MM Favorite Things: Wedding Etiquette 101

Spring is upon us, and with that comes WEDDING SEASON!
Having attended many weddings, been in many weddings, and even planned my own wedding,
​I have a few tidbits of advice ... 

If you're attending a wedding as a guest there are a few simple courtesies to follow: 

-RSVP...I'm serious! Having planned a wedding, it is IMPERATIVE to RSVP by the indicated date. No bride has the time to track down all of the folks who haven't responded, and it is incredibly hard to give
caterers and rental companies numbers and deposits by the deadline. 
-If you have replied "Yes" then you must attend (barring some horrible emergency).  If there is a legitimate emergency,
​be sure to contact the bride to let her know and offer to pay for your portion.
- Send your wedding gift instead of bringing it with you. It makes it much easier for the bride & groom, and as the guest it's one less thing you have to remember. 
- DO NOT WEAR WHITE...ever...for any reason!  

If you're an attendant in a wedding, make sure to keep these things in mind:

- Do not complain about anything, ever! If you need to vent about something, call your mom.
Do not spread gossip throughout the bridal party. It will get back to the bride. 
- Do your best to communicate with the bride and ask her if she needs help with anything,
this simple gesture goes a long way! 
- If you are having a financial or commitment issue, do reach out to the bride to handle the situation with her personally
- Do your very, very best to make it to all of the pre-wedding events: showers, engagement parties, bachelorette weekends, bridal luncheons, etc. While it may seem overwhelming, it will mean the world to the bride for you to be there to celebrate with her.  If you can't make it to something, let the bride know in advance and send a card
just to let her know that you're thinking of her.
- The bridesmaids luncheon and rehearsal dinner are not optional events. Plus, who wants to miss out on
the festivities and have FOMO?
- You should still get the happy a couple a gift, even if it's something small. 
- If the bride asks you to get your hair, nails, and/or make-up done a certain way...just do it...with a smile!
She has a vision in her head of her big day; and if something this menial helps make it what she's always dreamed of,
then so be it :) 
- Don't leave the reception early. You are apart of the wedding party and it is expected that you stay until the bride and groom make their grand exit.
- Remember to have fun & enjoy the time and the journey! You obviously mean the world to the bride, and she asked you stand with her on the most important day of her life..it is an honor & a gift!   

​If you're  hosting a wedding, consider these tips while planning: 

- Remember that even though it is YOUR big day, you are the host to all of your guests. 
- Make sure you're guests are comfortable 
      * Comfortable accommodations should be made available 
      * Make sure there is easy access to information
      * Provide a schedule of events, so your guests know where to be when   
- Make sure that the time, money, and effort you're asking of your bridal party and guests is
reflected in the style of your wedding and reception. 
     Example: If you're expecting your guests to attend your wedding in Black Tie attire, then the tone of the wedding and the reception should reflect the formality: fine food and drink, seated meal, live band etc...
- Cash bar is never acceptable. Open bar or no bar. A good way to stay budget friendly and still serve alcohol is
to offer beer & wine only. 
- You should feed your guests. There are many options - heavy hors d'oeuvres, buffet, stations, plated meal.
Choose whichever one suites your budget and style best. Trust me your guests will thank you :)  

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I hope these notes of advice help...whether you're the bride, a bridesmaid, or a guest!
And always remember...weddings are FUN!! Enjoy the time with your special friends & family...that's the most import thing of all! 

Happy Wedding Season! 

Thanks for reading!
Cheers - Molly