WEDDING ETIQUETTE GUIDE
PC JOSHUA DWAYNE
MUA BISI, CRYSTAL EYEZ
We are deep into Wedding Season and there are a few things you should prepare for when you respond to the RSVP confirming your attendance.
ATTIRE
Dress Appropriately
When receiving the formal invitation in the mail you can instantly grasp the type of wedding you will be attending. Many couples are informing their guest of the required attire for the day by enclosing a details card identifying the required attire. There maybe an additional card with an image of the attire to view. If this information is not included, do not hesitate to contact the couple and ask the appropriate question.
Attire that is not acceptable no matter the design style of the invitation:
Jeans
Tee shirts
Slides
Respectable Attire not exposing body parts that are for private viewing is never acceptable.
PUNCUALITY
Arrive On Time
If you are late arriving to the wedding and the ceremony has begun, the ushers will give you specific directions to follow. Its my policy to seat guest that arrive late after the bride has walk down the aisle. Guest are also seated in the back quietly without disrupting the ceremony. My advice, do not arrive late.
SILENCE PHONES & TUCK THEM AWAY
Silence Phones and be in the moment. It is very rude to pull your phone out during the ceremony and take pictures. The couple has invested in visual artists to capture their moment. If the visual artist have to shoot around guest standing in the aisle or blocking their view it creates a problem and danger for them. This is also expensive and time consuming to edit cell phones and body’s out of the images. Uncle Joe and Monica with the new android can take pictures after the ceremony. Be in the moment!! The wedding ceremony is the most important component of the day.
GIFTS
Bring a Gift - Do not show up empty handed.
Monetary amount to cover the dinner $150 to $300
SEATING CHART
The seating chart is created for a reason. Time is of the essence and the Venue Staff, Chef, Event Management need guest to be seated quickly. Locate your seat assignment during cocktail hour.
Do not Switch Seats
Do not invite someone whom is not assigned to your table to sit with you.
Server will serve from the right - Gracefully give the server space to place the plate.
Do not switch escort cards. Escort cards identify meal selection for servers.
Be respectful to the servers. They have a hard job and are usually responsible for a minimum of 4 tables base on the number of guest attending.
Tip your server if they are doing a good job.
Engage with guest at table.
Set Aside personal feelings about other guest for the evening. The event is not about you. Its about the couple.
EMBRACING THE MOMENT & PAY ATTENTION TO THE DETAILS
Embrace the Table. Detailed elements have been curated for guest to enjoy. Personal touches have been added for a reason. The design informs you of the couples personal style.
Place settings include linen napkin, charger, flatware, stemware, menu card, escort card, table number, votives, floral centerpiece, additional candlelight maybe added for your enjoyment. Take a moment to view the design and layers of goodness. This is the time to take images to share with others.
Tips on when and how to use the correct utensil or glassware appropriately will be in another blog post.
CHILDREN
Children become bored very quickly. Quite frankly, they are over it. If you are unable to secure childcare and they have to come with you, supervise your children.
Bring something for them to do.
A change of clothes will not hurt.
Make sure you supervise them closely throughout the evening. There is nothing worse than kids unsupervised and running around the venue and misbehaving. Not Good. Takes the enjoyment from the event for everyone.
Most Importantly
Have a GOOD TIME! The couple wants everyone to party and enjoy themselves.
If the Event Planner is asking you questions or needs you to follow their direction, they are not doing this to irritate you or make you feel uncomfortable. They are trying to do the job they are hired to do efficiently, effectively and the way the couple requested.
