Wedding Wednesday: Great Guests

via Floridian Social

I'm thankful for my little blog for so many reasons. First of all, it's a great way for those I've met throughout my life to keep up with me. Second, I've never been able to keep a diary {hence my sporadic at best posting}, but the blog lets me keep track of events, thoughts, and favorite things that I can't keep in my Lilly Pulitzer planner. And third, it's brought new friends into my life!

One of those friends is Wendy, who began following my mom's blog years ago and then mine. We became Facebook friends a long time ago, and chat almost daily. Furbabies, a love of the South, and being work-minded women brings us together. Sassiness definitely keeps us sane, and I'm always thankful for her very realistic views and opinions of my life and the lives of others. Wendy's blog, The House of Q's, is full of fabulous party planning tips, local business reviews, and foul-proof etiquette tips. She recently wrote a post on how to be a great wedding guest, and I had to share a few of my favorite points!

The House of Q's: How to be a Great Wedding Guest

1. Send your RSVP ASAP! The bride and groom (and their families) need to know who is attending as soon as humanly possible. Catering orders are placed MONTHS in advance. That's right, months. If you have ever planned a wedding, you know how important this advice is.

2. Don't wear white to the wedding (or shower or rehearsal dinner). The only exception is if the invitation states that the event is an all-white dress code. {I wish someone I knew would do an all-white wedding! I think the pictures would be beautiful.}

3. Avoid wearing red.  It's tacky to wear red to a wedding. In my opinion, it's the same as wearing red on Easter. You just don't do it. The only exception is if you are a member of the wedding party and your dress/tie are indeed, red. 

5. Arrive on time! Remember, if you aren't early, you're late.

6. Take all the pictures that you want before and after the ceremony. Use the wedding # if applicable. Once the ceremony starts, knock it off with the pictures. Nothing is worse than "that girl" taking selfies with her date during the ceremony or the same girl trying to get a shot of the bride walking down the aisle in her gown. Professional photographers have been hired to capture this event. Sit down and relax.

{I think that is the absolute best point--I've seen a lot of weddings lately that have implemented a no cell phone/personal picture rule, but it feels somewhat rude and demanding to me. Ultimately, just be considerate of the bride and those she's employed or asked to be a part of her day!} 

If I were to add a point to Wendy's great list, it would be: Look at your invitation and RSVP card to see specifically who is actually invited. The way the invitation is addressed, and if there is a 'reserved for' number on the RSVP card will give you a big clue. Weddings are expensive, and sometimes the whole family or your new boyfriend/girlfriend can't be invited. I've heard story after story where brides have made it clear that they wish for their day to be "child-free" and couples show up with little uninvited guests. It's a sensitive situation for sure, and one the requires much understanding. 

On the flip side, there is a lot a bride can do to ensure that her guests are great! I've got half a dozen weddings coming up this fall, and in my opinion the more information a bride gives me the better. It is her day, and I do want her to be happy! But without including information such as expected attire and guest information in your invitation suite or wedding website, that can be hard to do. 

To read the rest of Wendy's list, and to see her ideas for great showers, parties and more, visit her blog: The House of Q's. And keep up with her here, too:
 www.pinterest.com/TheHouseoQs
https://twitter.com/TheHouseofQs
http://instagram.com/thehouseofqs