Wedding Etiquette
Planning for a wedding is a lot of stress. More stressful than any day-to-day work a person has to do. Why? Because it's a big event that usually takes a year or more to prepare, with a lot of obstacles to come along the way. A bride usually dreams of that perfect day. So as a supplier or a guest, don't ruin that dream. Remember that that day belongs to the bride and the groom. NOT YOU. And that is the reason why a lot of people need to know about weddi-quette (wedding etiquette). Here's a list to help us in understanding how to act as a supplier or a guest to a wedding.
I hope this would be helpful for future suppliers and guests to take into heart. And also a helpful information for future brides and grooms. This is also applicable to other events and would be helpful. For Suppliers: 1. Basically, the number one rule for all suppliers, including hosts and coordinators, is that you have to strictly follow what the bride instructed or requested you to do. Remember that your goal is to please your clients (the bride and the groom). No one else matters except them. 2. Give them exactly what they paid for. Don't leave them short of what they paid for. You don't know the trouble the bride and groom went through just to pay for your fee. 3. Don't commit if in the end you can't handle the burden. Don't accept if you think it's too much for you. For Guests: 1. There is something called RSVP. If the bride and the groom sent you one, it's just appropriate for you to respond ASAP even if the due date is still far. Don't leave them hanging waiting for your response. Most of the cost will depend on how many guests they will be expecting to come. Don't be inconsiderate. 2. Again, for those who responded to come, make sure that you will attend. Don't say that you're coming and not be there in the end. Remember, the bride and the groom are spending for you personally. And money is not easy to come by. Don't be inconsiderate. 3. If you were invited to the ceremony, don't just show up at the reception. The most important part in a union is the ceremony. It's for you to witness their exchange of vows. Not the food! 4. Dress as the style the invitation suggests. Also, don't dress to compete. This is not your day. If they request a formal attire then you should comply. If they ask you to dress up in a simple way, don't go overdressed as well. 5. Arrive at the ceremony on time. If not on time then a little early but never late. Arriving on time at the ceremony shows respect and that you value their union. 6. Send a gift even if you can't attend. Etiquette dictates that if you were invited, you owe the couple a gift, even if you can't make it to the wedding. According to an article I read, Post said "People lose friends over this. I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't remind people to take care of this: one invitation to a wedding ceremony equals a wedding gift." It's something we all should consider. 7. Sit at your assigned table. In the same article I have read, again Post said "There's a lot of thought that goes into these seating arrangements. Yes, the bride and groom actually spent time thinking about the various relationships their guests have to one another, and there could be a very good reason the cute guy you want to sit next to is at the other end of the room. Maybe his crazy ex-girlfriend will cause a scene and take you out for flirting with him. Who knows? Only the bride and groom, so don't mess with the seating." There will always be a reason why the couple would want us to sit on our designated seats and we should respect that. 8. Bring an appropriate guest. If you were invited with a plus 1 and you are married, then that automatically means bring your wife so you shouldn't bring your mistress. 9. If you weren't invited with a guest, don't show up with one. Do not pencil your significant other's name onto the RSVP card, and do not call and ask the bride or the groom for a plus 1. According to Post, this is beyond not okay and this is one of the top ten complaints from couples."Once the bride and groom have come to their decision, it is what it is. Asking them to change is disrespectful, and it puts them in an awkward position." The only exceptions, according to Post, are if you're married, engaged or cohabitating. In that case, modern day etiquette says the bride should have included your romantic other in the first place, and you can very diplomatically and politely broach the conversation with her. 10. Don't leave before the cake is cut. It's an old rule, but Post says there's a good reason for it: "It's considered a quiet sign to elderly guests that it's okay to leave," she explained. That’s when it's acceptable for you to depart as well.
I know most of us might be guilty of not complying with this weddi-quette. I hope that in the future we'll always think about all the planning and thought that the couple did before we decide to ruin the fun by not complying with these things. I hope that as suppliers and especially as guests, we always take this things into consideration and not be a burden to the couple.
