Bad manners to skip wedding ceremony
It’s bad manners to skip the wedding ceremony and to attend only the reception. If you do, you’d better have a very good reason, because – no matter how much you paid for the gift – it’ll look as if you’re leeching off others for food and booze! Get to the ceremony on time – preferably about 30 minutes before the time printed on the invitation. If you do arrive late, seat yourself quietly at the back. If the procession has already arrived, wait until the bride reaches the altar before slipping in and finding a seat. You’re not required to participate in religious rituals, for example, if Hindu and are attending a Catholic wedding, you will not be expected to genuflect or take communion. It is polite, however, to follow the lead of family members sitting in the front as far as standing and sitting goes but you don’t have to kneel or do anything else that may make you feel ill at ease. You will be told (probably by the person conducting the ceremony) if you are to meet the couple outside or if you are to stay seated while the couple leaves the building. Either way, remain in your seat until the families of the bride and groom have been escorted out after the ceremony. If the couple, their parents and attendants form a receiving line after the ceremony, get in line to congratulate them on this special occasion. If the ceremony is held in a garden or in the same area as the reception, keep your ears open, you will probably be told what to do or where to go after the ceremony. If it’s a formal wedding the couple arrive before the guests and form part of a receiving line with their parents and entourage. Join in at the back of the line – this is your chance to have a word with the couple, to meet the bride or groom (if you haven’t met them before) and to thank the parents for inviting you. This may be your only chance to say a few words to the couple if it’s a big wedding and to give them your love and best wishes. Don’t spend too much time in line – just congratulate them, shake hands or hug the bride or groom (if you’re close). After you’ve congratulated the wedding party mill around with the other guests and, if drinks and hors d’oeuvres are being served, help yourself. Someone may have been appointed to show you where to sit but, if not, check if there’s a seating plan before just sitting anywhere. It’s acceptable for you to take a seat whenever you like but it’s more fun to walk around chatting to mutual friends and meeting new people. It’s officially time to be seated when the couple take their seats. If there is anyone at your table whom you don’t know, introduce yourself. Make sure you talk to all the people at your table – whether you know them or not. You can start a conversation by sharing how you’re connected to the couple and allow the others to reciprocate. You were probably put with people you enjoy talking to in the first place if a specific seating arrangement was made. If there’s dancing at the wedding wait until the bride and groom start dancing first, then the parents, followed by the wedding party. Join in after that and dance till you drop because that’s what your hosts would like you to do. If you’re single don’t be coy when it’s time for the bride to toss the bouquet or garter over her shoulder. Join in the fun. Try to catch the thing even if you’re not all that keen on these traditions – you may just be the next one to marry – besides, it’s what the couple chose to do and, as a guest, you’re expected to comply without complaining. Receptions usually last about four hours and you should stay until after the bride and groom have left. If you simply have to leave earlier, try to at least stay until the cake has been cut. Before leaving, find the bride’s mother or father and thank them. Also give the couple a last hug before leaving, if you can.
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"Bad manners to skip wedding ceremony"