Wedding receptions are a time to relax and have fun, but there are some unspoken rules that should be followed. Guests of a wedding reception should be respectful, but still know how to have fun. Read on for our list of wedding reception etiquette do’s and don’ts to ensure you are being the best guest you can possibly be!
Do: Sign the Guest Book
Your first objective when attending a wedding reception should be to sign the guestbook. Guest books are keepsakes for the bride and groom to have a remembrance of all the special people in their life that attended their special day. It is a wedding gift in itself that will last a lifetime. So be sure to sign your name and wish them the best of luck in their new life together.
Don’t: Ignore Announcements
During the wedding reception, you will be hearing announcements and toasts. Be sure to listen to these announcements because there can be instructions on seating, the buffet, or etc. During these announcements make sure you are being respectful of whoever is speaking and remain seated unless asked otherwise. This helps the bride and groom remain stress free and lets the wedding reception continue hassle free.
Do: Congratulate the Newlyweds
After signing the guest book, you should head to the main table and congratulate the newlyweds. Make sure they feel loved and are having a good time! They should be enjoying the party while everyone settles into their seats and getting ready for announcements and toasts. Be sure to thank them for the invitation and then you can make it back to your seat to await the dancing and partying.
Don’t: Wait to be Greeted by the Couple
As a guest, you should make it a point to talk to the couple before they have to leave their seats. The bride and groom have enough to worry about, so they should be allowed to sit, eat, and enjoy their reception before all the dancing and fun begins! One main problem wedding couples have is that they are too worried about greeting guests and are distracted that by the time they are finished, their food is cold. To help make their time better, go congratulate them and thank them for inviting you so they can enjoy the party and food too!
Do: Mingle with Other Guests
While attending a wedding reception be sure to dive right in and mingle with other guests. Get out there and make some new friends and acquaintances. Introduce yourself and which side of the family you are attending for. Ask them simple questions like how they know the bride and/or groom and if they are having a nice time. Other guests will remember your kindness and you will be included in their fond memories of their friend/family’s wedding!
Don’t: Leave Your Children Unattended
One major thing the bride and groom should not have to worry about is corralling your children. Be sure to keep an eye on your children at all times. They should be able to have fun while still being respectful, just like you! Kids are unpredictable so make sure you are paying attention to their whereabouts.
Do: Be Respectful to Staff
As a guest, it is your responsibility to treat everyone, including staff, with respect. If you are stopped by a staff member and they ask you not to do something, more than likely they are just taking orders from the bride and groom themselves so do not take it personally. They are only doing their job!
Don’t: Go Overboard on the Alcohol
One major thing you do not want to do is become inebriated. Imagine how embarrassed your hosts would be if you started acting like a fool! If you do choose to drink, be sure to pace yourself. It is okay to have fun, but not to the point of being out of control. Let loose but know your limits.
Your behavior and etiquette is crucial to the outcome of a wedding reception. As a wedding reception guest, you should be respectful, mingle with the other guests, and most of all have fun! At The Cajun Mansion Event Venue, we guarantee nothing less than the best for our guests. Visit https://cajunmansion.com for more information.
