Wedding guests

Wedding guests

As a guest at a wedding reception, the basic rule is that the hosts are in charge of the arrangements and that you should abide by their wishes.

When you receive a wedding invitation, you should read the text carefully and take note of the hosts’ requests. This applies to when and how you should reply, the dress code and who the invitation is intended for. Furthermore, the invitation usually specifies the type of wedding – formal or informal – and the style of the wedding places different demands on the guests.

It goes without saying that you should reply in good time, regardless of whether you are attending or not, and that you should not ask to bring someone who is not named on the invitation or, for example, bring children if they are not listed as invited. The dress code is also important; the bride and groom have a particular style in mind for the wedding, and as a guest you should adapt to this.

If you are close to the bride and groom, the hosts may ask you to help with certain tasks, in which case you should assist as best you can.

As a guest, you should behave in accordance with customary etiquette – when attending a wedding, you should contribute to the festive atmosphere with a good mood and cheerful smiles.

During a church wedding, the bride’s family and friends sit to the left of the central aisle (as seen from the church entrance) and the groom’s to the right.

Traditionally, you bring a wedding present – unless a pre-wedding reception has already been held – which you present to the bride and groom or the hosts (whichever feels natural) after the ceremony, once you have arrived at the venue where the reception is being held.

A week after the wedding, all guests write to express their thanks for the wedding and the reception. You should thank those named as the hosts on the invitation card. If there are several families involved, it is polite to write to both.

Business Directory

Do you need help finding suppliers for your wedding? Have a look at our business directory.

CLICK HERE