Wedding Etiquette – “What Do I Do?
There is correct etiquette to follow for wedding preparations as well as for the wedding guests and party. You can figure out the correct etiquette if you attend a lot of weddings. However a lot of of us don’t attend a lot of weddings so you need to find some etiquette rules if you are not sure. If you know the proper etiquette then you will enjoy your wedding much more. and have a good time as a guest.
Etiquette begins with your wedding invitations. Sometimes people will get the point from a suggestion. Other times you may need to make it clear. If you don’t want any minors then leave out their names on the invitation. You can also have your friends spread the word that you don’t want any children attending.
Some phrases that limit the people you can bring to the wedding are, “four seats have been reserved for you”, “we hope the 5 of you can attend” or “adult reception”. All RSVP cards should include return postage. If you are inviting anyone’s children and they are over 18 then they should receive their own invitation. Wedding invitations should be sent to everyone including your family.
If you have a gift registry set up anywhere then your relatives and friends should inform anyone. This information should not be on the wedding invitation. Gift registry information can be included in the bridal shower invitation. You should never ask for cash as a gift but let that be an option. You should remember that you are not required to open any of your gifts at the reception.
If this is not the bride’s first marriage, that is not important, she can still wear white if she wants too, even if she has children. If this is not your first wedding then you shouldn’t have a veil, train or carry orange blossoms as they are a sign of virginity. After your first marriage you should be paying for the wedding, not your parents. If you are good friends with your ex and it is fine with your fiance/groom then you can invite your ex-husband.
The seating plan is important as you don’t want any fights to break out and you want all your guests to have a nice time. You should never sit battling relatives at the same table, as this is disastrous. You should make your seating plan out by age or relationships so that all guests will be able to converse with ease.
There are no set rules to follow when planning the head table. You can include or disclude anyone that you want. Some people like the parents at the table and others just the wedding party. You should have tables assigned but not seats, the only reserved seats should be for the bride and grooms parents.
Guests also have some wedding etiquette to follow. RSVPing to the invitation is mandatory as no one ever just assumes that people will show up. Weddings are planned down to the T so you need to let the planners know if you are attending. If you are not attending the wedding then you don’t need to send a gift. Additionally if you are attending a ceremony that is different religion then you do not need to participate in any part of the ceremony unless you want to.