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Wedding do's
 A
WEDDING is a significant and joyful celebration for the bride
and groom. And to be invited to share in their union must
be treated as an honor. Know the proper behavior required
from wedding guests and celebrate with flair by remembering
these Do’s (and Don’t’s):
Invitations
Respond at least a week before the wedding if RSVP is indicated
in the invitation. RSVP, French Respondez S’il Vous Plait,
simply means Please Reply.
If you can’t go to the wedding, explain to the couple
your reason, apologize, and wish them the best in advance.
If you confirm your attendance, be sure to show up! RSVP
helps the couple with catering reservations and seating arrangements,
and they will be expecting you once you said yes.
Never bring an uninvited guest. Likewise, never come uninvited.
Attire
Come in appropriate attire. If formal, barong tagalog, or
black tie is indicated in the invitation, do not come in a
cotton blouse and slacks (worse, jeans!) or you will break
the couple’s hearts.
If the attire is not specifically stated in the invitation,
ask the couple what they want their guests to wear. I recently
attended a wedding where the bride said anything would do.
Should this be the same response to you, stick to a simple,
knee- or medium-length, one-piece dress; it would be better
to underdress than to overdress.
Choose your accessories well. You may have the best dress
but the wrong accessories will ruin your total look. For example,
never use your office bags and shoes with your silk dress
or your long gown. In fact, never bring these to formal occasions
especially when they are made of patent leather.
It is best to own at least one set of complimentary dressy
bag and shoes for weddings, i.e. high-heeled sandals and purse
in the same make and/or color.
You need not wear the color motif if you are not part of
the entourage.
Gift
Choosing a gift for a couple would be easier if they have
gift registries in designated stores. When they have none,
it is alright to ask them what they prefer. However, most
Filipino couples would hesitate to tell you what they need
or want so give them a practical but charming gift.
Attach to the gift a signed simple message so the couple
could send you a thank you card.
During the Ceremony
Sit on the left if you are family or friend of the bride,
and on the right if you are family or friend of the groom.
Remember to put off your cell phone!
Refrain from talking to your seatmates when the mass or service
has started. Reserve your stories at the reception.
Be conscious that cameras are all over. You wouldn’t
want to be caught off-guard yawning, sleeping, scratching
your head or fixing your make-up or underwear!
At the Reception
Mingle with other guests while waiting for the bride and
groom to arrive.
At the reception line, greet the bride “Best Wishes”
and the groom “Congratulations”. Proceed to assigned
seats immediately to ease traffic at the entrance of the reception
hall.
Line up for the buffet without intercepting or delaying other
guests.
Use the serving spoons assigned at each dish.
Make sure that you get only what you can consume. It is best
to get food in smaller amounts than heap it in your plate.
Note that it is bad manners to skip the ceremony but attend
the wedding reception.
Taking Leave
Upon leaving, thank the bride and groom for the tokens and
give positive feedback on the ceremony or the reception. They
have prepared for it for long and hearing all went well will
console them. *
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