Many people know what is proper behaviour and what is not at a wedding. For those of you not sure… here are a few 2013 etiquette ideas, that have come as a result of things I have seen at weddings I have conducted.
Please turn off your cell phone, (this applies to the wedding party). It can wait the 30 minutes the ceremony usually takes, and again turn it off during dinner. That goes for calls and texting.
Let the Happy Couple be the first to post pictures on Facebook. I’ve seen some pictures posted even before they have said “I do”. It’s their story to share.
Please finish whatever you are drinking…. Tim’s coffee, an alcoholic drink or a bag of chips. For outdoor weddings, bottled water or a glass of water is acceptable.
Dress respectfully. You are attending a wedding, not an evening with the guys, or going to a movie… Unless specifically mentioned, jeans, shorts and t shirts should be left in your closet. If you are not wearing a suit, how about a dress shirt and pants, or shirt and tie.
It is distracting to have people taking pictures all through the ceremony, especially while the couple are exchanging vows. Take a few when the wedding party is entering or exiting. The couple have most often personally written their own vows and they merit your undivided attention.
Yes there most often is time between the ceremony and the dinner/reception…. make plans quietly and discreetly.
Try not to make yourself the ‘drunk’ or ‘boisterous’ guest that is talked about for years.
Weddings are fun but please be considerate of other.