"In
matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle; stand like a
rock." - Thomas Jefferson
Alright, we’re not exactly the types to
play by the rules. In fact, breaking them every now and again can be quite
liberating (and you know it’s true). But when it comes to wedding etiquette, so
much of it tends to fall into the grey zone. Never fear, A and S have no qualms
in breaking it down for you and we’re certainly not shy about it. This is not
only for the hosts, but for all you guests out there whose refrigerators are
covered in invitations galore.
Guest List – It’s your day, so really
you should invite whomever you’d like to share the wonderful occasion with.
It’s important to remember that if your parents and parents-in-law are throwing
the shindig for you (aka footing the bill), they WILL have some say about who’s
included on the roster (rightfully so). Just keep in mind, you NEVER want someone
to receive your invite in the mail and think to themselves, “Ugh, I don’t want
to go ” or “why was I invited?” If you
think they might look at it like an obligation they wish they didn’t have, then
they shouldn’t make the cut. It’s a wedding, not a sample sale.
Invitations – Send them out a minimum of
two months prior to the big day (three months for out of town guests,
especially the ones travelling across the country or overseas). Don’t send them
out one month before the wedding, unless you’re attempting to shave your guest
list and hoping people will have prior engagements already (if that’s the case,
don’t invite them in the first place!)
RSVP’ing – As an invited guest to any
sort of event, whether it be a shower, engagement party, rehearsal dinner or to
bear witness to holy matrimony, as soon as you know if you’re able or unable to
attend the function, send back your RSVP card. It takes very little effort to pop a postage paid card in the mailbox, but
it makes a HUGE difference to the people planning the affair. The sooner the
bride and groom have their guest list confirmed, the sooner they can advise all
of their vendors and ensure a smooth planning process.
Plus Ones – Nowadays, it’s acceptable
practice to invite single guests to attend solo, especially when you’re trying
to keep the numbers (and costs) down. However, if someone is attached, meaning
if they have a significant other (significant being the operative word), then
you ought to invite them with their honey too.
Now, guests listen up – it is not necessary to find some random on match.com
just so you don’t have to sit alone throughout the slow songs, especially if
you’re going to a wedding where your friends will be there. Nevertheless, if
you know in advance that you will not know anyone besides the happy couple, and
you’ve been given the option, it doesn’t hurt to bring a date to keep you
entertained.
Punctuality – It’s vital, for all
parties involved. We are all about being fashionably late, but the only person
who should be making an entrance at a wedding is the bride! If the event is
called for a certain time, show up 10-15 minutes early to err on the side of
caution. That allows time for any unexpected delays, like running into traffic,
getting a speeding ticket or looking for parking, plus you’ll get a better view
of the ceremony by snagging good seats. This rule goes for the bridesmaids and
groomsmen as well; if the couple asks you to be somewhere at a specific time,
it’s your solemn duty to abide.
Hope these tidbits are helpful! TGIF!
Until next time,
