The worst things that wedding guests
have actually done (and what you should do instead).
1- Speak Up During the Ceremony
We've heard the horror stories --
the "Are you sure?" from the minister, the "Don't do it
man" groomsmen comment and the vocal grandmother using her time as reader
at the pulpit to offer her humble opinion. Yikes.
Instead: If you have information on either the bride or groom that
could be a relationship game changer, the ceremony is not the time to reveal
it. Any reservations about the relationship should be brought up in private
long before the ceremony.
2- Stick
Your Finger in the Cake
Believe it or not, guests do this.
There's nothing cute or okay about touching the piece de resistance of the reception
menu. Besides the sanitary factor, wedding cakes are expensive and should only
be handled by three people: the bride, the groom and the caterer.
Instead: It sounds ridiculous and should go without saying, but if
you can't get close to a wedding cake without touching it, don't go near it.
3- Wear
White
We don't care if it's the middle of
summer and your little white sundress is the most flattering thing in your
closet. Do not, we repeat, do not wear white to someone else's wedding. Most
brides have been looking forward to their moment in the spotlight -- as the
only one in white. While it's true no one could possibly upstage the bride,
it's considered the ultimate guest dress no-no. The other color to avoid
wearing at a wedding? Bright red.
Instead: Colorful tones like pinks, yellows and purples are all fair
game. Just stay away from anything in the white and ivory color family.
4- Use
the Wedding to Hook Up
Yes, it's true, a wedding is a great
place to meet other singles -- there's a great venue, lighting, food, everyone
is dressed to the nines -- but please refrain from using the reception like you
would a club. In other words, no making out on the dance floor with the bride's
cousin or the groom's brother. Do you really want to be that guest?
Instead: Hey, if sparks are really flying, feel free to ask for a
number and make a date.
5- Give
a Roast Toast
Just because you have a microphone
in your hand that doesn't give you free rein to tell the most outrageous
college drinking story or reveal what happened in Vegas. It's also not the time
to talk about old boyfriends or reveal the groom's most embarrassing habits.
Instead: Give your speech the grandma test. If it's not PG-rated and
something you'd be comfortable telling her, it's not wedding reception toast
material.
6- Drink
Too Much
Your friend's wedding celebration is
just that -- it's not a fraternity party. Know your limit and don't go over it.
Making a fool of yourself in front of everyone, falling all over the place or
leaving the party early because you couldn't handle your liquor isn't the way
you want your best friend's new wife to remember you, is it?
Instead: Save the shots for the bachelor party.
7- Let
the Kids Run Wild
You know the scene: the shrieking
kids terrorizing the dance floor during dinner, the toddler tantrum during the
toast, the loud baby screaming over the vows during the ceremony -- all
potentially nightmare situations for the couple getting married, not to mention
the other guests.
Instead: Confirm that there's child care available at the reception
and make arrangements, or leave the kiddies at home for the evening.
8- Spill
Anything on the Bride
That gorgeous white wedding dress
more than likely cost the bride a couple thousand. And while she probably won't
have another reason to wear it again, a drink spilled on the wedding dress
still ranks as one of the worst mistakes a guest could make.
Instead: You can't be too careful holding a beverage near the bride.
If you have a glass of red wine or Coke in your hand, put it down.
9- Hit
on the Waitstaff
It might sound crass (because it
is), but we've heard plenty of stories of rowdy guests corralling the waitstaff
to dance with them. Not only is it completely inappropriate, it'll be really
embarrassing when the catering manager pulls you aside to file a formal
harassment complaint.
Instead: Uh, just don't?
10- Tell
the DJ to Change the Music
At your wedding, you get to choose
the music. Otherwise, the tunes aren't in your control. You could end up
requesting a song that was on the couple's do-not-play list (like, say, one
with unsettling sentimental feelings attached).
Instead: Unless the bride or groom expressly asks you to talk to the
band or DJ about a song request, keep your song suggestions to yourself.
If you're planning a wedding or know someone who is please call Celebrations by Amy Bacon for a free consultation. We can not only save you time and the some of the stress that comes with planning but we also save our clients MONEY! This is done with money saving tricks and vendor referrals.
Direct - 602.762.1174
Web - www.celebrationsbyamybacon.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/celebrationsbyamybacon
If you're planning a wedding or know someone who is please call Celebrations by Amy Bacon for a free consultation. We can not only save you time and the some of the stress that comes with planning but we also save our clients MONEY! This is done with money saving tricks and vendor referrals.
Direct - 602.762.1174
Web - www.celebrationsbyamybacon.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/celebrationsbyamybacon
Photos from the Kersh Wedding 2008.
Blog - knot.com
