7 Things NOT to Do at a Wedding (Unless You Want to Be Uninvited from Future Ones)
Ah, weddings. A magical day filled with love, joy, and at least one tipsy uncle embarrassing himself on the dance floor. But while the happy couple is basking in their big moment, there are some things you, as a guest (or even part of the wedding party), absolutely should NOT do. Unless, of course, your goal is to become the person everyone whispers about for years to come.
Here are seven things you should definitely avoid doing at a wedding:
1. Don’t Wear White (Or Anything That Screams, ‘Look at Me!’)
It’s the couple’s day, not your personal runway show. Leave the white, ivory, or anything remotely bridal-looking in your wardrobe where it belongs. Also, avoid anything so flashy that it could double as a disco ball. If guests need sunglasses to look at you, you’ve gone too far.
2. Don’t Propose to Your Partner
Yes, weddings are romantic, but hijacking someone else’s big day to pop the question is a major no-no. Unless you’ve explicitly cleared it with the couple, keep that ring in your pocket. This is their moment—yours can wait.
3. Don’t Get Sloppily Drunk
A few drinks? Sure! Slurring your words and challenging the groom to a dance-off? Not so much. No one wants to see you hugging the cake table for support. Pace yourself, hydrate, and remember that if you wouldn’t do it in front of your gran, maybe don’t do it at a wedding.
4. Don’t Complain About the Food
Maybe you’re not a fan of the fish. Maybe the cake is a little dry. Maybe the vegan option tastes like cardboard. But you know what tastes worse? Rudeness. Smile, nod, and pretend you’re on an episode of a cooking show where the judges only say nice things.
5. Don’t Bring a Plus-One Who Wasn’t Invited
Weddings are carefully planned, from seating arrangements to catering numbers. Turning up with a “surprise” plus-one is like showing up at a dinner party with a stray dog—sure, it might be cute, but it’s also a logistical nightmare.
6. Don’t Hog the Photographer
Yes, professional photographers take beautiful pictures, but that doesn’t mean you should turn their time into your own personal photoshoot. Let them focus on the couple instead of spending 20 minutes capturing your “best angles.”
7. Don’t Try to Be the Star of the Show
Whether it’s an over-the-top speech, an unsolicited performance, or an impromptu wardrobe malfunction on the dance floor, weddings are not your talent showcase. Keep it classy, enjoy the event, and let the couple shine.
Final Thoughts
Weddings are about celebrating love, not testing social boundaries. So, be the guest everyone wants to invite again—dress appropriately, keep the drinks in check, and, for the love of all things good, let the couple have their moment.
Oh, and if you do break any of these rules… at least make sure someone gets it on video. For, you know, educational purposes.
For more about wedding etiquette click Here!
MM The Celebrant 