I’ve been an event planner for years, and at weddings I’ve seen some things that made me cringe for the couple. Here are a few tried and true things that should NEVER happen at ANY wedding.
NEVER forget to RSVP
If the invitation includes an RSVP deadline, out of respect for the couple you should let them know as soon as possible if you plan on being there or not. The guest list impacts most of the wedding festivities, from catering to wedding favours.
NEVER assume you can bring a date/plus one
Your invitation will say whether a plus one is acceptable or not. Read it carefully to make sure. A wedding is expensive enough already, so the last thing the couple needs are unexpected guests without an RSVP and a limited amount of food.
NEVER get pass-out drunk
It’s not acceptable to over drink at a wedding, regardless of an open bar or cheap drinks. Although you might be having fun, you wouldn’t want to do something to embarrass the wedding couple or yourself.
NEVER arrive late
You were important to the couple so you were invited to their wedding. Show some respect by being in your seat before the wedding starts.
NEVER wear white
Their wedding day is the day most girls dream about when they’re young and the dress is probably one of the most expensive things she will purchase for her dream day. Don’t take away from her moment by wearing your own white dress. Even if you ask the bride (don’t do that either) and she says YES, just don’t.wear.white! Someone at her wedding will not be ok with it and you WILL be remember as the friend who wore white to the wedding.
NEVER share photos from the wedding until it’s ok to do so
This, as a wedding planner, is one of my biggest pet peaves. First, let the photographer do the job they were hired to do. Their photos are more important than capturing the Instagram shot of your bridal dreams. While your friend will surely love both, they’ve paid a lot of money to have a professional photographer capture their day. If the wedding isn’t social media friendly, keep images on your phone until they’ve said it’s OK to share your magazine-worthy snaps. However, at many weddings guests are encouraged to share their experiences – in fact, some couples go as far to have a wedding hashtag. In this case, share away!
NEVER talk about your own wedding
Are you also getting married sometime soon? While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and start talking about your own wedding, don’t make it the topic of choice at someone else’s wedding.
NEVER leave before the couple cuts the cake
Sometimes weddings aren’t for everyone – and most couples will respect that, but whatever you do, don’t dine and dash. When guests leave the reception minutes after eating, it’s rude and shows a lack of regard for all of the hard work that went into the event. Stay until the cake is cut and then graciously bow out. This gives you enough time to be seen, congratulate the couple and catch up with friends, while still leaving you enough time to get home.
Let us know if there are other Wedding NEVERS that we missed!
The Knot
Glamour