Invited

Common Mistakes Invited Wedding Guests Should Avoid

Being invited to attend a wedding is a great honor. When a couple asks you to share their special day with them, it means you are a person of importance to their relationship. Unfortunately, there are plenty of guests who make significant errors when it comes to celebrating a marriage. If you want to be the best guest possible, take a look at these common mistakes and learn how to avoid them at all costs. 

The Invited

Couples put a lot of thought behind who is included on their guest lists. This also means they have been deliberate with which guests will receive a plus-one invite. If you were not given the option to bring a date to the event, then you should simply accept this. One of the most uncomfortable mistakes you can make is to reach out to the couple and request a plus-one. The couple likely is working with a tight budget, and asking to bring someone can put them in a very difficult position. 

Another common mistake with invitations is failing to RSVP in a timely manner. The longer you wait, the more complicated you are making matters for the couple. You should also stay true to your word and attend an event that you replied “yes” to. If a conflict comes up and you can no longer make it, let the couple know as early as possible so they can adjust their lists accordingly. 

The Invited and The Gift

When you’re invited to a wedding, you are also expected to bring a gift. Unfortunately, there are plenty of guests who forego giving a present. While it is not mandatory to provide a gift, you can bet that the absence will be noticed. To maintain a strong relationship with the couple, find a present that falls within your budget. If there is a registry attached to the event, try to avoid purchasing an item that is not on the official list. For those who don’t have time to grab something from a store, a cash gift is a suitable fit. 

The Ceremony

These days, everyone uses their phones to snap a ton of pictures during a wedding ceremony. Since the couple likely hired a professional to photograph the event, you must remain mindful of how you go about taking your own pics. Getting in the way of the photographer is a huge faux pas, so stay in your seat at all times to avoid blocking a perfect shot. It is also important to remain quiet during the ceremony and to put all of your electronic devices on silent in advance. 

The Reception

Most wedding receptions feature an open bar for guests. However, this is not an invitation for you to drink so much that you make a fool of yourself. While you should feel free to indulge in a few beverages and enjoy your experience, you must also remain mindful of your limit. The last thing you want to do is ruin a beautiful day by becoming belligerent. It is also a good idea to be polite to the catering staff and any other vendors present during the event. Treat all guests and staff with the same level of respect.

The Odds and Ends

Finally, be sure to pay attention to all information listed on your invitation or the official wedding website. If there is a dress code, plan your outfit in advance. If you need to mention dietary restrictions, do it immediately. Try to avoid bothering the couple with any questions that can be answered by reviewing the information already given to you.

While being a wedding guest can be a lot of fun, you should be mindful of your behavior throughout the experience. Use your best judgment at all times, and help the couple enjoy this special day to the fullest.

Wedding Engagement Announcement Etiquette

Taking the first steps towards an engagement.

Every engagement started somewhere. For some, it was dating a friend; for others, dating websites played a crucial role.

According to some experts, about 40 percent of wedding engagements occur between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day. It doesn’t matter when you get engaged, you’ll want to spread the news far and wide. It might sound like a childish notion to have a plan for sharing your engagement news, but you’ll want to make sure that your mom hears your announcement from you, not Aunt Sally. Here are some etiquette tips you might want to consider.

Who Do I Tell First?

Before posting on social media, you want to make sure your family and close friends know. If you have kids, you should talk to them first and give them some time to process their emotions before making the big announcement. Social media and/or newspaper announcements should follow your own verbal notices.

Can I Post Pictures of the Ring on Social Media?

Modern etiquette experts all recommend not sharing a picture of just your ring on social media, although it is very common to see close-up pictures of rings on Instagram or Facebook. The best way is to take a picture of your left hand that includes you and your fiancé. It’s more gracious and focuses on your announcement instead of focusing on the consumerism of how big the ring is.

Dealing With Uncomfortable Questions About the Ring

If you get asked about the price or size of your ring, you may be uncomfortable discussing that particular information. You don’t have to tell someone how much the ring cost or how many carats the diamond is. It is good to have a general response to any questions to be able to deflect the discomfort you feel. “Brad spent more than he should have, but we’ll have this treasure forever.” “It’s not the size that matters to me.” Humor is a good tool to have in your arsenal. Quickly change the subject to some other aspect of the wedding.

Who Should Be Invited to the Engagement Party?

You might want to invite all your friends and family to your engagement party, but wedding etiquette dictates that everyone who is invited to pre-wedding events should be invited to the actual wedding. This is one reason to keep the engagement party small. Although anyone can throw the celebration, traditionally the parents of the bride host the party. The best man and maid of honor should not be the ones hosting this party, because they are responsible for other parties closer to the wedding.

Do Brides Have to Wear White to the Engagement Party?

It is traditional for brides to wear white to the party, but that shouldn’t limit your wardrobe. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and enjoy the party and your friends. White puts you in the spotlight, and it will be a nice reminder that those pictures are from the engagement party.

Etiquette for Those Who Have Been Informed About the Engagement

If you’ve been chosen to get the information before it’s been posted on social media, hold off on posting anything on social media about the wedding until after the couple makes an announcement. It’s tempting to want to break the news, but it’s just good etiquette to wait. Don’t ask about the size or cost of the ring. If the bride and groom want to tell you, they will.

You also shouldn’t approach the couple to ask whether you’ll be in the bridal party. It puts the bride and groom in the awkward position of having to say no if they’re planning a small wedding and not including you. Just wait to let the bride ask you. You aren’t obligated to get engagement gifts for the couple, but gifts are customary. Choose affordable gifts that fit within your budget and communicate your happiness.