Wedding invitations seem simple enough – show up on the designated day, at the designated place, in the designated attire, and celebrate the happy couple. But there’s more to being a great wedding guest than just showing up. There are certain etiquettes and rules that should be followed in order to ensure a seamless celebration for both the newlyweds and the guests. So, what is the number one rule as a wedding guest? Let’s explore.
RSVP Promptly
If you’re one of the chosen few to be invited to a wedding, make sure you respond promptly. Many wedding invitations will include a deadline to reply. Prompt RSVPs are important because wedding venues and vendors require a firm headcount ahead of time. Not replying promptly can create stress for the couple and their families during an already stressful time.
Dress Code
Always follow the dress code the couple has specified on the invitation. Avoid wearing something that is too revealing or provocative, as weddings are typically formal events. Formal events call for formal attire. Dress appropriately and honor the couple’s day by following their attire specifications.
Arrive on Time
It’s important to arrive on time for the wedding ceremony, as this shows respect for the couple and their family, and ensures that the ceremony will start at the designated time. Ideally, aim to arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes early to provide ample time to get seated and prepare for the ceremony to start.
Be Present and Engaged
Weddings are events of joy, love, and happiness. So, be present in the moment. Put your phone away during the ceremony and reception and be engaged in the events taking place. Respect the couple’s day by staying in the present.
Gift Giving
Always bring a gift for the happy couple. It is a gesture of love and support. Look at the couple’s registry to see what they would like as a gift. If the couple hasn’t set up a registry, you can give cash, which will always come in handy for couples starting their married life. It’s not about the expense of the gift, but rather about the thought behind it.
Keep Toasts and Speeches Appropriate
If you’re giving a speech or a toast at the wedding reception, make sure it’s appropriate for all audiences. Avoid telling inside jokes or inappropriate stories. Keep it light, positive, and simple.
Follow the Couple’s Wishes
At a wedding, the couple’s wishes are paramount. Follow their guidelines and don’t do anything that would embarrass them on their special day. If the couple has requested an unplugged wedding, make sure you don’t take photos during the ceremony.
Conclusion
Being a great wedding guest is not just about showing up and having a good time. It’s about respecting the couple, their family and their wishes for their special day. Follow these tips to ensure you’re being a courteous and respectful guest at any wedding. Remember, this day is about celebrating and honoring the love between two people, so let’s all come together to do just that.
FAQ
How much money do you give for a wedding gift?
When attending a wedding, it is customary to give a wedding gift to the newlywed couple to celebrate their special day and help them start their new life together. However, deciding how much money to spend on a wedding gift can be a bit tricky. The amount you should spend depends on a few factors such as your relationship with the couple, your budget, and the average spending in your area.
Traditionally, the rule of thumb for a wedding gift is to cover the cost of your attendance, which includes the cost of your meal, drinks, and other expenses. According to a recent survey, the average wedding guest in the United States spends around $120 on a wedding gift. However, you should not feel obligated to spend this amount. A good guideline to follow is to spend what you can comfortably afford without putting a strain on your finances.
The amount you spend on a wedding gift should also be based on your relationship with the couple. For distant relatives or coworkers, it is appropriate to spend between $50 to $75 on a wedding gift. For close friends or relatives, it is more appropriate to spend between $75 to $100. If you are a member of the wedding party, you may want to consider spending between $100 to $150 or more.
The type of wedding you are attending may also affect how much you spend on a gift. If it is a destination wedding or an extravagant event, you may want to spend more. However, if it is a simple ceremony, you may not need to spend as much.
The amount you decide to spend on a wedding gift should be based on your budget, your relationship with the couple, and the type of wedding you are attending. The goal is to give a thoughtful and meaningful gift that will help the couple remember their special day for years to come.
Is $100 cash a good wedding gift?
Deciding how much to give as a wedding gift can be a tricky task, but one of the most common questions is whether $100 cash is a good gift idea. The answer is, it depends on the couple you are buying for and your own personal affections to them.
In general, the average amount for a wedding gift hovers around $100. The main reason for this is that most people like to give a gift that feels meaningful but not excessive. If you are not sure how much to give, then $100 is a good default amount to work from. However, you may want to consider giving more or less depending on your relationship with the couple, the type of wedding, and your personal finances.
If you are very close to the couple, such as a close friend or a family member, then it is not unusual to give a larger gift, such as $150 per guest or $200 from a couple, if your budget can stretch that far. This amount shows your appreciation and congratulates them on their special day.
On the other hand, if your relationship with the couple is more casual, such as an acquaintance or coworker, then a smaller gift amount, such as $50, would be acceptable. The most important factor to keep in mind is that your gift shows thoughtfulness and appreciation, regardless of the amount.
The decision of how much to spend on a wedding gift is based on your own financial situation and the relationship you have with the couple. However, $100 cash is generally a good starting point for most people.
What is a fair money gift for a wedding?
When deciding on how much to give as a money gift for a wedding, it’s important to consider your relationship with the couple, your budget, and the regional customs where the wedding is taking place. According to a wedding etiquette expert, the amount of your gift should take into account your closeness with the couple. A distant relative or a coworker may choose to give between $75 to $100, while a close friend or family member may decide to give between $100 to $125. For a more immediate family member, such as a sibling or cousin, or a best friend, a higher amount, up to $150, may be more appropriate.
However, it’s worth noting that these amounts are simply guidelines and can be adjusted according to your own budget. If you don’t have the means to give a large sum, a heartfelt note or a thoughtful, inexpensive gift may be a meaningful alternative. Alternatively, you could consider pooling resources with a group of friends or family members to give a more substantial gift together.
It’s essential to also consider the regional customs and expectations where the wedding is taking place. For instance, in some cultures, such as Asian weddings, it’s customary to give an even number of bills in an envelope. In the United States, the idea of “covering your plate” has been passed down where guests are expected to give a monetary gift that equals the estimated cost of their meal.
The most important thing to consider when giving a gift is that it comes from a place of love and thoughtfulness. Whether you ultimately decide to give a big or small amount of money or something entirely different, your presence and support on the couple’s special day is undoubtedly the most valuable gift of all.