Winter weddings are magical (Image: Getty Images)
With the almost over, many couples may have popped the question and are looking to book a wedding.
Weddings are an exciting time not only for the bride and groom, but for the guests invited to joing their special day.
Being invited as a guest to a wedding is a privilege. However, there are some faux pas you should avoid if you don’t want to upset the happy couple.
Angela DeMaio, an etiquette expert from has shared her insights into the most common guest mistakes and how to avoid them.
She particularly highlights how important it is to be a ‘responsbile’ wedding guest, even when the are flowing freely.
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Celebrate with the happy couple but don’t go too far (Image: Getty Images)
For example, winter weddings are more likely to be exclusively held indoors, without the addition of marquees or outside entertaining spaces.
One of the biggest mistakes at any wedding is overindulging at the bar, which is especially easy to do if it’s close at hand.
While an open bar is often one of the highlights of a wedding reception, it’s important to drink responsibly.
Speaking about tacky bar blunders that can happen at any time of year, Angela said: “Nobody wants to be remembered as the guest who had one too many and caused a scene.”
She added: “Moderation is key. Weddings are joyous occasions, but they’re not the time for drunken antics or behaviour that distracts from the couple’s special day.”
“Know your limits, pace yourself with water in between drinks and always stay respectful to other guests and the staff.”
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Always stick to the seating plan (Image: Getty)
Other frequent faux pas’ made by over excited wedding guests include:
Ignoring the seating arrangement
“Switching seats or sitting somewhere other than where you’re assigned might seem harmless, but it can disrupt the careful planning that the bride and groom have spent weeks, if not months, working on,” says Angela.
“Seating arrangements are often crafted with thought, considering relationships and group dynamics. By ignoring them, you risk upsetting the balance the couple has tried to create. It’s a simple but meaningful way to show respect for their efforts.”
Posting on social media without the couple’s permission
These days, it’s tempting to share every moment on social media, but when it comes to weddings, discretion is key.
“A wedding is deeply personal, and many couples want to control what is shared and when,” Angela explains.
“Wait until the couple has posted their pictures first before you share anything,” she said, adding: “For ceremonies with a phone ban, respect it.”
Not saying goodbye
As the festivities wind down, it’s important to show gratitude before you leave.
“If possible, thank the bride and groom in person for the invitation, as it’s a small gesture that goes a long way,” Angela suggests.
Not being mindful of the photographer
Wedding photographers are hired to capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments, but overly eager guests can sometimes get in the way.
“Avoid stepping into the aisle during the ceremony or blocking key moments like the first dance,” Angela advises. If you want your own snaps, wait until the photographer has finished their work, and never post your shots before the couple has shared theirs.
She adds: “It’s their day, and their story to tell first.”