Being the Best Wedding Guest

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Being the Best Wedding Guest

Most people would agree that a wedding celebration is all about the couple preparing to say “I do.” But one might argue that weddings are really all about the invited guests. After all, most Canadian citizens can make things official with a visit to a municipal court. A wedding and reception provide the opportunity for those who are near and dear to witness and celebrate with the newlyweds. You’ve probably been invited to a wedding or two. Here are some tips to remind you of your obligation as a great wedding guest.

Responding Promptly

Anyone who’s planning a wedding will need an accurate headcount as soon as possible. Whether you get a handwritten card in the mail or an electronic invitation, it’s your duty to respond as quickly as possible. You may need time to confirm whether you’re available, especially if the celebration will be held at a vacation spot. Make note of an RSVP date and respond in accordance with the request. A phone call to RSVP to a mailed invitation is not a good idea. You should call only if you must change plans after confirming.

Being Punctual

Arriving fashionably late to a party may be socially acceptable, but not so for a wedding. Often a venue or certain vendors have a limited time frame for the ceremony, so it’s important for things to proceed according to schedule. Plan to get to the venue early so that you have time to figure out transportation, parking and getting to your seat. If you arrive after the ceremony has started, be mindful of how you enter a venue. You’re there to be a loving guest, not a distraction or a nuisance.

Minding the Kids

Pay careful attention to details surrounding bringing children. Some wedding plans for various reasons cannot accommodate kids, so if you’re advised not to bring them, then don’t. If you can’t make plans or don’t want to be away from children, decline the invitation. If you can bring the kids, make sure that they’re well behaved. It may be worth checking to see if other guests are bringing young children. Consider hiring a babysitter or two to supervise the tykes.

Respecting the Pros

From the clergy to the caterer, there will be several people there working to make the occasion special. Please show respect to vendors and other people who are on the job. This includes the servers, the photographer, the DJ, live musicians and even a wedding planner. If they’re not able to do their jobs, this can add stress to the couple and ruin the mood. These pros are working on behalf of the happy couple, so be agreeable and cooperative to rules and requests.

Giving Appropriately

Many couples create registries at their favorite stores, taking the guesswork out of gift-giving. If a registry has been provided, follow instructions if you can. Your loved ones have taken time to identify things that they need for this new chapter. If you cannot afford gift registry items, consider pooling funds with friends or buy a gift card to that particular store or retailer. If the spouses-to-be have requested donations to a charity or funds for a honeymoon, give accordingly.

Getting invited to witness two become one is an honor. This is a special moment in two people’s lives, and it’s important to them that you are there to help celebrate. You don’t need a degree or certificate in partying to be a great wedding guest. If you’re not actually in the wedding party or in the program, there’s not much more for you to do beyond showing up; however, being a great wedding guest helps contribute to a great day for the newlyweds.

Being the Best Wedding Guest

Most people would agree that a wedding celebration is all about the couple preparing to say “I do.” But one might argue that weddings are really all about the invited guests. After all, most Canadian citizens can make things official with a visit to a municipal court. A wedding and reception provide the opportunity for those who are near and dear to witness and celebrate with the newlyweds. You’ve probably been invited to a wedding or two. Here are some tips to remind you of your obligation as a great wedding guest.

Responding Promptly

Anyone who’s planning a wedding will need an accurate headcount as soon as possible. Whether you get a handwritten card in the mail or an electronic invitation, it’s your duty to respond as quickly as possible. You may need time to confirm whether you’re available, especially if the celebration will be held at a vacation spot. Make note of an RSVP date and respond in accordance with the request. A phone call to RSVP to a mailed invitation is not a good idea. You should call only if you must change plans after confirming.

Being Punctual

Arriving fashionably late to a party may be socially acceptable, but not so for a wedding. Often a venue or certain vendors have a limited time frame for the ceremony, so it’s important for things to proceed according to schedule. Plan to get to the venue early so that you have time to figure out transportation, parking and getting to your seat. If you arrive after the ceremony has started, be mindful of how you enter a venue. You’re there to be a loving guest, not a distraction or a nuisance.

Minding the Kids

Pay careful attention to details surrounding bringing children. Some wedding plans for various reasons cannot accommodate kids, so if you’re advised not to bring them, then don’t. If you can’t make plans or don’t want to be away from children, decline the invitation. If you can bring the kids, make sure that they’re well behaved. It may be worth checking to see if other guests are bringing young children. Consider hiring a babysitter or two to supervise the tykes.

Respecting the Pros

From the clergy to the caterer, there will be several people there working to make the occasion special. Please show respect to vendors and other people who are on the job. This includes the servers, the photographer, the DJ, live musicians and even a wedding planner. If they’re not able to do their jobs, this can add stress to the couple and ruin the mood. These pros are working on behalf of the happy couple, so be agreeable and cooperative to rules and requests.

Giving Appropriately

Many couples create registries at their favorite stores, taking the guesswork out of gift-giving. If a registry has been provided, follow instructions if you can. Your loved ones have taken time to identify things that they need for this new chapter. If you cannot afford gift registry items, consider pooling funds with friends or buy a gift card to that particular store or retailer. If the spouses-to-be have requested donations to a charity or funds for a honeymoon, give accordingly.

Getting invited to witness two become one is an honor. This is a special moment in two people’s lives, and it’s important to them that you are there to help celebrate. You don’t need a degree or certificate in partying to be a great wedding guest. If you’re not actually in the wedding party or in the program, there’s not much more for you to do beyond showing up; however, being a great wedding guest helps contribute to a great day for the newlyweds.

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