etiquette

WEDDING GUEST ETIQUETTE 101

Tis the season for weddings! If you're anything like us, the majority of your weekends lately are filled up with wedding celebrations. It's such a joyous thing to celebrate! We've run into a lot people lately asking about some do's & don'ts for weddings guest so we thought it'd be a great idea to share some pretty standard etiquette guidelines for the modern day wedding guest. Here are our top 10 rules for being the very best wedding guest. Enjoy!


Photo by Claire & Barrett

- Do I have to get a gift?: Absolutely! The couple has paid for you to eat & drink on their dime so the least you can do to say "thank you" is bring them a gift to congratulate the happy duo!

- If I'm invited to multiple wedding/bridal showers, do I bring a gift to every single one?: The usual rule of thumb is to bring a gift to ONE shower and still also bring a gift to the wedding (or have it delivered to their house). 

- When it comes to gifts, should I stick to the registry?: We vote YES. The couple has spent a lot of time thinking through and registering for exactly what they want to make their home together. No need to go outside the lines and get them something totally random. Not to say heartfelt gifts are wonderful, if it's something personal & special to the couple then by all means gift it to them. However, for the most part, stick to the registry. It just makes everyone's life easier.

- Can I always bring someone with me?: Unless a "plus one" has clearly been stated on your invitation, then you're flying solo. Your invitation will say "Jane Doe & guest" if you've been given a plus one. If it is just addressed to you then they've only allotted for you to attend the wedding. If you have a serious significant other that came into your after the invitations have been sent out, you can always ask the bride & groom if you're allowed to bring them but don't ever make the assumption that you're free to bring someone with you.

- Can I wear white to a wedding?: That'd be a big NO! White is for the bride and the bride only. Don't be that girl. We would advise steering clear of "ivory, off-white, champagne, light blush" or anything in that lighter palette as well just to be safe. There are plenty of other colors to rock on that particular day so go with one of those. 

- What about wearing black?: Black is totally fine! Just as long as you're staying away from the wedding colors you're in the clear in our book!

- Is it rude to take pictures/videos during the wedding?: Most likely the bride & groom have spent a small fortune on paying a professional to do the photos & video of their special day so keep that phone away. Hate to break it to ya, but the professional photo/video are going to be 10000% better than anything you take on your phone or personal digital camera. ;) Let the pro's do their job while you just sit back and soak up all the sweetness right there in the moment.

- When is it okay to share photos of the bride & groom?: Do not EVER post photos or videos of the bride & groom until after the ceremony is over. You don't want to be that person that spoils the surprise of their wedding day looks before they've even officially tied the knot! That rule goes for bridal party members too, not just wedding guests.

- Are RSVPs really that big of a deal?: YES YES YES YES YESSSSSSS!! If you ask any bride two-three weeks, even one week, out from there wedding about what they're most stressed over and it's 9 times out of 10 the lack of RSVPs that have been sent in. Please please please don't make the sweet bride have to hunt you down for an answer on whether or not you'll be there to celebrate her special day. Promptly send in your RSVP & make the bride and groom's life that much easier.

- Can my kids come with me?: This kind of goes along with the "plus one" rule. If your kids/family are not addressed on the invitation then that's a big ole no. If your kids are welcome to the wedding the envelope will most likely say "The Family of Mr & Mrs. Doe" or "Mr & Mrs. Doe & Family." However, if the envelope just says, "Mr & Mrs John Doe" then sorry Charlie but you're going to have a find a babysitter that night. Some couples really want their wedding to be an adult-only affair so please be mindful & respectful of those wishes.


We hope those tips helped! We know the wedding world and all it's "rules" can be so confusing sometimes so hopefully we set your mind at ease a little more. Enjoy wedding season, friends!