The most common mistakes of wedding guests in wedding etiquette

Avoid the Most Common Wedding Guest Etiquette Mistakes Wedding guest etiquette may seem pretty simple RSVP, be on time, bring a gift, don’t make a scene but wedding guest etiquette mistakes are more common than you might think. While many people bring their best manners to a wedding celebration, sometimes guests […]

Avoid the most common mistakes of wedding guests in wedding etiquette.

Wedding guest etiquette may seem pretty simple — RSVP, be on time, bring a gift, don't make a scene — but wedding guest etiquette mistakes are more common than you might think. While many people bring their best manners to a wedding celebration, sometimes guests aren't on their best behavior. Sometimes we know in advance that one of our guests, as we already know him well from family events, can disrupt such a wedding reception in a big way. Choose your guests so that this day of yours is according to your expectations.

The best thing about memories is making them, so make them your way. Three days ago I met a pleasant young lady, her name is Lenka, and she is preparing a wedding that will take place in the month of September 2024. We were talking about the manner of the guests and also about the fact that someone from her neighborhood whom she invited to the wedding and she asked that her privacy not be disclosed, so he did. We should always respect the wishes of the other person who protects their privacy. This is especially true for wedding etiquette. Newlyweds often publish only photos that they choose personally. I saw the wedding photos last week that my friend posted as a guest, the bride was just eating soup and the photo was really not pretty. I firmly believe that the purpose of the publication was not coincidence but ignorance. Therefore, consider and share photos that newlyweds post that they are happy with.

From ignoring the dress code to having too much fun, there are more than a few things wedding guests can do that are considered major faux pas. As an etiquette expert and as a manager who managed weddings, I will share with you the biggest mistakes that wedding guests still make today.

Request to bring plus one

One of the first pieces of advice: Don't ask the newlyweds if you can bring a plus-one when you answer. If you did not see a plus one on the invitation, then it is best to respect this choice of the couple. The couple definitely has a plan for why they invite the guest and how to seat and place them. Last year I was at the wedding of my good friend Martin, we were invited by several friends, we sat at one big table and we had a great time. Therefore, it is necessary to respect this decision of the couple.

If you have an approved "plus" for your wedding, make sure they follow proper etiquette as well. Plus-one should follow all the good guest rules that an invited guest should follow. Greet the couple, introduce yourself to the other guests, mix and mingle and don't push yourself.

Regardless of the dress code

So much mental energy goes into planning a wedding - and one of those careful considerations is the dress code, as you may already know. If the couple who got married has set a certain dress code, be sure to respect it. If you have questions, do your research before asking about the outfit you have in mind, and if you need to ask, ask someone in the wedding party, such as a bridesmaid or best man; The soon-to-be newlyweds have a lot to think about! It is not appropriate to burden them with this.

It goes overboard with alcohol

This may seem obvious, but it happens. "Getting drunk and embarrassed" is one of the main mistakes I would highlight and advise wedding guests to avoid - it's simply not respectful to the couple or the other guests.

Come in white

Perhaps the most important rule of dressing: Don't wear white!  The only person who should be in white is the BRIDE! If you're in doubt as to whether your chosen outfit might break this rule – like wearing a white dress with a print on top – just change your outfit. Chances are, if you had to guess, it's not the right fashion choice for a wedding. It is necessary to respect that the bride is the only one who shines in white.

Late arrival for the ceremony

Delays happen; we can't all be on time for every single event. However, in general, try to arrive at the wedding ceremony well in advance out of respect for the couple. If you arrive late, it's a big faux pas to "make a scene trying to get a good seat at the front". If you happen to arrive late, either wait to enter the building until the ceremony is over, or slip in quietly and sit in the back so as not to disrupt this special event.

Getting in the way of a photographer or cameraman

Wedding photographers have a very important role to play in a wedding – their efforts will allow newlyweds to look back on their special day for years to come. Disrupting wedding photographers while they are doing their job is a big no-no. Another mistake: You try to take your own photos while the photographer is busy documenting the special moment and you let them work in their process.

Posting too soon on social media

In general, I would like to recall in the spirit of the beginning of the article, where I mentioned the bride Lenka, who is sad that her guests publish information about the wedding before she herself published it. Here I would like to emphasize that wedding guests should not post photos of the married couple on social networks before the couple themselves. This is a big moment for them and they should be able to decide when the pictures will be posted on Instagram or Facebook. Respect it.

Skipping a gift at a destination wedding

Yes, destination weddings can be very expensive for guests, but that doesn't mean you should skip the wedding gift altogether. A destination wedding is expensive, but giving a modest gift is still appropriate. Use the registry, find something within your budget, and have it delivered. Many couples have published pages where they have a list of gifts they want or need for their equipment. The size of the gift does not matter, within your means, give a gift to the newlyweds.

Dressing too casually for a beach wedding

If someone invites you to a beach wedding, even if you're going to a beach wedding, it doesn't mean you can wear something super casual. It's still an elegant occasion and your choice of outfit should reflect the occasion. In a festive spirit with elegance as comfortably as possible.


Table setting and proper dining

At the wedding, you have cutlery ready as shown in the picture, you don't need to know which one is a fish knife or a steak knife, the important thing is to know that we are starting to take cutlery from the region. Since the cutlery is set according to what is being served, as well as the glasses, according to what will be served for drinking.

Cancellation of RSVP confirmation

As you already know RSVP from my lectures. Once you have confirmed your participation, it is not a good idea to withdraw your confirmation, as you will get a better "offer" for another wedding. Of course, different things can happen in life, but exchanging one event for another and canceling a confirmed wedding is not really good etiquette.

Do not forget that the formalization at social events is precisely so that you feel comfortable at events, weddings and other events, wear what you should wear according to etiquette, so that you are not a distraction at the wedding, but enjoy it with to the lovely couple who chose to have you with them in this festive and special moment in their lives. 

I wish Lenka and her soon-to-be a beautiful wedding and a happy life, and I wish the guests pleasant entertainment and beautiful memories for everyone!