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Guide to good manners and wedding etiquette: How to behave with elegance on other people’s special day

The weddings of the closest people are events full of joy that bring together families, friends, acquaintances, an opportunity to celebrate and have fun with loved ones. But in addition to the fun and dancing that must characterize such an event, we must not forget that, although those who invite us are close to us, there are some rules of etiquette and good manners that we should follow during this special event, regardless of the bride. So, before we enjoy the dancing and celebrations, let’s look at some etiquette tips that will help us participate in this day with grace and respect.

1. Confirm your attendance and respect the RSVP

An essential aspect of wedding etiquette is to respond to the invitation as soon as possible. When receiving an invitation to a wedding, be honest with the brides about your attendance, RSVP (Répondez s’il SARA) is a polite request to confirm whether or not you will be attending the event. The couple getting married must know the exact number of guests in order to adequately organize the event. Usually, the invitation will have a deadline until you have to respond, and meeting this deadline is crucial for the organizers. If you are unable to attend, it is polite to express your regret and explain the reason for your absence. Any confirmed guest who doesn’t show up is an additional expense for them. In case of unforeseen events it is important to announce the brides.

Furthermore, if you want to bring children with you or be accompanied, ask the couple if this is possible. It is also important not to change the number of people confirmed during the process, as this could create disruptions, especially in terms of organisation.

2. Arrive on time

Arriving on time for a wedding is an extremely important aspect and should not be underestimated in any way. Punctuality demonstrates respect for the event guests and the planned ceremonies. A wedding is an extremely well-orchestrated event, and delays can create disruptions in the established program, affecting ceremonies and special moments.

It is advisable to organize yourself so as to arrive at the event location sufficiently in advance of the actual start. It is known that the bride and groom go to the party through their dance about an hour and a half from the time written on the invitation. The more you delay, the more you ruin their plans or miss out on good times. Punctuality will give you the opportunity to sit comfortably and prepare for the event, socialize with the other guests and enjoy the festive atmosphere before the start of the ceremony. Furthermore, this gesture of respect for the established program will be appreciated by weddings and will contribute to the smooth running of the entire ceremony and parties.

3. The dress code at a civil wedding

For civil marriage, compliance with an adequate dress code according to the rules of good manners is essential. An elegant and sober outfit is recommended, considering that this event usually takes place during the day. The bride and the other ladies present should not opt ​​for flashy or excessively beachy dresses, but rather for elegant and refined dresses. As for the groom and the other gentlemen, it is advisable to wear elegant costumes, but avoiding fractions or suits, suitable for more formal events. This rule applies especially when the civil wedding is organized separately from the religious and festive ceremony.

4. The dress code at the party

An unwritten but very important rule that all ladies must respect without exception is that only the bride wears white. It is crucial to avoid ivory colors and any pastel colors that could be confused with white. Wearing these very light colors is out of the question, it is a total lack of respect for the bride who is the protagonist of the event. Sometimes it is true that the bride can opt for bridesmaids’ dresses in very open shades, but outside of them, the rest of the guests, starting from the godfather, the sister, the mother up to the last guest, must avoid this color palette.

Otherwise, if the wedding is themed, look at the invitation to understand the event’s dress code and choose the right outfit. From casual to Black Tie, follow the dress rules imposed by the bride and groom.

5. Madness your cell phone discreetly

Even though we live in a digital age where we are increasingly dependent on cell phones, excessive cell phone use during a wedding can be considered rude for several reasons. First of all, it is important to pay attention to the wedding couple and the event itself. It is also possible that the ringing of the bell could disturb other guests or even interfere with the audio or video recording of the event. Excessive use of phones prevents real interaction between guests. It’s important to enjoy special moments and spend quality time with other guests, without being distracted by electronic devices.

6.The time spent in the room and outside

When you are invited to a wedding that takes place in the warm season, it is important to find a balance between the time spent in the room and the time spent. Many guests choose to spend time on the furnished terrace or outdoors, especially since they no longer smoke indoors. It’s all very well enjoying the fresh air and scenery, but it’s essential to keep in mind that you’ve come to be joined by the couple on their special day. Spending time outside the room shouldn’t take up more than a portion of the wedding experience. So, make sure you pay close attention to the event and enjoy every moment with the brides and other guests.

7. Critics related to music and food

Criticism about music and food is inevitable in almost all weddings, despite the efforts, no one has managed to thank everyone, there will always be aspects that you don’t like. If, for example, the music is too loud or the musical genres are not varied, some guests may not enjoy the party as much as others. Furthermore, if the menu does not meet expectations or favorite preparations are missing, there is a possibility that some guests will be dissatisfied. In such situations it is important not to express criticism during the event, but to communicate it after the wedding, with tact and respect, if it was not to your liking.

8. Don’t rush to go

If you do not have an urgent commitment or problem, it is advisable not to rush to leave the event and stay until the end. The fact that you stay until the end of the wedding is a way of showing your support for the couple on their special day. Furthermore, the status until the end gives you the opportunity to participate in all the special moments, such as the bridal veil ceremony or the cutting of the cake, and to create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Furthermore, the newlyweds will surely appreciate your presence throughout the event, and this small gesture will count on them. So, if there is no urgent obligation to request departure before the end, take time to fully enjoy the atmosphere and be with your loved ones until the end of the event.

9.Cado or envelope with money

If you have brought a gift for the newlyweds, try to offer it at the right time, usually at the entrance to the wedding venue or at the gift table. Avoid talking openly about the price of the gift or exposing the large sums of money offered. We are used to receiving monetary gifts from guests, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it is important to keep in mind that the «envelope» must cover the cost of the menus plus something. It may seem strange, but it is an accepted and understood practice in our culture and it is important to think that brides have other expenses in addition to the cost of the menus.