Attending a wedding reception and being able to witness your friends entering a new page in their life is surely a happy and auspicious event! On that day, in addition to offering your sincere blessings to them, you can also take pictures with them to capture the precious moments. However, are you aware of the rules and protocols to follow when attending wedding receptions? Before you head out to celebrate with the soon-to-weds, spare a few minutes and take a look at the below 10 rules that you should follow!
(1) Arrive at the venue earlier.
Being on time is certainly a must, but if possible, try to arrive the venue half an hour earlier. This will give you enough time to take pictures with the bride and groom as well as to be seated accordingly. If you arrive later than the specified time, the reception may start later than planned–especially if you’re a member of the entourage–with which affecting the rundown of the whole reception.
[From: A Wedding at The White Chapel Surrounded by Beautiful Baby Blue Hues / Photo: Kel Li Art Gallery]
(2) R.S.V.P. as early as possible.
Once you receive the reception invitation, you should R.S.V.P. as early as possible about your attendance as well as the number of guests that you will be bringing. In case something comes up and you can’t go after initially accepting the invitation, inform the bride and groom immediately. Click here to learn more about how you can express your blessings to them even when you cannot attend the reception in person.
[From: 27 Beautiful Invitations To Take Inspiration From For Your Own Wedding Suites / Photo: Iluminen]
(3) Sit according to the wedding seating chart.
You may find where you shall sit from the wedding seat chart at the entrance of the wedding reception. Do not change your seat on your own. Should you have any questions, you may ask the bridesmaids for help
[From: Make it Fun for Guests To Find Their Seats! Here are 10 Creative Escort Card Ideas for Your Wedding / Photo: Katie Grant]
(4) Prepare your laisee carefully.
When preparing your laisee for the couple, the amount of money depends of the extent of closeness in the relationship between you and the couple, as well as how many guests you are bringing to the wedding reception. The amount should also be in even numbers (e.g. $600, $800) to imply auspiciousness.
[From: This Bride Wore a Cut-out Dress for Her Wedding Ceremony / Photo: Martin Aesthetics]
(5) Wear the proper outfit.
It is of utmost importance to wear proper outfit when attending a wedding reception. Ladies can wear non-white dresses (with which the length shouldn’t be too short), and gentlemen can wear a long sleeve shirt and trousers. If a dress code is stated on the invitation (e.g. black tie or semi-formal), make sure that your outfit complies with it.
[From: Wedding Dress Code Guide All Guests Should Know (and Follow!) / Photo: BHLDN]
(6) Do not use a flash when taking photos.
When you are taking pictures during the reception or ceremony, you should turn off the flash function on your phone or camera so you won’t affect the quality of the shooting conducted by wedding photographer and videographer.
[From: A Wedding at The White Chapel Surrounded by Beautiful Baby Blue Hues / Photo: Kel Li Art Gallery]
(7) Listen to the speeches.
When the bride and groom are delivering speeches and vows on stage, pay attention and listen carefully. Do not chit chat with others or simply bury yourself in playing mobile phone games. Take part in the celebration fully to show your support for the newly weds.
[From: These Lovers Made Sure Their Wedding Day was The Best Day Ever, Masks and All / Photo: Mary Ann Art & Photography and AP Studio]
(8) Set your mobile phone on silent mode.
You don’t want your phone ringing loudly in the middle of a romantic ceremony, so remember to switch your mobile phone to silent mode for the whole day of the wedding.
[From: Make it Fun for Guests To Find Their Seats! Here are 10 Creative Escort Card Ideas for Your Wedding / Photo: Jessica Kettle]
(9) Take good care of your children.
Sometimes the chatting and screaming from children can be a source of distraction. If you’re bringing your kids along with you during the wedding, watch over them. In case you cannot stop them from screaming or speaking loudly, leave the venue with your children for a moment so as to not disturb the ceremony.
[From: These Lovers Made Sure Their Wedding Day was The Best Day Ever / Photo: Mary Ann Art & Photography]
(10) Think of the blessings you want to say ahead of time.
Before attending the reception, consider giving meticulous thought about what you want to say to bless the couple. This way, you can avoid cliché blessings and make the couple getting married feel happier with your genuine well wishes.
[From: How to Write On a Laisee Packet for Newlyweds / Photo: Emma Fok Photography]
