Manners Monday

So this one goes out to all wedding GUESTS! Sometimes I think the guests need more etiquette advice than the couple!

My number one word of advice...RSVP on time and in the manner asked! I have seen many couples and my clients who has provided an RSVP card (including postage, self addressed, etc) and still have to follow up with replies. It doesn't take a guest long to check off yes or no, write their name and sometimes choose what they will eat and then pop it in the mail. Done. Took all of 5 minutes, but saved a ton of time and stress on the couple.

Arrive on time. That one should go without saying, but the couple (and coordinator) has done a fabulous job on getting the timeline right and trying to be on time for their ceremony. There are the times that the bride and maids are all ready to walk down the aisle, but alas, they are still waiting for the late guests who arrived to find a seat.

Read who is invited on the invite. If your invitation is addressed to the Jones Family, for example, then yes, kids are invited. If it is addressed to Mr. & Mrs. Jones - no, the kids are not invited. It is considered bad etiquette if you ask if you can bring your child/ children when it isn't clear on the invite.

This one is overlooked often, but etiquette suggests not bringing your gift to the reception. Ideally, you could have it sent prior to, or better yet, after the wedding. It relieves the stress of who is getting the gifts home. If you are unable to attend the wedding, it is still nice if you sent a gift.

Overall, enjoy the wedding and celebrating the new marriage of the couple! You have been invited to share a very special day with this couple and honor them in their new life together. What a great gift to be a part of!