How To Be A Great Wedding Guest?
So, you’ve been invited to a wedding. What can you do to be a great wedding guest?
Everything’s been planned to perfection – how can YOU help the happy couple have a great day?
RSVP
The happy couple will have a deadline to get back their venue with final numbers and importantly, all dietaries & intolerances. Make sure you send this information back to them as soon as possible so they can plan their table numbers and add your information to their seating plan. Consider (if you haven’t had time to post your RSVP) a quick email or message to the couple with your details and then post your official reply as soon as you can. Couples will appreciate not having to chase your reply.
Be Prepared
Think about the time you’ll be a guest from start to finish. What are the timings? What will you need?
If the ceremony is in the afternoon, consider starting the day with a good breakfast or brunch. You may not know what time you’re due that day, a good start will keep you going until it’s time for dinner. Attending the evening? Consider having a light bite, you’ll be fuelled for the dancefloor, before any evening catering is served.
It’s never a bad idea to have a change of shoes for tired feet, sun cream and fans (seasonal) cardigans, jackets or umbrellas. Store any additional items in the car, or in a bag that can be stored in the venue’s cloakroom. The UK weather can unpredictable, you’ll be glad of these items should you need them.
Bringing the littlest VIPS?
Pack a change of outfit, snacks and things to do, weddings aren’t as interesting for little ones as they are for grown-ups!
Be On Time
We’d recommend arriving at least an hour before the ceremony is due to begin. This will allow good time for you to arrive, explore the facilities and perhaps time for quick beverage pre-ceremony. You’ll then be ready to be seated in good time for the ceremony to begin on time.
Love
Love! Throw this around like confetti! Love everything the happy couple have planned and organised. Many couples plan their day with you in mind, from food to entertainment, venue, and timeline of the day, enjoy it all and engage with anything they’ve included!
Confetti
If you’re thinking of bringing your own confetti, it’s wise to only bring bio-degradable styles and always check with a member of staff if it’s permitted at the venue. Also check with a coordinator if the couple are having confetti and what time the couple have planned for this.
If you’ve been tasked to throw confetti, throw it nice and high! It makes for a much better photo than throwing directly at the couple!
Unplugged
Resist snapping the ceremony when the happy couple are on the aisle! Photographers and videographers will be there capturing everything and trying to get the perfect shot without your screen! Wait for the official pictures and capture your memories during the rest of the day, they’ll be lots to capture.
The Walk In
Roar them into the room! When it’s time and the happy couple are announced into the room for the very first time, cheer and clap loudly! Let them hear you! Especially if they’ve chosen a piece of music – clap along!
Don’t forget to keep that going all the way while they make their way to their table!
Speeches
Cheer them on! Clap, cheer, whoop!
It’s not easy for anyone to speak to a room of people (even if they know you!) you can be captured by emotion of the day, cheer them on!
Dance! There ain’t no party like a TOKB party!
This is one element of the day couples can’t book or pre-arrange - only you can, so dance!
Even if dancing’s not for you, try and get involved during the evening, it means the world to the happy couple to have a busy dancefloor!
Attending a wedding at The Old Kent Barn?
Check out our Guest Guide below filled with helpful advice before your visit.
We’ll be looking forward to looking after you!
Photography credit @Olegs&RitaPhotography