A wedding is always a joyful and exciting moment. Each culture has its own wedding traditions and rituals, but there are also generally accepted rules of etiquette that should not be neglected.

It all starts with the invitation - if you can't make it to the ceremony or banquet, let us know in advance. Read OBOZREVATEL's article to find out if you can just send a gift if you don't want to attend the celebration and what dress code rules you need to follow.

Responding to an invitation

Newlyweds have a lot to do and worry about before the wedding: you need to agree on a restaurant, the number of seats, choose a menu, order drinks... If you know in advance that you won't be able to attend the wedding, let us know as soon as possible. Do not put it off until the last minute. In case of unforeseen circumstances, you can send an apology message instead of calling.

Gifts

According to the rules of etiquette, you can send a gift to the couple even if you are not present at the celebration.

Dress code

If the couple has specified a wedding theme and dress code in the invitation, try to stick to the colours indicated. Warn in advance if for some reason you could not find a dress of the appropriate style or colour. It's bad manners to simply show up without the proper attire if there is a dress code.

Plus one guest

If the wedding invitation contains only your name and no note "+1 guest", you should not bring someone else to the celebration without warning. The cost of each seat is usually high, and unexpected guests are additional expenses. It is very rude to bring another guest to the party without warning.

Punctuality

Do not be late. The time of the invitation is the start of the ceremony, not the arrival of the guests. If it is written that the wedding will start at 17:00, arrive at the location 5-10 minutes earlier. If you are late, you risk interrupting the ceremony.

Ethics at the table

The ceremony is over, you are seated at the table. Do not limit your social circle to those sitting next to you. Communicate with all guests throughout the evening. Do not abuse alcohol.

Dancing and entertainment

The stars of the wedding are the newlyweds - all attention should be focused on them. Don't try to be too loud or immodest. Do not attract attention with loud shouts, do not interrupt guests when they are making toasts, do not dance too explicitly. Behave within the bounds of decency.

Toasts

Toasts should be appropriate and sincere. Black humour in wedding speeches is unlikely to be appreciated. Do not grab the microphone out of turn and do not make toasts unless you have been asked to do so.

Can I wear a white outfit to a wedding?

White is usually considered the colour of the bride. You can wear a white outfit in two cases: if this colour is specified in the dress code or if you have discussed this issue with the bride in advance and she does not mind. The only exceptions are white men's shirts - they are always appropriate at weddings.

Earlier, OBOZREVATEL published the top 10 new rules of etiquette that you might not know.

Subscribe to OBOZREVATEL's Telegram, Viber and Threads channels to keep up with the latest developments.