I’m an etiquette expert and there’s rules every wedding guest should stick to – the way you RSVP is essential
WITH wedding season fast approaching, thousands of British couples are looking forward to the most memorable day of their lives.
But the magic of the day could be derailed by bad guest behaviour.
One etiquette expert has warned there’s a few key things to remember when you’re fortunate enough to be part of someone’s special day.
Diane Gottsman said: “When it comes to weddings, there is so much time invested in it, money invested in it, emotional effort.
“It’s not just going out to a dinner party, it’s a lifetime memory.”
And because of that, “everybody should be on their best behaviour”.
Good guest behaviour should start before the actual wedding day, according to Gottsman.
She advised not to RSVP last minute and never ask for a guest or plus one because it puts the couple on the spot and they shouldn’t be forced to meet total strangers on their wedding day.
What’s more, you should choose your outfit carefully to align with the dress code and NOT be white.
Lateness to a wedding is never acceptable for Gottsman, with traffic or public transport delays being a measly excuse “because we have to factor that in”.
Most people love having a few alcoholic drinks at a wedding, but taking this too far is a very dangerous game.
Speaking to Today, Gottsman said: “You’re there to enjoy the celebration and you don’t want to be the one who ruins the wedding.
“And that’s what they remember over anything else.
“When we over imbibe, our inhibitions go out the window, and we tend to do things and say things that we wouldn’t if we had our wits about us.”
“Just because it’s an open bar doesn’t mean it’s an all-you-can-drink buffet.”
Another rule to abide by is not posting pictures of the wedding before the newlyweds.
Gottsman stressed that wedding guests follow rules on gifts set by the couple, too.
She explained: “We always abide by what the request is.
“If you show up with a gift and everyone else does not have a gift, or multiple people show up with a gift, it makes the people who followed the request uncomfortable.”
For couples who have requested gifts, you should make sure you sent anything large ahead of time so they “don’t have to cart it home” amid their honeymoon bliss.
Gottsman’s advice doesn’t just cover guests, either – it stretches to those not invited.
Weddings are expensive business and to be a nice person, you shouldn’t “hold a grudge” if you didn’t receive an invitation.
There could also be reasons you don’t know about that affected your invitation.
According to Gottsman, it’s best to be the bigger person and show support and understanding for the couple’s choice.