Weddings are one of the most memorable events in our lives, so it’s important to know the proper etiquette to ensure the day runs smoothly. Traditional wedding etiquette has been passed down through many generations, and it’s important to follow certain do’s and don’ts to avoid offending anyone or creating unnecessary drama. Here are some timeless do’s and don’ts to observe when planning or attending a wedding:
Do RSVP Promptly
If you receive a wedding invitation, it’s important to RSVP promptly. The bride and groom need to have an accurate headcount for the reception and may need to adjust their plans accordingly. It’s also courteous to let them know if you plan to bring a guest or your children, as they may need to adjust seating arrangements.
Do Arrive on Time
Arriving on time is crucial when attending a wedding. The ceremony and reception will run on a tight schedule, and it’s disrespectful to the couple to arrive late. If you’re running late, send a message to let them know, and apologize for any inconvenience.
Socialize, but Don’t Talk Loudly in Conversations
Despite being a visitor at the wedding, make an effort to mingle. A wedding is a terrific time to catch up with folks you may know well. Avoid remaining seated in the same spot throughout the festivities, even if you don’t know the other visitors. Socializing would make the occasion, which is a pleasant one, even more fun. At a wedding, you should try to keep your conversation from being overly loud, as this could ruin the atmosphere.
Do Include Traditions
These practices vary among different communities. A Jewish marriage contract is known as a wedding ketubah. It is regarded as a crucial component of a typical Jewish marriage and traditionally outlines the duties of the groom toward the bride.
Similar bridesmaid attire may seem a bit dated today, but in ancient Rome, wearing the same thing was considered lucky and was a typical wedding custom.
Ring finger- This custom also has its roots in Roman culture, who thought that the vein known as “the vein of love” ran directly from the fourth finger on the left hand to the heart.
Dress Appropriately
It’s important to dress appropriately for the occasion. If the invitation specifies formal attire, wear a suit or cocktail dress. If it’s a casual wedding, you can wear a nice sundress or slacks and a blouse. Check the wedding website or ask the couple if you’re unsure what to wear.
Traditionally, the bride wears white on her wedding day to symbolize purity and innocence. If you’re attending a wedding, it’s important to respect this tradition by not wearing white. You don’t want to draw attention away from the bride on her special day.
Do Bring a Gift
Bringing a gift is customary when attending a wedding. It’s a way to congratulate the couple and help them start their new life together. You can choose from the registry, give a monetary gift, or get creative with a personal or handmade gift.
Don’t Bring an Uninvited Guest
The couple has carefully planned their guest list, and it’s important to respect their wishes. Don’t bring an uninvited guest, even if it’s your significant other or a close friend. If you’re unsure if you can bring a guest, check with the couple ahead of time.
Do Turn Off your Phone
It’s important to turn off your phone or put it on silent during the ceremony and reception. You don’t want to disrupt the solemnity of the ceremony or the festivities of the reception with a ringing phone or text message. If you need to take a call, step outside or into a designated phone area.
Don’t Drink too Much
Weddings are a time to celebrate, but it’s important to drink responsibly. Don’t drink too much and make a scene, or embarrass yourself. You don’t want to be remembered as the guest who ruined the wedding.
Conclusion
In conclusion, traditional wedding etiquette has been around for centuries, and it’s important to observe certain do’s and don’ts to ensure the day runs smoothly. Following these guidelines will help you show respect and courtesy to the bride and groom and their families, and help create a memorable wedding day for everyone involved.
Marriage is one of the most significant events in a couple’s life. It marks the beginning of their new journey as husband and wife. Therefore, it is essential to make sure the wedding follows traditional wedding etiquette. Whether you’re planning a large traditional wedding or a small intimate ceremony, understanding the do’s and don’ts of traditional wedding etiquette is an essential step.
One of the most important do’s for traditional wedding etiquette is to ensure that the bride’s family is considered first. The bride’s family should be the ones to host the wedding, pay for the expenses, and make the decisions. While the groom’s family should certainly contribute, it should ultimately be the bride’s family that takes charge.
Another essential do in traditional wedding etiquette is to ensure that an accomplished female is set in charge of the ceremony. This could be the bride’s mother or grandmother, or any other respected woman in the family. This woman should have the ‘bride’s book’, which lists all of the important details of the day, including the program, the dress code, and the seating chart.
When it comes to the do’s for wedding attire, both the bride and groom have certain traditional expectations. The bride is traditionally expected to wear a white wedding dress, a veil, long white gloves, and a bouquet. The groom should wear a tuxedo or fitted suit with a formal tie or bow tie. The bridal party should also wear appropriate attire.
Though there are a few suggested do’s for traditional wedding etiquette, there are several important don’ts. One of the most important is to make sure that the bride and groom do not become too intoxicated. This should also extend to the wedding guests, as this is considered rude and inappropriate. Another don’t for traditional wedding etiquette is to make sure that the couple doesn’t make any changes or additions to the wedding ceremony without advanced approval from their families. This includes exchanging vows or rings before the official ceremony.
Following traditional wedding etiquette is of the utmost importance for a successful, respectful marriage. While planning a wedding can be hectic and stressful, understanding the do’s and don’ts of traditional wedding etiquette will help make it more seamless and ensure that it goes off without a hitch.
