen by the bride and groom and feature some of the items they need for their new life together.
If you’re struggling to decide what to give the couple, consider something for their home or a gift card. You could buy some nice photo frames for them to put their wedding photos in. Another option is to make a donation to their chosen charity in lieu of a physical presence. The key is to set a budget in advance so you know how much money you have to spend and to choose something you know they’ll appreciate.
Make Any Travel Arrangements Well In Advance
Once you know when and where the event is to occur, it’s best to book your flights or reserve your spot on a bus or train as soon as possible. This will ensure that you get the best possible rates and avoid any last-minute scrambling. If you’re traveling with family or friends, see if you can group together to get a discount on transportation. The more people in your party, the more likely you are to be able to negotiate a better price.
Making travel arrangements well in advance will also give you more time to focus on other aspects of the wedding preparation as the day approaches.
Book Your Accommodation Early
Not all weddings are local and some locations are too far for you to get there and back in a day. It may be that you want to make a small break out of the occasion or that you both intend to drink alcohol at the reception. In these scenarios and more you’ll need to organize a place to stay overnight – before or after the wedding (or both).
If you’re planning on attending a wedding that’s taking place in a different city or even country, it’s important to book your accommodation early. Not only will this ensure that you have a place to stay, but it will also help you avoid any last-minute stress. This is especially important if the wedding is taking place during peak season or on a bank holiday weekend.
Check Who’s Invited
Read the wedding invitation to see if only you’re invited or whether there’s a plus one option. If you’re a married couple are your kids also invited or will you need to leave them with your parents? It’s important to find out what the couple’s policy is on guests bringing additional people. Some couples are okay with it while others prefer that only those who are married or in a serious relationship attend the wedding.
If you do have a date or plus one, be sure to include their name when you RSVP so that the couple can prepare accordingly (e.g. for table plans and seating arrangements).
Know-How To Behave At The Wedding
Here are some general etiquette tips for you:
- Show up on time
- Make sure your phone is fully charged and silenced during the ceremony
- Be respectful of the bride and groom’s time and space during the reception
- Give the couple a gift before or after the wedding, not during the ceremony or reception
- Be mindful of your alcohol intake (this could affect your behavior!) and never drink and drive
Hopefully, things are a little clearer for you now and you feel more confident about getting organized. When the special day is over you’ll return home having enjoyed yourself with the happy couple and guests. You’ll have a phone full of wedding photos and a head full of memories that you’ll always treasure.
