Thats why you should click into wedding-guest mode the moment the couple asks for your contact info forinvitations.
Lizzie Post shares that you must follow the RSVP method youve been given as well.
If there’s a wedding website, check to see if there’s a RSVP section.
Photographed by Lucy Birkhead
Itll letthe caterersknow what they’re dealing with, says Post.
However, she explains this is not a spot for you to put in preferences you may have.
Its not here for you to list a bunch of requests, she shares.
Its here for you to make note of a safety issue.
Just see to it to give an accurate RSVP so the couple can prepare for the headcount.
Wondering if your partner, a date, or children can come?
Your invitation should quickly answer that question based on who the envelope is addressed to.
If you are single, the invitation will explicitly stateplus oneor and guest.
you might then add your chosen guests name on the RSVPs.
It doesnt have to be a romantic date.
Wedding Gift Etiquette
Another obligation that comes with attending someones wedding?
Sending the couplea gift.
Even if you receive an invite that you have to decline, its polite to send something still.
This doesnt have to be a big gift, but it is customary.
The reason is this is one ofif not the mostsignificant moments in someones life.
My absolute favorite is a picture frame engraved with the date of the wedding on it.
Giving a yes RSVP?
Then giving a gift to the couple is an absolute must.
However, you dont have to spend a standard amount per wedding present.
Yourgift budgetis totally up to you, shares Post.
You are the person buying and giving this.
Its up to you what you spend on it, what it is, and how you do it.
She advises choosing a gift based on what is appropriate for your budget.
Bringing a nice handwritten card to the wedding is a great alternative if you still want to give something.
Going to the wedding of a very fashion-forward non-traditional couple?
Attending a wedding of a more traditional family?
Reconsider that outfit choice.
Were asking people to be thoughtful, explains Post.
Think about the people who are attending and hosting this wedding and what they might think is appropriate.
The biggest faux pas to avoid at a wedding iswearing white.
Unless a dress code states to wear white, its wise to avoid the color altogether.
Worried your ensemble might seem too close to the hue?
If you have to ask, you probably shouldnt wear it.
One frequent conundrum guests face is if they can wear a printed ensemble with white in it.
However if you choose a colorful dress with a white print, youre probably in the clear.
Other colors to avoid?
While we love a LBD, wearing an entirely black ensemble is typically something to avoid.
You should not look like you are attending a funeral.
Black is fine if you add something to it or if theres something that breaks it, says Post.
Red is also a traditional shade worn by brides inIndianand Chinese cultures.
Were showing up on time in the proper attire for the occasion, says Post.
We are finding our hosts, greeting them, and saying how pleased we are to be here.
Were congratulating the couple and were making sure to get that face time with them to do it.
Were participating in whatever’s there.
Post adds, That isin a nutshellyour job as a wedding guest.
Another etiquette essential to follow?
Dont take anyfloral arrangementsfrom the wedding without permission.
You never know if those pieces could be rentals or have other intended uses.
Some couples have already made arrangements to send them to a local hospital, notes Post.
Others take them because they paid for them and they would like them to decorate their own homes.
A lot of times they’re given to special family and friends.
A final etiquette tip?
Post shares, Keep the focus on the couple and mind your Ps and Qs.
