Essential Wedding Reception Etiquette For Guests

The wedding reception is like the after-party for the big day, where the newlyweds get to mingle with their guests and say thanks with food and fun. But with the price tag on these kinds of events climbing, many couples are trimming their guest lists to save a few bucks. So, if you get an invite, consider yourself truly special. It’s a good idea to brush up on some wedding reception etiquette to make the most of your invite.

First things first, send your RSVP on time! Imagine getting a call from the couple or their families, chasing you down for a response. Talk about awkward. It's not just a hassle for the bride and groom but think of all that wasted postage. Some couples make it so easy that you can accept or decline the invite without making a trip to the post office. You can just do it from your phone that’s already glued to your hand.

True story, when I got married nearly two years ago, I had to track people down for RSVPs. Some people even pestered us for invites before we'd finalized the details, only to ghost us when it came time to respond. And get this, one guest actually RSVP'd the day before our wedding. At that point, they might as well have skipped it. Honestly, I should've ignored the call altogether.

Although I had assigned tables for guests, I didn't assign specific seats at each table. It was one less thing for us to worry about. But here's a tip, if seating is pre-assigned, be a considerate guest and don’t rearrange the place cards. Creating a seating chart takes a lot of time and thought. Many couples stress over seating arrangements, so don't make it harder for them by being "extra" about where you sit.

For the love of all things wedding-related, please don’t ask to add extra guests or bring uninvited people. Yes, that includes both adults and kids. If you’re single, resist the urge to bring a buddy for company. Meet someone new at the wedding.

"RELATED: Plus One Protocol: 5 Behaviors You Should Avoid As A Plus One."

Many couples are choosing to exclude children from the reception due to the costs and the fact that little ones can get restless. Believe it or not, we even had people get upset with us for not letting their child be their plus-one! So, let's keep it cool and stick to the guest list.

Another tip, share your well wishes with the newlyweds, but don’t hog their time! Whether they're greeting guests in a receiving line or at individual tables, keep your message short and sweet. The bride and groom have a packed schedule and tons of people to see. We didn’t manage to chat with everyone ourselves. My parents still get some side-eyes for it from relatives. So, if they don’t linger with you, don’t take it personally. They’re just happily overwhelmed and juggling a tight schedule.

Newlyweds will be thrilled you were there to share their special day. As a guest, help make wonderful memories with wedding reception etiquette.