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A: Preparation for most weddings usually begins with an engagement announcement followed by an engagement party. While planning a wedding is a happy and exciting time for most couples, it can become very stressful while trying to accommodate the wants, needs and expectations of family, friends and guests. You can help the bride and groom out by avoiding these bad etiquette behaviors:
Thou Shall Not RSVP and Then Not Attend
Like any other formal event, it’s important to follow-thru when accepting an invitation to a pre-wedding party. Most likely, the bride or groom’s parents or close friends will have arranged and paid for the entire event based on a budget designed for a select group of guests (yourself included). By failing to attend, you’re not only being rude to the hosts, you’re impacting them financially.
Thou Shall Not Bring a Date Without Permission
You should not bring a guest unless otherwise indicated on the invitation. It is also considered rude to contact your host seeking permission to bring a guest.
Thou Shall Not Ask the Bride and Groom About Their Wedding Budget
You presence is appreciated – your intrusive questions are not. Money is often a sensitive topic, so it should not be discussed in mixed company.
Thou Shall Not Ask to Try on the Bride-to-be’s Engagement Ring
It’s considered bad etiquette (and in some areas even unlucky) to approach the bride-to-be about trying on her ring. It’s better to wait until the offer is extended to you directly.
Thou Shall Not Complain About the Future Bride/Groom
No matter what your feelings are regarding your friend or family member’s future wife or husband, it’s inappropriate to express your thoughts at a formal function.
Thou Shall Not Bug the Bride and Groom About the Wedding Party Plans
Love to be a bridesmaid? It’s better not to share those expectations aloud. Both the bride and groom are under no obligation to formally announce their choices for wedding attendants, so it’s better to just to take a wait-and-see approach.
Thou Shall Not Reveal Anything Inappropriate to the Bride or Groom’s Future In-Laws
Tie one on with the bride one too many times? Have a friend that used to date the groom? Sometimes it’s best to air on the side of discretion no matter how amusing the story.
Read more Guest Mistakes
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