Top 10 Must-Follow Wedding Etiquettes Today

Weddings are purely one of life’s celebrations that almost everyone is excited about. Although this event can be a source of so much stress, following these helpful wedding etiquettes can lessen the pressure and make this special occasion a very memorable one.

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1. The Engagement Announcement

First of all, there is the issue of who should be the first to know about your engagement. If you are marrying for the second time and you have children in the previous marriage, then the kids should be informed first. You have to then tell your parents, and then your family members. Any close friends should also be informed before you make a public announcement, especially now that the social media can quickly spread the news.

2. The Wedding Expense

The next concern is who’s going to pay for the wedding? Customarily, it is the bride’s parents who pay for most of the wedding details; but nowadays, the couple themselves saves money for the said event especially if they are both financially stable. On the other hand, both families can contribute to the expenses if they want to. This issue may appear awkward to discuss with family members, but it would be wise to do so even before you start planning.

3. The Guest List

How about the guests? Who should you invite? You can start by listing all the people you want to share this moment with you. Then classify them into groups, namely: parents, siblings, and best friends; the friends you have regular contact with (work mates, long-term pals from university or clubs); new work colleagues or people you recently met; and friends or family members you have not seen for a long time or don’t have contact with. The first 2 groups should be invited while the last 2 need not be invited at all.

In case you are getting married abroad, you can invite only your immediate family and very close friends; then when you get back, you can have a post-wedding party for those who cannot come.

4. The Wedding Invitations

Usually, it is the bride’s parents who send wedding invites; but nowadays, couples can send their own invitations eight to ten weeks before the said event. You can include a reply card to be well organized and accurate.

5. The Dress Code

Although the time and venue of the wedding would already indicate the attire for the occasion, it would still be safe to clearly state what you prefer your guests to wear. This will avoid embarrassment and unnecessary inconvenience on some of your guests.

6. The Gifts

Practicality should be in your mind when you think of gifts. In the past, a number of gifts have actually been left unused by couples through all their married life; thus, it would be safe for you to indicate in your invitation that you prefer money. However, if you are a little uncomfortable about this idea of money, you can set up a gift registry so that you can get only the gifts that you want and truly need.

7. Bridal March

Aside from the bride’s father, anyone significant to the bride can walk her down the aisle. They can be the bride’s mother, an uncle, or a brother. The bride can also choose to walk alone.

8. Time the Bride and Groom Get to the Ceremony

Normally, the groom is expected to arrive earlier than the bride for at least 30 minutes. Since the wedding day is considered as the bride’s day, a dramatic entrance would add excitement to the occasion. However, the bride should not come very late or else the groom would become anxious and it diminishes his excitement.

9. The Food

How about the food? Should you set a menu and have a sit-down meal or should you let your guests enjoy a variety of food through a buffet depends largely on your budget. You just need to be realistic and stick to your budget. Remember, your guests are there not to be served, but to give you support; so a fairly simple menu would be enough to make them happy.

10. The Favors (Souvenirs)

Giving favors or wedding souvenirs is not a must especially if couples have a tight budget. Nowadays, instant photos from photo booths at the entrance of the venue can serve as souvenirs. Inexpensive sweets can also serve the purpose.

These wedding etiquettes should precede any wedding ceremonies to avoid unnecessary expenses and worries.