The Perfect Wedding Guest

How To Be The Perfect Wedding Guest

By: Ilka Brookes - Marziplanner- Australia’s #1 Wedding Management Solution

Date: June 2008

Plenty is written about how to be the perfect bride or groom, however, as most people will attend at least half a dozen weddings in their lifetime, shouldn’t we be asking “how to be the perfect wedding guest” instead?

Weddings are a fantastic cause for celebration, and we do tend to enjoy a party! If you want to be invited back for housewarmings, baby showers and the like, we suggest you followa few simple rules and put your best foot forward as the perfect guest.

Firstly, when you are invited to a wedding, pick up the phone and say thank you. If you are unable to attend, make sure you send your RSVP as soon as you know, as weddings are a numbers game. Costs are based per head mostly and your attendance is worth, approximately $300 (when you take into account invitations, venue hire, reception food and drink, etc). So if you can’t make it, send your apologies well before the RSVP date.

If you will be attending the wedding, get in early with your RSVP on time. Book any travel details so that you don’t cause last minute problems. Notify the bride of any special requirements such as dietary restrictions or needing wheelchair access. And if you are invited to bring a partner, let the bride and groom know his name (ideally introduce him to the couple before the big day).

Now, on the day – there are a few easy do’s and don’ts:

DO

Arrive to the ceremony on time - it’s the bride’s prerogative to be up to 20 mins late, no one else’s!
Dress appropriately - the code of dress on the invitation is there for a reason…. & don’t upstage the bride!
Partake in the ceremony graciously - regardless of your religious or political preferences.
Introduce yourself - especially to the host (i.e. whoever’s paying for you to be there).
Say your thank-you’s and good-bye’s before you leave the event.

DON’T

Turn up drunk  - to any of the celebrations, EVER!
Get stupidly drunk - save it for the bucks or hens.
Act like it’s a high school reunion - it’s a day for family AND friends so be respectful.
Bitch about where you sit - it probably took the couple ages to put the seating plan together.
Talk through the speeches - no matter how tedious they are.
Leave straight after dessert –  traditionally the bride and groom should be the first to leave, however this is not always the case.

GIFTS

You may wish to give the couple a gift even if you aren’t going to the wedding. If you are attending the wedding, the options normally are: buying off a gift registry, giving to a wishing well or honeymoon registry (so the couple can afford that trip to the Maldives!) or donating to a charity that the couple have nominated (a very eco-sensitive move these days). The rule of thumb for spending on a couple, is for it to be the same amount as a nice dinner for two including wine (so about $120- $150).

Lastly, after it’s all over and your Jimmy Choo’s are put away till the next soiree, don’t forget to write your thank-you letter. Traditionally sent to the persons who paid for the wedding such as the parents, you may wish to modernize and send one to the couple, as well as both sets of parents. If you just can’t extend yourself to hand-writing a card or note (emails are OUT) then pick up the phone, at least. Remember, its all about good manners.

MARZIPLANNER;  Award-winning wedding management solution!