How to Behave at a Wedding

The wedding ceremony presents a special day for the couple exchanging vows. It may not be a big deal to you, but it is to them. Therefore you need to be on your best behaviour from beginning to end.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Consideration

1. Dress for the Occasion. If there wasn’t a specified dress code, you may want to send a brief email or make a call to the bride, groom, or planner to get more information, or perhaps you can determine dress from the wedding’s location. Whatever it takes, dress appropriately because traipsing around on the beach in heels is no fun.

2. No Gifts at the ceremony. Whatever your gift, cold cash or cutlery, do the happy couple a favour and send the gift ahead of time, or after the ceremony. This way they don’t have to spend a time of celebration inventorying gifts.

3. Be on time. Allow yourself enough time to get there. Regardless of weather, traffic, or other factors, leave yourself time to arrive with 15 minutes or more to spare. Have directions to both the ceremony and the reception, if it is at a different location. After all, you wouldn’t want your day of celebration hampered by guests arriving an hour or more after its start.

4. Ditch the Gadgets. If possible, leave the Blackberries and cell phones in the car or at home. If you must have them, put them on vibrate.

5. Be on your best behavior. It may be tempting, but try not to gossip about the other guests. Keep complaints about anything -- the food, drinks or the long line at the ladies' room to yourself. This should be the bride's and groom's perfect day; don’t ruin it.

6. Go easy on the food. If its buffet-style, you may want to wait until the majority of the guests have served themselves and avoid going back time after time. Remember there’s cake to come. Seconds may be fine, once everyone has eaten. If you are served, unless you have a food allergy, eat whatever is served without requesting substitutions or omissions. Bad comes to worse, you can do the drive through on the way home.

Tips & Warnings

• Do all you can to ensure your comfort so you can relax and have a good time. If this is not possible, allow a suitable amount of time to pass, and excuse yourself. Leaving early is certainly more desirable than spreading your misery.

[sunnflr]

on 8/24/2008 Great tips! It really boils down to common courtesy most times.