An etiquette guide for the best behaviour.
By Kripa Singh
Couples spend a lot of time and effort planning their big day. The last thing you want to do is upset the hosts and be labelled as the annoying wedding guest.
Attending a wedding involves a scope of responsibilities. From RSVPing on time to following the dress code, it is key to follow proper dos and don’ts. If you want to stay in the couple’s good graces, I recommend avoiding some surprisingly common faux pas. Our comprehensive etiquette guide will ensure you are a golden guest at every wedding.
Asking Unnecessary Questions
Most couples take time and effort to provide their guests with important information. Wedding websites are increasingly popular, invites have several detailed inserts, and every destination wedding has an information booklet.
Despite this, it can be frustrating if a guest WhatsApps the bride to ask for the mehendi lunch venue. Or even worse, turns up in the wrong dress code. Don’t be annoying, and carefully scan the information available; it’s likely your question’s answer is right there. And if it isn’t, you can then take the liberty to message the hosts, or the wedding contact provided to you – no one wants to be bothered with trivialities on their big day!
Forgetting to RSVP
If someone is being kind enough to invite you to their big day, don’t take it for granted. Be sure to RSVP clearly through the requested method. If you are sent an RSVP form from the planners, please fill out the form and send it back to the planners — and on time.
Don’t be annoying, and fail to RSVP. You don’t want to be the guest who turns up unexpectedly or makes the hosts scramble to accommodate you at the last minute.
Being Tardy
‘Indian Standard Timing’ might be a widely accepted cultural norm, but it is still inconsiderate to reach a wedding three hours late. Being tardy especially applies to intimate nuptials and destination weddings, since it is much more noticeable if you waltz in during the couple’s speech.
If an invite states 7pm, be sure to reach before 7.30pm. Don’t be annoying by being late.
Photobombing
It’s nice to capture the special moments of a wedding, but not if you’re getting in the way of hired photographers. If you’re constantly hovering over the couple with your iPhone, you’re likely to photobomb the pictures.
Don’t be annoying and obstruct the photographers. Unless the hosts have specifically assigned you the task of taking photos, leave the photography to the professionals.
Being a Wedding Critic
A lot of energy goes into planning a wedding. Couples labour over the smallest details, and try to extend the best hospitality. But sometimes, despite the immaculate planning, the Hendrick’s runs short at 2am, the naans aren’t soft enough, or the family performances are too long.
The most important part of being a golden guest is being gracious. It is easy to be critical and make a list of judgments, but it is far greater to appreciate the nice aspects of the wedding.
Don’t be annoying. Be grateful instead.
Kripa Singh is a wedding decor designer and aesthete with a love for good books, dogs and a cup of tea.
