When it comes to wedding etiquette there are certain rules for proper conduct and manners that are etched in stone and very traditional while others fall into the gray area. Here are some common examples of wedding etiquette that would be wise to follow:
-Send wedding invitations six to eight weeks before the scheduled date.
-Always include return postage with the RSVP cards in the invitations.
-You can send wedding invitations to both sets of parents and the wedding party to have as keepsakes.
-Anyone over the age of 18 should be sent his own invitation, addressed to him personally.
-If someone has not responded to the wedding invitation a week after the reply date and you expect her to come, call her on the phone to confirm.
-Do not write “cash only gifts” on your invitation, as this is considered very rude.
-In the same way, do not include gift registry information in the invitations. This is for word of mouth. (This can be noted on the bridal shower invitations.)
-While many newlyweds open their gifts at the reception or the next morning with people in attendance, this is not a requirement. You are not breaking the rules of proper etiquette by opening them in private.
-When it comes to the seating arrangement at the reception, keep people who don’t get along apart!
-Seat people according to their ages or according to how they are related to you. Try not to seat strangers together. This can be a great way to get acquainted with new people, but for some people it is simply an uncomfortable situation.
-Make sure tables are numbered, so guests easily can locate where they will be sitting.
-For brides who choose to wear gloves when they get married: shortly before your wedding ring is placed on your finger remove the gloves and give them to your maid of honor. She will give them back to you when the time is right. When you are greeting guests in the receiving line make sure to wear your gloves. The same is true for the first dance. After that, it is time to take them off for good.
-If the wedding is canceled, then all gifts must be returned with a short explanation (with the exception of personalized or engraved gifts).
