Wedding Etiquette

Wedding etiquette is quite simply being courteous and taking all those involved feelings into consideration. An important thing to remember is that the parents of both the bride and groom meet prior to the wedding day to avoid any misunderstandings and awkward situations.  When planning the wedding it is vital that both couples’ parents are involved to avoid any feelings of not being part in the process.

Traditional wedding etiquette is that the bride and groom’s parents have the responsibility to bear the costs of certain items, respectively. The modern era has changed these and often times the bride and groom foot the bill for most expenses or make a substantial contribution to the costs.

In general, if opting for the traditional way, the bride’s parents pay the bill for the reception, all flowers, invitations, and photographer and of course, the wedding gown and accessories. The groom’s responsibility includes his outfit, the bride’s bouquet and wedding rings.  

The do’s and don’ts regarding wedding etiquette are as follows:

Do’s:

• When the decision has been made with regard to whether or not the invitations should include or exclude children, stick to it. Specify this clearly on the wedding invitation
•    A written “Thank you”  note showing appreciation,
•   The seating arrangements are important – it will be uncomfortable for strangers or old/young to be seated together throughout the entire wedding ceremony,
•  Draw up your guest list and stay firm as to the numbers, as this can exorbitantly increase costs,
•  Be subtle when it comes to wedding gift requests,
• By informing the quests as to venue and theme of the wedding will allow for the correct dress code to avoid being overdressed or under-dressed guests. 

Don’ts:

•  Avoid the direct approach to the cash option as a gift - it can be subtly conveyed to quests via intimate family and friends,
•  Take the bridesmaids feelings into consideration when deciding on the outfit to be worn. A cocktail-style outfit can be more appropriate and less expensive to either the bride or bridesmaids,
• According to the experts, a cash bar is a not a good idea.

Unfortunately, according to etiquette experts, bad behavior has become the norm, therefore, adhere to sound wedding etiquette and in so doing, avoid conflict before and on the special wedding day.