Etiquette experts reveals top wedding guest faux pas
While weddings are joyous occasions filled with love and happiness, guests can often be left feeling perplexed over unspoken rules and expectations for what is expected at a loved one’s big day.
Wedding etiquette expert Angela DeMaio has shared the five most common faux pas guests can be guilty of committing at a wedding, and revealed how to avoid them.
Ignoring seating arrangements
While it might seem like not a big deal to switch seats or sit wherever you feel comfortable, this can disrupt the couple's carefully planned arrangements that are in place for a reason.
DeMaio said, “Seating arrangements are often crafted with thought, considering relationships and group dynamics.”
According to the expert, ignoring seating plans can disturb the balance the couple has tried to create, so to respect the newlywed’s efforts, it's important to be mindful of where each guest is seated.
Getting in the way of photographers
It’s the photographer’s job to capture the heartfelt moments at a wedding, and blocking the shot or getting in the way can have major consequences.
According to DeMaio, guests should especially avoid stepping into the aisle during the processional or standing in the way of key moments, such as the couple's first dance.
Being patient and respectful of the photographer's space ensures the couple gets the perfect shots without disruption.
Going too hard at an open bar
While many guests look forward to partaking in free drinks at an open bar during a wedding ceremony, it’s important to drink in moderation.
DeMaio warned guests to pace themselves with water in between alcoholic beverages, as no one wants to be remembered as the guest who got embarrassingly drunk.
“Weddings are joyous occasions, but they're not the time for drunken antics or behaviour that distracts from the couple's special day,” she said.
Not saying goodbye to the couple
As a wedding night winds down, it's easy to be tempted by an Irish goodbye, or just leaving the event without doing the goodbye rounds.
However, failing to acknowledge the couple before leaving can come across as rude or dismissive, as leaving without acknowledging the couple can leave them wondering if you truly valued the celebration.
DeMaio suggested, “If possible, thank the bride and groom in person for the invitation, as it's a small gesture that goes a long way.”
Posting photos online without permission
In the golden age of social media, it's tempting to share every moment of the wedding, but this can lead to unintended consequences.
As someone’s wedding is a deeply personal event, most couples prefer to have control over when and how their wedding photos are shared.
According to DeMaio, it's crucial for guests to wait until the couple has posted their own photographs before sharing anything, or asking for explicit permission to post photos online.
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