Wedding Etiquette for the Modern Couple: What’s In, What’s Out

Planning a wedding is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. There are so many details to consider, and one of the most important is wedding etiquette. While some traditions remain timeless, others have fallen out of favor or evolved to suit modern couples. In this blog post, we’ll explore the do’s and don’ts of wedding etiquette for the modern couple.

DO: Send Save-the-Dates

Sending save-the-dates is a great way to give your guests a heads-up about your upcoming nuptials. This is especially important if you’re planning a destination wedding or getting married during a busy time of year. Save-the-dates should include the date and location of the wedding, as well as any other important details like hotel information or transportation.

DON’T: Expect Guests to RSVP Immediately

While it’s important to send out save-the-dates early, it’s not necessary to ask for an immediate RSVP. People’s schedules change, and they may not know if they can attend your wedding right away. Instead, include an RSVP deadline on your formal invitations, and send out reminder messages closer to the deadline.

DO: Include Registry Information on Your Wedding Website

Traditionally, including registry information on your wedding invitations was considered tacky. However, in the age of online shopping and wedding websites, it’s become much more acceptable to include registry information on your website. This makes it easy for guests to find the perfect gift and saves you from receiving duplicates or unwanted items.

DON’T: Expect Your Bridal Party to Pay for Everything

It’s important to remember that being a member of your bridal party is an honor, but it can also be expensive. While it’s common for bridesmaids and groomsmen to pay for their own attire and accessories, it’s not necessary to expect them to cover additional expenses like hair and makeup or travel costs. Be mindful of your bridal party’s financial situation and try to keep costs reasonable.

DO: Provide Transportation for Your Guests

If you’re hosting your wedding at a location that’s difficult to access or far from where most of your guests live, it’s a good idea to provide transportation. This could be a shuttle bus or even ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. This will not only make things easier for your guests, but it will also prevent anyone from drinking and driving.

DON’T: Assume Your Guests Will Know the Dress Code

If you have a specific dress code for your wedding, be sure to communicate it clearly to your guests. This could be as simple as including a note on your invitations or wedding website. If you’re expecting guests to wear black-tie attire, for example, make sure you provide examples or a detailed description so they know exactly what to wear.

DO: Consider Your Guests’ Dietary Restrictions

It’s becoming more and more common for people to have dietary restrictions or preferences, like veganism or gluten-free diets. When planning your wedding menu, be sure to include options for guests with different dietary needs. You can also include this information on your RSVP cards to ensure that your caterer is aware of any restrictions in advance.

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