After photographing wedding for about 30 years I have decided to finally write a blog about Etiquette and Protocol for wedding ceremonies and receptions. You would think that alot of this would be common sense.. but let me tell you something.. IT IS NOT! I cannot tell you how many people have so little consideration for the bridal couple on their wedding day and their vendors! So… here is some info that as a bride or groom you can forward to your guests if you think maybe you have family and friends that maybe don’t quite understand wedding etiquette!
Weddings are a celebration of love and commitment, and they are a time when family and friends come together to celebrate the union of two people. However, with this joyous occasion, comes a set of etiquette and protocol that should be followed to ensure that everyone enjoys the wedding ceremony and reception. In this blog, we will discuss the essential etiquette and protocol for wedding ceremonies and receptions.
1. RSVP
When you receive an invitation to a wedding, it is essential to respond to the RSVP as soon as possible. This will help the bride and groom to determine the number of guests that will be attending and make the necessary arrangements. If you are unable to attend, it is polite to decline the invitation promptly. Let me tell you, growing up Mexican I can tell you that not only do we as a culture not RSVP we also see it fit to bring our best friend and favorite cousin to the wedding. I’m not sure where this stems from but it is rampant in our community! So let’s change that my hispanic friends out there! Let’s take the couple into consideration and promptly RSVP and only bring the appropriate amount of guests that are listed in the wedding invitation
2. Dress Code
When attending a wedding, it is important to follow the dress code specified on the invitation. If no dress code is specified, you should choose an appropriate outfit that is respectful to the bride and groom and please don’t wear white. You really don’t want to compete with the bride on her most important day!
3. Arriving on time
It is essential to arrive on time for the wedding ceremony. Arriving late can be disruptive and disrespectful to the bride and groom, and it can also cause unnecessary stress for the wedding planner and vendors. Another faux pas that is rampant in my Latino community. How many times do you see families walking into the church three quarters of the way through the ceremony. As a matter of fact I tell my Latino clients to make sure they custom print their invitation with the wrong time… at least one hour before the actual ceremony!
4. Mobile Phones
It is recommended to switch off or silence your mobile phone during the wedding ceremony. This is to prevent any interruptions during the ceremony, and to allow everyone to enjoy the moment without distractions. I cannot begin to tell you how many people find it appropriate to lean way into the aisle if not blatantly stand in the middle of the aisle with their cell phones taking photos of the couple while I am behind trying to professionally photograph the wedding that I am being paid thousands to capture! Or people insisting on capturing the whole wedding on their tablets or phones instead of just being present!
5. Photography
It is important to respect the bride and groom’s wishes regarding photography during the ceremony. Some couples may choose to have an unplugged ceremony, which means that guests are not allowed to take photos or videos during the ceremony. If photography is permitted, it is important to be discreet and not to block the view of other guests.
6. Religious or Cultural Customs
If you are attending a wedding that has religious or cultural customs that you are unfamiliar with, it is important to respect and follow these customs. You can also ask the bride and groom or the wedding planner for guidance on appropriate behavior during these customs. Please don’t be offended by customs that are different than standard American customs as people the world over have different beliefs.
7. Gifts
It is customary to bring a gift for the bride and groom to the wedding ceremony. You should choose a gift that is appropriate and within your budget. If the couple has a wedding registry, you should choose a gift from the registry to ensure that the couple receives something they want or need.
8. Arrival Time
It is important to arrive on time for the wedding reception. This will allow you to participate in the cocktail hour and find your seat before the meal is served.
9. Seating Arrangements
Seating arrangements at the wedding reception are usually determined by the bride and groom or the wedding planner. It is important to follow these arrangements and not to switch seats without permission.
10. Greeting the bride and groom
It is customary to greet the bride and groom at the wedding reception but you should allow them to finish eating and finish the formalities such as speeches and dances. It’s best to greet them once the party has started. Be aware that they have been running around all day getting dressed, ready and taking photos for hours before ceremony and need a moment to eat and rest before being greeted by guests.
11. Bar Service
When ordering drinks at the bar, it is important to be patient and polite. You should not push or shove, and you should not order more drinks than you can handle. It is also customary to tip the bartender.
12. Speeches and Toasts
Speeches and toasts are an essential part of the wedding reception. If you have been asked to make a speech or toast, you should prepare in advance and keep it brief. You should also avoid making inappropriate or offensive jokes. I dedicate this section to the best man WHO NEVER HAS A SPEECH PREPARED. At the hundreds of wedding that I have photographed the maid of honor always has a sweet, appropriate, heart felt speech ready and delivered beautifully. Where as the best man is rarely prepared, sounds awkward and usually offensive. I would say that you should run the speech by the couple and make sure they feel that is it appropriate. I have heard some pretty terrible and cringey speeches that have left me shocked. Be nothing but flattering to the couple even if they have not been their best lately, don’t call them bridezillas or groomzillas. PLEASE! Be polite even if you don’t really want to. It just makes you look weird when you are being subtly rude or passive aggressive.
13. Dancing
Be respectful and get out there and dance. I swear it breaks my heart when there is a hundred people acting as if they are not having fun. If you need a drink, go and get one. But, get out there and have a good time… for the sake of the couple. Imagine that you have been planning a wedding for a year and then on your wedding day no one is dancing or enjoying themselves.
In conclusion, following etiquette and protocol at wedding ceremonies and receptions is essential to ensure that everyone enjoys the celebration of love and commitment. It is important to be respectful and considerate of the bride and groom’s wishes, and to follow the traditional order of events. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you have a wonderful time celebrating the special day with your loved ones.
Thank you for checking out our blog if you are getting married in the Orange County, Los Angeles County and Inland Empire area in California and if you love my work please contact me now! If you are ready to book your wedding, engagement, maternity newborn, family, sexy or boudoir or high school senior portraits please call Edna Eudave Square Eye Photography 714-420-8285 NOW! We shoot locally and globally.. contact me for pricing for destination wedding photography!
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I am in the historic home district of Whittier California in the North Orange County, South Los Angeles County area.
But most of my clients are in South Orange County, Newport, Irvine, Laguna Hills, Portolla Hills, Dove Canyon, North Orange County and really from all over the WORLD!
Edna Eudave is an extensively published award winning fine art wedding and portrait photographer. She is a photography educator, mentor and a fine artist painter. She is also a contributor to several photography columns and loves her daughter and 3 huskies!
She has been is business for over 30 years and had thousands of thrilled clients all over the world!
