Looking forward to attending that wedding your friend invited you to? I am sure you are thrilled, but you may also be anxious. If that is the case, know that it’s okay. Experienced wedding officiants from OKC often tell me that wedding guests often face anxiety. Most of them experience these feelings because they are not confident that they will follow the right guest etiquette.
Being a marriage counselor from Tulsa, OK, Dr. John Patrick Keefe is aware of these problems. He often helps people address these problems through his lectures and one-on-one sessions. Today, I will discuss some of the doctor’s tips for being the perfect wedding guest. Once you follow them, I am confident that you will feel like a million bucks on any occasion.
The Rules Aren’t The Same Anymore
If you think that the guest etiquette you followed in your childhood, or even a few years ago, think again. We live in different times, which means that wedding decorum is also different. I remember back in the day, people frowned upon guests who wore black in wedding events. Things are much different these days, thankfully. Now, you can wear black clothes confidently, unless the inviter specifically mentions not wearing that color.
Most modern weddings also don’t have gift-opening parties and formal seating charts (thank God for that.) You can sit anywhere you please without worrying about others side-eyeing you throughout the ceremony.
Just Let Your Phone Rest Please
Nothing irks me as much as seeing people glued to their phones when they absolutely don’t need to be. I mean, can’t you put it aside for an hour or so and enjoy what’s in front of you? I could rant about this for hours. It bothers me even more during weddings. Think about it. Someone invited you to celebrate one of their life’s biggest occasions, but you would rather focus on your smartphone. I firmly believe guests should give the hosts the courtesy of keeping their phones aside.
Try it! And I guarantee that you will have a fantastic time. You will also realize that the “important thing” that kept you focused on your screen was not that important after all. Keeping your phones in your pocket will also allow the wedding photographers from OKC to take some memorable snaps. You wouldn’t want to miss that. Would you?
Expensive Gifts Are Not An Obligation
My jaw drops to the floor whenever I see guests bringing presents that cost hundreds, if not thousands, of Dollars. When did that become a thing? I remember a premarital counselor once telling me that some guests gift stuff with a competitive mindset. They feel like they need to outdo everyone else by gifting something really expensive. The reason for all of this, you ask? It’s nothing more than impressing people and satisfying the ego.
The next time you attend a wedding and think that your gift isn’t good enough, just remember: you’re not there to impress others. Sure, if you’re filthy rich, go ahead. It’s your money after all. But keep in mind that there is no obligation for expensive presents.
What About Rehearsal Dinners?
Clients often ask marriage counseling service providers like John Patrick Keefe if it is okay to skip rehearsal dinners. Well, the doctor says that there is nothing impolite about skipping them, as long as you do it the right way. And yes, there is a right and wrong way of skipping dinners. I often see people making the mistake of informing the hosts that they will be in attendance, only to change plans later.
Instead of doing that, I would recommend informing the hosts that you won’t be there in advance. Wedding ministers from Edmond, OK, say that in most cases, the bride and groom will understand you can’t make it.
It’s Okay If You Need To Bounce
Sometimes, you need to deal with stuff you simply did not prepare for. Is it okay to leave the wedding ceremonies all of a sudden if that happens? Yes. Absolutely. Sometimes, some things are more important than attending a wedding. So, you can always excuse the hosts later. They will understand.
I remember bouncing from an event because someone in my family had a medical emergency. The hosts understood my predicament and even offered to help. So, before you start making up fake scenarios in your head, remember that some things take priority over others. I would also like you to understand that we live in changed times, so in most cases, people won’t be upset.
Think Before You RSVP
I don’t think you need me to tell you how expensive wedding events can be. Arranging for wedding pastors, flowers, deciding the menu, and the wedding venue takes time and effort. So, before you RSVP yes, I would like you to think about whether you will be able to make it. Yes, it’s important to be considerate with this decision. It’s the least you can do for the host. If you think you can’t make it, don’t hesitate to say no. Believe me, the host will appreciate the transparency.
Don’t Forget To Have Fun!
I hope my article helped you understand modern wedding guest etiquette. Gone are the days when we had to follow strict traditions, even if we didn’t enjoy them. I truly feel things are much more relaxed now, and people from the best premarital counseling services in Lexington, OK, agree. Call us at (405) 696-6450 if you need any help with wedding event planning. I also encourage you to check out our website for a look at our offerings. Who knows? Maybe you will find exactly what you want for your wedding ceremony.
