Weddings are joyful celebrations, but they come with their own set of unspoken rules. Whether you’re a guest or part of the bridal party, there are certain faux pas you should avoid. Here are 17 things you should never do at a wedding.
Wear White
“Avoiding white should be a no-brainer,” says Cosmopolitan; wearing white to a wedding is generally considered disrespectful unless the bride has explicitly stated that guests should wear white. The bride is the star of the day, and wearing white can be seen as trying to upstage her. Instead, opt for colors that complement the wedding’s theme or season.
Arrive Late
Showing up late to a wedding is a big no-no. It disrupts the ceremony and can cause unnecessary stress for the couple. Plan to arrive at least 15–30 minutes early, as this gives you plenty of time to find your seat and settle in before the festivities begin.
Bring Uninvited Guests
Bringing someone who wasn’t invited to the wedding is a major breach of etiquette. Weddings are typically planned with a specific guest list in mind, and adding extra people can throw off seating arrangements, food plans, and even budget.
Propose
Asking your partner to marry you at someone else’s wedding is not the romantic gesture you might think it is. It’s important to remember that the day is about the couple getting married, so proposing at their wedding can come off as attention-seeking and disrespectful.
Drink Too Much
While weddings are a time to celebrate, getting excessively drunk can lead to embarrassing situations and potentially ruin the day for others. Enjoy the open bar responsibly, know your limits, and pace yourself. Remember—you want to be remembered for the good times you had, not for being the person who drank too much.
Make Unsolicited Speeches
Unless you’ve been asked to give a speech, it’s best to stay seated and let the designated speakers do their thing; unplanned speeches can disrupt the flow of the event and might not be well-received. If you feel compelled to say something, write a heartfelt message in a card privately.
Complain About the Food
Wedding planning is a monumental task, and a lot of thought and effort goes into every detail—including the menu. Complaining about the food is not only rude but also ungrateful; if you don’t like something, discreetly push it to the side and focus on enjoying the rest of the meal.
Ignore the Dress Code
Dress codes are set for a reason, whether it’s a formal black-tie event or a casual beach wedding. Ignoring the dress code can make you stand out—in a negative way. Take the time to read the invitation and dress appropriately.
Upstage the Bride and Groom
Avoid doing anything that might draw more attention to yourself than to the couple. This includes wearing overly flashy outfits, performing impromptu acts, or making dramatic announcements. Remember, the focus should always be on the bride and groom.
Post Photos Without Permission
Thanks to social media, it’s tempting to share every moment instantly; however, the couple might want to control what gets posted and when. Some weddings have strict no-photo policies for this reason, so check before posting photos or videos from the event.
Criticize the Wedding Choices
Including the decorations and the music, every wedding is a reflection of the couple’s tastes and preferences, and criticizing their choices is disrespectful and unnecessary. Even if something isn’t to your liking, keep your opinions to yourself and focus on celebrating.
Skip the RSVP
Failing to RSVP can create headaches for the couple as they finalize their guest list and seating arrangements. If you receive an invitation, make sure to respond by the requested date, whether you can attend or not. This simple courtesy helps the couple plan their big day.
Bring Big Gifts to the Ceremony
If you’re planning to give a large or bulky gift, send it to the couple’s home instead of bringing it to the ceremony or reception. Transporting big gifts can be cumbersome for the couple and their families. Smaller, more manageable gifts or cards with well wishes are more appropriate to bring to the wedding itself.
Wear Casual Attire to a Formal Wedding
Showing up in casual clothes to a formal wedding is disrespectful and makes you look out of place. If it’s a formal event, make sure you’re dressed to the nines. A little effort goes a long way in showing respect for the couple and the occasion.
Forget to Turn Off Your Phone
A ringing phone during the ceremony is a quick way to disrupt the moment and draw unwanted attention, so make sure to turn off your phone or set it to silent mode before the ceremony begins. This simple act of courtesy ensures that the focus remains on the couple and the vows they are exchanging.
Engage in Drama
Weddings can sometimes bring out underlying family or social tensions, but this is not the time to air grievances or start conflicts. Keep any drama at bay and focus on celebrating the couple’s love. If issues arise, address them privately at another time, far from the wedding festivities.
Leave Too Early
Unless you have a very good reason, leaving a wedding early can come off as rude; you should stay at least through the main events, like the first dance, cake cutting, and speeches. If you must leave early, do so quietly, and let the couple know beforehand.
Up Next: 19 Completely False Things About America That Foreigners Think Are True
The U.S. is arguably the most famous country in the world, and people from far-off places often know our flag and president’s name! However, a lot of media coverage and exported movies mean plenty of opportunities for misunderstanding and stereotyping. Here are 19 false assumptions non-Americans often make about ‘the land of the free!’
19 Completely False Things About America That Foreigners Think Are True
20 Loyal Dog Breeds That Will Never Leave Your Side
Since early humans first fed a wolf around a campfire, dogs have been our constant companions and are renowned for making strong bonds with their owners. But which specific types of dogs make the most loyal and devoted pets? This article describes the 20 most unwaveringly loyal canine breeds and the characteristics that make them the ultimate ‘ride or die’ pets!
20 Loyal Dog Breeds That Will Never Leave Your Side
18 Reasons Older Men Say ‘Nope’ To Relationships
Older men embrace being alone and generally prefer spending time in solitude. They’ve had a full, so don’t criticize them for being less social! The following 18 reasons explain why older men prefer to be alone and are redefining how they experience their retirement years.