How to Be the Perfect Wedding Guest

Being the guest they remember for all the right reasons is easier than you think. Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock

Wedding behavior normally falls into three categories: good, bad, and clueless. Few events remain where so many traditional rules still apply. Happily, being the guest they remember for all the right reasons is easier than you think.

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Only the bride is allowed to be late to the wedding. Being prompt, however, starts long before the ceremony. Send your RSVP ASAP—whether you’re going to attend or not. While that fairytale wedding may look effortless, it’s a major production, and your RSVP affects everything from seating plans to catering orders (please let the bride know if you have any dietary restrictions).

If your invitation doesn’t include a plus-one, it’s probably because of budget; unless you’re the father of the bride paying for the wedding, don’t ask about adding to the guest list. Also, don’t assume that your plus-one can be a child. If the bride says “no children,” hire a babysitter and enjoy the day out. Whatever you do, never promise and then not attend.

Dress Code

White, cream, and ivory are the bride’s colors; this is her day. There are plenty of other pastels to choose from if it’s a summer wedding or if dark colors wash you out. Silver, peach, coral, or light blue are all appropriate, but make sure that you’re not wearing the bridesmaids’ dress color. Stay away from gold, even pale shades, because it’s too attention-seeking, as are sequins, glittery metallic, and animal prints. Wearing all black to a daytime event that isn’t formal can also be seen as controversial, perhaps more so in the past than now.