5 Wedding Guest Etiquette FAQs

Summary: Review the answers to these 5 commonly asked questions about wedding guest etiquette and make sure you’re ready for your next wedding.
 

We are full swing into summer wedding season and whether you have twelve or two weddings to attend this year, there are always questions as to what’s appropriate and what isn’t in many different areas of the event. Here are five common wedding questions and answers to help you feel comfortable at your upcoming events.
 

1. I’m going to a friend’s wedding but I don’t know anyone else. Can I bring a date?

 

Does your invitation say “plus one” or “and guest?” If not, then no, you cannot bring a date. It may seem inconsequential to you to add one more person to the list, but brides can be paying anywhere from $50 to $300 or more per plate, and if it’s a sit down dinner, there’s also seating arrangements to be considered. If you’re concerned about being alone, reach out to the bride (far beforehand) and ask if there’s anyone else going that you might know or if she has other single friends you could reach out to in advance.
 

2. Can I wear white to a wedding? What about black?

 
White and ivory dresses are still off limits at weddings. That’s the bride’s color. However, wearing a patterned dress with white in it is perfectly acceptable. Black might be a bit dark for a summer wedding, especially in the daytime, but completely acceptable for an evening or winter wedding.
 

3. If I already told my friend in person that I’m coming, do I still need to send the RSVP card back?

 
Absolutely. For one thing, someone other than the bride may be handling RSVP’s for the wedding, so if the bride forgets to mention you to this person, it could cause some confusion. Also, the bride has a LOT of details to deal with. Sending in your card will make preparations that little bit more organized.
 

4. Should I bring my gift to the wedding reception, or ship it to the couple’s home?

 
While you might save a little money by bringing the gift rather than shipping it, you also have to remember that someone will have to lug home all those gifts from the reception. It’s much more considerate to the bride and her family these days to simply send the gifts directly to her home. Additionally, if you order from their registry, you should be able to shop online and have it sent to an address they’ve already chosen if the couple doesn’t currently live in the same place or will be moving near their wedding date.
 

5. I’m really not religious. Is it okay if I skip the ceremony and just attend the reception?

 
It’s important to remember that when a couple invites you to their wedding, they’re inviting you to be a part of the entire experience. For them, the ceremony may be the most important part. Remember, this day is about the couple and their relationship. You don’t have to believe the same things they do to support them and show your love.