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What to give as a gift?
The happy couple to be will often have a gift registry at a large department store. A gift registry allows them to create a list of items they would like to use living together once they are married. Ask the couple if they have a wedding registry and where it is for a quick and easy wedding gift option. This takes all of the guess work out of choosing something yourself, and you know that they will absolutely love it!
A crucial rule of thumb when buying a wedding gift is to not be cheap, and do not base your gift on the price-per-plate. Base your gift amount on how close you are with the couple. If you are a best friend then you will give a more costly gift than a co-worker.
If there is an item that you know the couple will love, but is a bit out of your price? Don’t be afraid to go in and purchase the gift together with a bunch of friends. (Note: If you’re trying to get an idea of a base amount take the cost-per-plate and add $20 minimum)
If the couple has stated “Presentation Preferred” on their invitations don’t get them a gift. I lot of couples already have houses, kitchens, and full lives set up together, so they really don’t need another toaster.
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How early should you arrive?
When attending a wedding it’s best to arrive 30 minutes prior to when the festivities begin. This time allows for you to socialize with friends and family that you have not seen in a while, as well as for everyone to get organized and seated so the wedding can start on time.
This is not a time to be late. Out of respect for the happy couple it is polite to respect their wishes and arrive on time for their big day. And you don’t want to be caught as “that person” that gets ushered in quickly, right before the wedding starts, and the wedding party is waiting for their entrance.
What to do with open mic
When there is an open mic at the reception only say what you feel the newly weds will be comfortable with. You have been invited to their wedding because you are close with them, so respect their boundaries. If they are a more conservative couple then they say something sweet, and if they are funny and enjoy a good laugh then elaborate on some stories from their past. It’s always a good time to share some encouragement, compliments or advice. Keep the inside jokes and adult stories for the showers and parties leading up to the wedding.
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How many drinks should I have?
At a wedding you will encounter 2 types of bars, an open-bar and a closed-bar. When attending a wedding with an open-bar be respectful of the fact that your close friends or family have spent the money on your drinks, so do not drink in excess. It is good to keep yourself to a 4 drink limit when attending a wedding with this style of bar.
If the wedding you are attending has a closed-bar then feel free to drink slightly more. It’s okay to drink and have a good time, but do not let your drinking ruin the evening for other guests.
What about plus ones, and who should I bring?
A plus one is a great chance for you to bring around a special someone and let them meet other close friends and family of yours.
When choosing a guest, make sure that you know they will be respectful at the wedding. You do not want to be the one that brought a crazy person to the event. And, if you don’t have something to bring, don’t feel like you have to fill the seat. Most couples would be happy to have that additional seat to invite another person on their list.
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What to wear?
When choosing what to wear keep in mind the style and location of the wedding. If you are attending a wedding on the beach then it is appropriate to wear something more casual.
If the invitation states that it is a black-tie wedding then make sure you dress up. A floor length gown is a great option for females, and a suite and tie for males.
One thing to make sure of is to never wear white, ivory or cream! If you do, well, you just shouldn’t! Those are colours reserved for the bride, and it’s should go without saying that no one else should wear those colours on the wedding day, unless it’s stated on the invite that there is a colour code for the wedding.
If there is a colour code respect it. The couple will have gone through a lot of work to plan their colours and theme, so for you to show up in red, when the colour code is neutrals, you’ll stand out like a sore thumb, and trust us, you won’t be happy about it either.
Embrace the colour code, it’s an added element of the wedding that helps you, and all the other guests really get into the wedding, and it’s another sweet way to show your support for the couple.
For even more great ideas on what to wear this post by Bridal Musings is a must read.
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