Basically as a guest, you are more important than you think; the fact is that it would not be the same without you.  Imagine if there was no one to throw the confetti, greet in the receiving line or cheer when the cake is cut and speeches are made, I think you get the picture.

The result is that guests add richness and beauty to an event, creating a sense of warm celebration to even the simplest of occasions.

However it is important that you do not feel overwhelmed by the thought of these duties; they are not anything which you would not wish others to do for you if the tables were reversed, or that will greatly put you out in any way.  Just simple considerations which will really enable everything to run smoothly.

Being a wedding guest is a privilege, a beautiful experience and very pleasurable.

• To be a warm supportive presence on which the couple can count on to enjoy and share their special moments
• To reply to the invitation.  This ensures that the couple can effectively compile their attendance list
• To give the couple a gift. It is considered extremely inappropriate for you not to give a gift
• To restrict your attendance to only who is invited.  Adding extra friends as guests makes reception seating and catering difficult for the couple
• To dress yourself in a manner appropriate for the climate, time and type of wedding
• To arrive on time.  This keeps everything on schedule.  A late guest calls attention to themselves regardless of how quietly they try to enter, taking attention away from the bride and groom
• To behave appropriately and be mindful of the conduct of any children in your charge
• To stand up when the bride enters and approaches for the walk up the aisle
• To practice proper guest photography etiquette when deciding on taking photographs
• To throw confetti or blow bubbles if provided so as to participate in the event
• To be sensible and mindful of others when serving yourself buffet food.  Remember that weddings function on a head count and if you take more than a reasonable portion there will be little or no choice left for others
• To cheer warmly when the cake is cut so as to participate in the event and make the couple feel good
• To be appreciative when speeches are made so as to participate in the event but be careful not to overdo it and cause any form of annoyance or disruption
• To be mindful of your alcohol consumption and to remain in control of your actions throughout the entire wedding
• To congratulate and thank the couple for inviting you
• To enjoy the wedding celebration