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The wedding reception spans a space of time, after the main ceremony, sometimes in the same location and other times requiring you to travel from the main wedding venue. The time taken to secure the wedding photographs is usually allocated as the cocktail hour for guests. You can take this time to mingle with other guests or even go home if you wish and refresh yourself.
At the reception it is very important that you participate with respect in the glorious occasion which the bride and groom have prepared for you. This is a wonderful time and there is no greater thank you to your hosts than for you to enjoy yourself. With a few simple points in mind it can be a success for all.
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Be mindful of your general behaviour while at a wedding reception. Try to enjoy the proceedings without getting loud or distracting, so as not to annoy others. |
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When finger food/appetizers are served, it is polite etiquette to take and enjoy one at a time. Try not to grabble as many as you can in one go; it upsets the arrangement and sometimes means that there isn't enough left for the other guests to partake.
If you have dietary needs don’t leave it until the last minute and make a great fuss because there is nothing which you can eat.
Plan early by informing the couple when you reply to the invitation that you have specific needs so that they can account for you in the same style and price range as the other meals. |
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Regardless of how tired you may feel it is considered extremely inappropriate for an adult to openly put their head down and fall asleep during a wedding reception. If you are feeling as if you cannot hold it, the best thing to do is to go outside and get some fresh air. If you came in a car, sit inside it for a while, with the windows cracked and rest.
Alternatively you can always ask someone to take you home so that you can rest properly. Unfortunately by doing this it means that you will miss portions of the occasion but if you are sleeping you are missing it anyway.
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Consider a few more guideline tips: |
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If seating has been assigned stick to it, so as not to cause confusion. Your hosts went to a lot of thought to see that everybody is placed properly.
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Do not bring your problems and bad mood to the reception, there is nothing worse for the couple than a guest in a constant sulk, snapping at everybody. Try to forget your problems just for this special day and be glad for your hosts. Remember that you are invited because they wanted you there.
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Do not hold your own conversation while speeches and important announcements are being made, it is considered disrespectful to your hosts as well as the other guests.
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If you are going to make a toast, keep it simple and respectful; the same goes for a speech which you should only make if invited to do so, a surprise speech may throw the whole wedding off schedule.
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Mingle and converse with the other guests, this is a joyous occasion one which the bride and groom want everybody to share and enjoy.
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Be careful of requesting songs; the bride and groom went to a lot of trouble to create their song list so as to provide a certain ambiance for you to enjoy, you might throw off the entire atmosphere by your impromptu choice of music.
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Actively participate in the wedding, if bubbles, confetti and other such are provided for after the ceremony or to see the couple off for their honeymoon, it is very disheartening for the couple if the guests do not use them and participate
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Watch your alcohol consumption, while it is a party and a celebration it is also a very special time in the lives of two people. A drunken guest who can not account for his or her actions, can cause unnecessary problems and be generally disturbing for all. In addition it may take the focus off the wedding and be worrisome for the couple, who will be concerned about your welfare instead of the event at hand.
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The couple have gone to a great deal of trouble to provide food, fun, friendship and entertainment for your enjoyment. It is important that you benefit from it but at the same time remember to combine consideration with that enjoyment, so that everybody can have good memories of the day. |
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