Whether you’re a wedding person or not, at some point in your life, you’re going to get an invitation. It’s a great privilege to be invited to a wedding, as someone is essentially asking you to be there on one of the most important days of their lives. Whether they’re a friend or a family member, it’s always a good idea to brush up on wedding etiquette so you can make a good impression.
Besides, weddings can be a great time to meet new people and show your appreciation for your friend or family member who’s getting married. Even better, if you have the wedding etiquette down, you’re sure to have a much better experience.
RSVP Your Invitation
If you receive an invitation, it’s not a good idea to just stick it on the fridge and forget about it. Read the invitation and work out what it’s for. Some invitations are just for part of the wedding day, while others are for the full day. You might also need to pick from a menu for a meal or tell them about any allergies or dietary restrictions.
Most importantly, you need to RSVP or otherwise tell the wedding party whether you’ve accepted the invitation or not. If you have a plus-1, it’s a nice idea to say who you’re bringing with you, but this isn’t necessary.
What to Wear
If the bridal couple wants a specific dress code, they should tell you on the invitation. You should follow this dress code as best you can. Most weddings don’t have a dress code, so what do you wear then?
Unless told otherwise, weddings are typically formal affairs. Don’t turn up in sneakers and jeans if you don’t want to stand out for the wrong reasons. Some couples do prefer something casual and understated, and again, they will tell you before you go.
For most men, this will at least mean formal shirts, nice slacks or suit trousers, and clean shoes. Formal dress shoes go nicely with the rest of the look, but you can experiment if you’re going for a more smart casual style. Otherwise, you can also experiment with waistcoats, blazers, and suit jackets. For accessories, choose cufflinks, a nice watch, and depending on the rest of your outfit, a tie or bow tie.
While dresses are typical formal wear for women, you can also wear a smart suit or dressy trousers. Otherwise, try to find the balance between looking your best and drawing too much attention to yourself.
How to Act
Most weddings are self-explanatory. Ideally, you should bring a small gift and a card to start with.
The simple rules include staying quiet during the ceremonies and not talking through the speeches, although you can often laugh. Stay out of the way of photos as much as you can, especially during the first dance and cake cutting.
Finally, have a good time. You might have a seating arrangement, so talk to the people you’re sat with through dinner. If there’s alcohol, help yourself but try not to drink too much if you don’t want to lose control. Get up and dance when the music starts and, if you leave before the bride and groom, make sure to thank them in person.
