The word “should” it’s quite a small word, quite simple, but it has the power to make you reassess your ideas about what you and your partner want your wedding day to look and feel like.
It has the power to create arguments and resentment between you and your family and/or bridal party.
It has the power to make you spend way more money than you actually need and/or want to.
It has the power to make you feel like you’re not good enough, or your wedding isn’t going to be good enough.
So let’s remove the word ‘should’ and give yourself the freedom to use the word ‘could’ instead!
To be invited to a wedding is an absolute honour and privilege, it is absolutely not a give in, just because you’re the bride’s best friend’s mother’s brother, and it should be treated as such! There are some things that will make you the absolute best wedding guest ever! *Never assume you will be invited (and don’t hassle the bride) there are so many factors that go into planning a wedding (budget, venue, location) that not everyone will be invited. *Always RSVP, this is one of the hardest parts of planning a wedding, co-ordinating the RSVP’s, so make the brides day by yes’ing or no’ing as soon as you can. *Don’t ask to bring a plus one, if it hasn’t been stipulated on the invitation for you to bring one. *Adhere to the dress code – there are only two occasions in life where dressing up is required, weddings and funerals, so honour the occasion, by leaving the tracksuits and crocs at home and donning a suit or appropriate dress. *Arrive on time – don’t make the bride wait because you’re late, don’t be the person creeping in at the back late. If you’re not sure where you’re going beforehand, google it and download the map! *Don’t take photos, especially if you’re told by the celebrant etc not to. Some occasions in life don’t need to be seen through the lens of a phone or ipad! *Don’t think that you’re the funniest person alive by mentioning to the groom when he’s waiting for the bride “it’s not too late to run” it is possibly the most disrespectful thing to say at the wedding. *Don’t get stinking drunk and hit on every one with a pulse. *Dont spend the whole wedding reception on your phone, not engaging with the other guests. Be excited to be in a space where love is honoured and act accordingly.
Angela Port - Celebrant - Dunedin 