5 Etiquette Rules To Keep In Mind When Planning A Wedding

Planning a wedding can be pretty stressful, but it’s still not a time to let your manners fly out the window. Remember, your guests don’t know the ins and outs of what’s going on during the process.

And, no matter if you’re a “bridzilla,” or not, there are a few rules to keep in mind when planning a wedding, so you can maintain calmness and composure when in the presence of others. Here are 5 tips for still being respectful during this hectic time.

Don’t Invite Those Not Invited To Other Occasions

While some people might throw a wedding for 300+ people, others are more intimate. If you’re doing a small, destination wedding, it might make sense to invite those who can’t attend to engagement parties, bachelorette and bachelor parties, and bridal showers. Yet, if you’re having a decent sized wedding, don’t extend the invitation for these pre-wedding occasions to those who will not get a formal invite to the wedding. Here’s why—they are sure to expect it in the mail! This can lead to disappointment and hurt.

Send Out Save The Dates Early

Your friends and family are likely just as busy as you are, so be mindful of their time and send those save the dates as soon as possible to give them an adequate heads-up. They love you, so they’ll want to celebrate your happy occasion, but if you wait until the last minute (or don’t even send save the dates out, altogether), you’re leaving them little room to plan their schedules.

Plus, it makes it seem as though you’re less concerned with their availability and time. And, of course, if they can’t attend, you’ll be disappointed, too. It’s a lose-lose for everyone.

Provide Dietary Options

Generally, it’s smart to offer some meat-free options for vegetarians and vegans. So, a salad, pasta, or bean-based option to complement beef, chicken, and fish gives guests the opportunity to enjoy the meal at ease, where they don’t have to stress about causing a scene.

And, it makes you look like a better host for thinking of others’ dietary needs and restrictions, to begin with. It’s also a good idea to allow guests to share any other details on the invite RSVP card, such as gluten restrictions or other dietary allergies of concern. This gives the chef ample time to prepare something different as a way to accommodate everyone in attendance.

Need a few appetizer ideas? Look to these tasty appetizers for an event.

Don’t Set Up Your Registry Too Early

Tying back to the above idea, if you set up your registry too early and invite people to see these events (or simply even discuss your registry and wedding website in person with friends and family), you’re creating the assumption that they should be getting you a gift in exchange for an invitation.

So, if you end up not inviting them, and they got you a gift way in advance, it could make the relationship awkward. It’s better to avoid the confusion and set up a site and registry once the invites are received.

Give A Good Price Range On The Registry

As you can see, registries can be tricky. You’re putting down items that you legitimately want in your home as a new couple, and it’s safe to say, some people have more expensive taste than others.

However, it’s really important to not come off as greedy or unconcerned with your friends and family’s bank accounts. You don’t want to ask too much or put pressure on people to be overly generous or to spend outside their means.

Instead, provide a range, so everyone can buy something that fits their personal finance. For instance, maybe a close relative might spend a few hundred dollars on a priceless dining set, but don’t expect that out of an older college friend. And, even so with family, it really differs per person.

Ready to book your next private event? Contact Viper Alley on our website or by phone at 847.499.5000.