Top Things NOT To Do As A Wedding Guest

Don't ... Fail to RSVP

If you can't make it, call and say so. If you're not sure, call and say so. If you forgot and the RSVP date has passed, call and say that. Whatever, JUST CALL.

 

Don't ... Outdress the Bride

Everyone know you don't wear a white dress to a wedding, that's the bride's color. But don't miss the underlying concept: the bride is the center of attention. Wearing a sequined blood-red strapless gown cut down to your belly button makes you the center of attention and the target of the bride's eternal enmity.

 

Don't ... Propose Or Make Any Other Big Announcement

Again, you're taking the spotlight off the B&G. Unless they specifically make an announcement ("anyone care to propose?") keep your big news to yourself.

 

Don't ... Whine And Complain

Tip: when someone asks "how are you doing?" they really, really don't want to hear about all your problems. If you have good things going on in your life, share. Keep the bad stuff off the table for the day. And really, really try to forget it all and enjoy yourself. Smile for the camera, have a good meal, and dance like nobody's watching.

 

Don't ... Take Stuff

Many times the centerpieces are given away as prizes. Sometimes they're kept as momentos. Sometimes they're rented for the day. Unless you're told you can take it, keep your paws off. Same goes for any other decorations.

 

Don't ... Be A Pig

Even though you love (insert favorite dish here) don't be selfish and take an outlandish serving for yourself. If there's some left after all the guests have been by, then you can go heavy on your helping.

 

Don't ... Make Editorial Comments

OK, so Hot Pink and Black aren't your idea of proper wedding colors. It's not your wedding. Zip it.

 

Don't ... Trash Other Guests

There's no way you know all the allegiances, friendships, and relations of everyone around you. Running down another guest is just inviting a brawl.

 

Don't ... Get Angry Over Non-invitations

Is it OK to be hurt that your children aren't invited to the wedding? Of course it is. I almost never go anywhere without my kids. If there's a function where they're not invited/allowed, we simply don't go. You're free to do the same but don't be mean about it. Just explain "I understand that you'd rather not have kids around, but please understand that I don't like going places without them, so I won't be able to attend. I'm sorry we'll miss it." No anger, just regret.

 

Don't ... Ask About Prices

Just say "What a beautiful dress/cake/ring/hall!", don't say "Whoa, what did that set you back?"

 

Don't ... Get Drunk

Think back to the weddings where you've seen a really boorish, annoying, or embarrassing wedding guest. I'll bet that most if not all of them were drunk. Excessive drinking kills off the brain cells that prevent inappropriate passes, bad dancing, foul language, weeping, exposed body parts, and other childish, attention-grabbing behaviors.