Wedding season has arrived, and an etiquette expert shared her top tips for being a great wedding guest — one the newlyweds love to celebrate together.
Jackie Vernon-Thompson, a 53-year-old etiquette expert from Sunrise, Florida, has been in the industry for more than two decades, SWNS news agency reported.
The etiquette expert revealed tips for how to be a great wedding attendee ahead of your next special occasion.
First and foremost, you should always respect the bride and groom no matter what the circumstances are, Vernon-Thompson told the news agency.
“The bride and groom have responsibilities to you as a guest, so you also need to follow proper etiquette,” she said.
Vernon-Thompson’s first tip is to always pay close attention to the RSVP date and respond in a timely manner.
You should never respond after that date, as delaying final staffing for the reception venue could cost the bride and groom money.
Also, don’t wear white to the wedding — you don’t want to risk being “in the spotlight,” Vernon-Thompson advised.
Try wearing other colors that don’t resemble white or cream, she added.
Children are also a no-no at the wedding if the bride and groom have specifically requested that no children attend the event, she told SWNS.
“There is a price to a wedding, and if an individual or demographic is not invited, we have to respect that,” she added.
“If you feel you don’t want to leave your child, or can’t find an alternative childcare arrangement, decline the invitation,” she said.
Wedding guests should always bring a gift for the newlyweds, Vernon-Thompson said.
“It’s important to show up with a gift or purchase from the gift list,” said the etiquette expert.
The gift doesn’t have to be in money, she continued, pointing out that it could be a simple, handwritten card.
If you only have five or ten dollars to give the couple, “don’t give that,” she recommended.
“Instead,” she continued, “try to bring a beautiful handwritten letter.
When it comes to where you sit during the service and/or reception, the seat assignment is usually chosen for a reason — and you should respect the wishes of the newlyweds, Vernon-Thompson said.
If you’re giving a speech at the event, make sure you never share embarrassing stories.
“Toasts should be for stories that make them feel proud and happy,” Vernon-Thompson told SWNS.
The last line? Make sure you approach the occasion with a good attitude.
“The reason they invited you is they think you’ll be happy for them,” she said of the newlywed couple.
Additionally, if you can’t follow any of these tips and feel like it would ruin the couple’s special time, politely decline the invitation to the event, she added.
