Good Wedding Guest
There are a few things that you can do to be a good wedding guest. First, respond to your wedding invitation as soon as possible, including whether you will have a plus one.
Also, RSVP as soon as possible for any other events you are invited to, such as the wedding shower and rehearsal dinner. Follow the dress code for all wedding celebration events and bring a wedding gift on the registry for a great start at being a good wedding guest.
What to Bring to a Wedding as a Guest
It’s a grand gesture to offer a gift for a wedding day; however, if you are invited to all of the wedding events, such as the wedding shower, bridal shower, bridesmaids’ day, or guy time, think about bringing a little something for each of those events. It’s just good not to come to a wedding event empty-handed. If you don’t want to spend much money, you can always bring a card or something thoughtful that the bride or groom will appreciate at the event.
How to Prepare for a Wedding as a Guest
A few things to consider while preparing to be a wedding day guest are the attire and following the wedding dress code according to the type of wedding. If it’s a formal wedding or destination, if there’s no dress code, then wear formal dresses according to the season, like if it’s a winter wedding or summer; after that comes accommodations and transportation.
You will always want to be prepared with enough clothing, especially when attending a destination wedding. Also, if you are at the wedding party, ask the bride/groom if they need you to bring something. It’s always helpful if the couple can ask you to have a few emergency items rather than having to pack everything themselves. The couple will have enough to carry on their own. It will be greatly appreciated if they know they can also count on you.
But even if you plan on a certain climate, bring different types of clothing. Bring an umbrella for sure, if it’s a summer wedding or a beach wedding. Pack a set of sweats. Especially today, with so many flight cancellations and travel changes, you never know what you will need, so make sure to have extra time and prepare for anything.
Book your hotel as soon as you know you will attend the wedding. Ask the couple if a hotel block will be available for the wedding party and guests. The couple will most likely know whether they plan on having a block of rooms available. If it’s not quite reserved yet, be patient and allow the couple to set up the block and reserve your room as soon as possible. This will help the couple to plan better, and it will help them to negotiate with the hotel if necessary if more rooms are booked sooner.
If you have no space in the hotel block, you will still want to book your room as soon as possible to get the best rate. The great thing about hotels is that you can usually cancel your room up to 24 hours before check-in if necessary, so there’s plenty of time.
Transportation is also very important. You will want to be sure that you know how you are getting to the location of the wedding, to and from your hotel and venue, or if the wedding party gets together even after the reception.
Wedding Guest Anxiety
It’s completely normal to have some anxiety about attending a wedding. This can be a little uncomfortable, especially if we don’t know many people or anyone attending the wedding besides the bride or groom. To avoid feeling anxious, we can bring a guest if you are allowed a plus one. Your plus one does not have to be a date or significant other. However, I recommend it be a close friend, family member, or someone the bride or groom knows.
The couple will appreciate it if you bring someone who is a mainstay as a family member or friend. But if you need to bring someone for emotional support, see if you can gently mention or ask the couple if they wouldn’t mind who you bring as a guest. Yes, you can technically bring anyone, but at the same time, they might appreciate it if that person is special to you.
Guest Dos and Donts
To recap some do’s and don ts:
Be sure to RSVP as soon as possible, not just for the ceremony but all the wedding events you’re invited to. Turn your cell phone to silent, Don’t wear a white dress and follow the dress rules and common sense, don’t be a drunk guest, and Bring clothing not only for the destination you are attending but just imagine that you get stuck in an airport along the way and you will need to stay the night. Bring what you might need for any circumstance within reason. Buy a gift representing your relationship with the couple, and if you are attending all of the wedding events, bring something, even a card, for each event.
Try not to wait until you arrive at the wedding destination to consider your transportation throughout the wedding events. If public transportation is available and helpful, you may want to consider utilizing it rather than an Uber, for example. Always try to arrive half an hour before the ceremony.
After reaching a wedding ceremony, it’s important to be a good guest and make the most of your time there. Check the seating arrangement or seating charts and find your designated seat. Take a moment to sign the guest book and offer your congratulations to the wedding couple. During the wedding reception, try to mingle with other guests and the bridal party, and don’t forget to hit the dance floor and have an amazing time. Remember to be respectful and considerate of the couple’s wishes and follow the schedule of events. And most importantly, don’t forget to thank the couple and their families for inviting you to share on their special day.
And finally, don’t leave too early if you don’t have to. It’s acceptable to leave after the ceremony if necessary; however, let the couple know beforehand if you know that’s the case. They might appreciate it if they can save a meal from being prepared if they know you won’t attend the reception.
And that is how you can be an awesome wedding guest.
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