We always hear about how to be the perfect Bridesmaid, Groomsmen, Mother of the Bride or even how to be the best Bride and Groom/Groom and Groom or Bride and Bride. It’s not often that we receive help on how to be a stellar wedding guest. It’s not easy, we have all been there. What to wear? What to buy? Where to sit? How to act? And so on…
I thought I would take the chance to shed some light on this topic, as people like us who are always the guest and have yet to be the bride, need a little guidance on this matter. We don’t want to be the average guest here; we want to be the perfect guest.
So, you’ve just received the wedding invitation. Speaking for myself, I get very excited when I get a wedding invitation in the mail, now measure that excitement and multiply that by 100 to get a feel for how excited the couple is to receive your RSVP back. Advice – don’t wait weeks to answer. If you know you can make it, the proper thing to do is respond right away. Not only will the couple be thrilled to find out you’re coming but they can start planning as soon as they start getting RSVP’s back. Now, to be that stellar guest we have been talking about – why not add a cute message in the RSVP envelope to let that special couple know just how excited you are to share in their special day. That little gesture can go a long way!
Next will be the wedding gift, this is probably the part where most people get stressed out. Most couple’s these days have a wedding registry at a store of their choice. So, when all else fails there is absolutely nothing wrong with using that registry. The days of making a nice quilt for the couple are unfortunately over for most. Why not pick something you know they will use and want? Advice – instead of asking the couple what they would like, ask the wedding party. The couple is very busy planning the big day and if everyone asked them once, they would get that question over 100 times. If you want to make your gift extra special why not add something personal to it. If you’re worried about giving them a boring old blender…why not give them a recipe for your favorite icy drink inside?
To the ladies – please don’t wear white. Enough said.
Arrive to the ceremony about 30 minutes before it starts. Being late is probably the most embarrassing moment you could share with all 200 wedding guests when you attempt enter that church door “stealthily”. Remember, before the ceremony the Bride is usually hiding out in a limo somewhere, so yes she can see you arrive late. Don’t be a statistic, be punctual.
We all understand that some people don’t like their picture taken, but you are a stellar wedding guest and you will put that aside for the day. Besides, the couple wants a memory of you being there! So, stand proud, visible to the camera and smile. You are gorgeous! Worried about not being photogenic? I will share my tips with you. If you are flying solo in a picture – why not turn your back slightly toward them and give them an over the shoulder smile (this is great for removing 10 pounds from your face). If you are in a group setting turn your body ever so slightly and put all of your weight on one foot. Once you’re in that stance tilt your head down, smile like you normally would, but then take it down a notch to create a more natural look. Lastly, never look directly at the camera lens, look just above it. Voila – you’re a model, so make me proud!
The next point of discussion is a small one, but very important. Most will think this is an obvious point but you do not want to be the talk of the wedding. There is ALWAYS that one person who drinks a little too much and does something silly, I don’t know about you but I like to avoid that drunkest guest title. Of course weddings are meant to be fun and an excuse to let loose…within reason. So live it up, but stand straight and sure, dance with your tie around your head guys. This day is meant to be about the couple, not their wild friends from College.
Now that you are equipped with everything you need to know about being that stellar wedding guest, I really hope you enjoy yourself. A wedding is one of the best days of a couple’s life together and they invited you to be a part of it, so stand tall, keep the etiquette in mind and rock it!
~ Ashley Cooke
~ Ashley Cooke
