Going to a Wedding...what are the Do's and Don't?

Question

I am going to a wedding very soon. I don't really have a clue about weddings besides attending my brother's.

My girlfriend won't be joining me.

So, just like to get some ideas of the DO's and DON'Ts. Anyone?

Answer 1

Here is what I think you should do as a guest, although these things are not set in stone...

1. Make sure you RSVP that you are going to attend. So many people don´t and the bride and groom don´t know whether they have to serve 50 or 100 (just an example of numbers) at the reception.

2. If you are giving a gift (although even though you attend, you are not obligated to do so) send it to the home that is indicated on the registry before the wedding-don´t take it to the reception. If the bride and groom has requested cash (they shouldn´t do this personally, but should have family spread the word around) give them cash. Don´t worry about giving too little or too much-they should be thankful for anything they get.

3. Get to the wedding on time, if not about 15-20 minutes before, and take your seat. Don´t wonder around aimlessly so the wedding will start on time. Sit on the bride or groom´s side-the location should be determined by your relationship with them. Oh, one of my favorites...if you have a decent camera, take pictures and give them to the bride and groom. Guests at our wedding did this, and it saved us a fortune on photography...some of the pictures were better than the pros, so we didn´t order a lot.

4. Do not, I repeat, do not chew gum during the ceremony. One of our guests did, and it´s captured on our video. I laughed about it, but also realize it looks so bad.

5. Do not go to the reception thinking this is an all you can eat and drink affair. So many people do, get drunk, and make fools of themselves, when the bride and groom have gone to a lot of trouble making this a very nice event for family and friends. Better yet, bring money in case they have a cash bar, and don´t complain when they do.

6. Do not complain about the food, even if it not to your taste. The bride and groom have chosen this place, and there is nothing worse than someone sitting there complaining about the menu. Either eat the food, or let it sit on your plate without saying a word.

7. If there is a dance floor, dance like no one is looking. The bride and groom has spent a lot on the DJ, and I´ve been to some weddings where no one dances...except for me of course. You don´t have to have Justin Timberlake skills, but attempt to move to the music.

8. If single, get out there for the garter toss-if you don´t want the garter (indicating good luck for you that you may be the lucky one) just stand in the back, and don´t put up your hands to catch it. If you do, dance with the single woman who caught the bouquet-whether she is old, young, pretty, or unattractive, and look happy about it.

9. Leave the reception after the bride and groom if the party is dying down. Some people stay, and the bride and groom are charged extra.

10. If the wedding-reception was nice, and you had a good time, call the bride and groom the next day (not too early though) and tell them you had a really nice time. I was so happy when my friends and family gave us sincere compliments, and I liked the feedback of others.

Most of all, and last, but not least, have a great time!

Answer 2

DO dress appropriately. (If you're not sure - ask someone in the wedding party.)

DO relax and have a good time

DON'T get blind drunk

DON'T have too good of a time that you become the "story" of the wedding. (As in, "remember that guy who...."?)

DON'T bring a big gift - some cash or a check in a card is perfectly appropriate. (Besides, who wants to walk around with a big box?)

If your girlfriend was invited, DO sign her name to the card. (If she wasn't or the couple has no idea she exists, don't worry.)

Answer 3

Do not clink your glass to much to make the couple kiss.
Do not interupt their special moments, such as first dance
Do not get too wasted

Do congratulate the bride and groom
Do bring a gift, money is usually best for the wedding
Do dress up & look appropriate (suit)

It's pretty much all common sense. I don't think you'll have a hard time figuring it out. I'm sure you'll be fine.

Answer 4

Drink, drink, drink, drink, drink.... oh yeah... did I mention drink. Unless this is a wedding in Utah... Then you can't drink and just sit there and be bored. A wedding is a party and if you have attended parties, then you will know what to do. If you have something to say publicly to the bride and groom, then make it short and funny, or drunk, because no matter what you say drunk, it will be funny, so as long as everyone else is drunk also. No one ever remembers weddings except for the bride and groom, so make this one your best to forget.

Answer 5

Don't get disgustingly drunk.
Don't hit on the bridesmaids. Just because your girlfriend isn't there doesnt mean she wont see the pictures.
Do dress nicely, but conservatively.
Do bring a gift (either something off the couple's registry or money)
Do congratulate the couple and thank them for the invitation.

Answer 6

Don't hit on the bride; very tacky.
Don't Goose the bride, also very tacky
Do make it a point to congratulate the happy couple.
Do make it a point just to relax and enjoy the wedding.

Answer 7

I've not been to that many weddings myself but the only things I can think of are
- dress properly..no jeans or shorts unless the invite indicates it, also no flip flops.
- if there are "adult" beverages and an open bar don't go hog wild. Limit yourself and don't make a fool of yourself.
That's all I can think of.

Answer 8

DON'T wear jeans! The only exception is if they specifically TOLD you to wear jeans.

My cousin got married this past weekend. After the ceremony, her sister went home and changed into jeans for the reception! She has no class, so it wasn't too much of a shock - but my goodness!

You don't have to go out and buy a fancy suit - but at least look like you TREID to look your best. One of her other cousins looked like she was on her way to go jogging.

Answer 9

Don't get drunk and hit on the bride or knock anything over. Don't try to take over the DJ's job. And if your the only one on the dance floor the new moves you are trying out are not working.

Answer 10

Do enjoy yourself and bring a decent gift.
Dress appropriately for the venue--NO JEANS regardless.
Don't get drunk.
Don't make a spectacle of yourself.
Do thank teh couple for inviting you.