Wedding No-No's for Guests

• Always RSVP (don't assume the couple knows you'll be there, unless you're in the bridal party
• If you arrive at the church during the procession, wait until the bride has made her way down the aisle before entering. And don't peek through the doors because you'll be in her photos. You should've been on time! Also, walk down an outside aisle when coming in late.
• Don't produce sound effects. TURN OFF or SILENCE your phones.
• Don't compare (out loud) the wedding you're attending to other weddings you've been to. It's about that bride and groom, not the bride and groom from last week or yesterday.
• Follow the dress code that has been set forth by the couple. If they say it's formal, don't wear jeans. If they say its casual, don't wear prom attire.
• Don't steal the show. The toast is not the time to let the newly married coupled know that they will be an aunt and an uncle. The wedding reception is not the time to propose to your girlfriend. Wait until the day after for all that.
• Don't bring up old things that may be embarassing to the bride or groom. Sure, it may add humor to the room, but check with them first just to be sure it's okay for you to share that particular story.
• A lot of times (especially with a large number of guests), the bride and groom will limit toasting either to each other, just to a maid of honor and best man, or either to the entire bridal party. However, if they do open it up to guests, keep it SHORT!!! It's appreciated and all, but no one wants to spend 3 hours listening to different words of wisdom, encouragement, and blessings when they can be dancing and enjoying the night!
• Do NOT try to share personal stories with the bride and groom all night and do NOT try to make plans for the following weekend. Talk to the new couple, congratulate them, compliment them, but remember they have other guests there too. It's "their" time, not "you all's" time.
• Of course, don't get DRUNK! Being able to enjoy an open bar is great, but if you know you can't control yourself when you drink a lot, know when to step away from the bar. Throwing up, having to be carried out, falling everywhere... is unacceptable! When you're out with the bride or groom for a regular night out, they may laugh at this behavior the next day. But when it happens on their wedding night, I'm sure they will not crack a smile, and neither will you when sober up.

Be Alert... because everyday I can think of more and more things that should not be done at a wedding ceremony or wedding reception. So I WILL be back with more (to keep you from embarassing yourself).