In the past month, the weather has definitely hit an upward climb, and wedding season is in full swing. Whether you want to be or not, you are bound to be invited to someone’s wedding this summer, whether it’s a friend, family member, or just a random invite from that girl you didn’t even really think you were friends with. There are essentially two types of people: the people who love weddings, and the people who look for every excuse not to go, but everyone can have fun as long as you know the unwritten rules that go along with any wedding.
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First and foremost, keep in mind that you have many options when it comes to what you can wear to a wedding, but with that said, remember that you are absolutely going to a formal event. Things you might want to keep in mind are the length of your dress, because nobody’s grandma wants to see your butt, and avoid over dressing (this is actually a real thing). You want to amp things up a bit if you are close to the family or people getting married and that’s okay, but if your potential outfit resembles a prom dress, put it back. The point is to dress up and look good, not to be the centre of attention, blinding everyone with the gleam coming from the sequins that are glued down the front of your dress. Guys, on the other hand, can pretty much get away with anything; whether it’s just a dress shirt and tie, or a full suit, you’re good.
On a similar note, DON’T WEAR WHITE. It really is a rule. People really will look at you and will talk about you behind your back. Just don’t. This rule only applies to women, but there always seems to be one person who does it. Don’t let that person be you. Note: Prints with white in them are still 100% acceptable.
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Arriving on time seems to be a dying art, so it seems appropriate for me to remind you to arrive on time. Weddings don’t always start right at the times that were planned, but you should arrive at the very least ten minutes before the ceremony is set to start. If you think walking into class late is bad, try going to a wedding after it has begun. There really is no good time, not to mention that a wedding ceremony is actually pretty short, so if you’re going to be late, you might as well stay home.
Most weddings are open bar, and while this is a huge perk of going to any wedding, try to not make it your goal to be the most drunk person there. Getting white girl wasted and falling at your cousin’s wedding will probably haunt you for a good part of the rest of your life. Get drunk, just don’t get the most drunk.
If you’ve never been to a wedding, you may not know, but you have to give a wedding gift. Most people give money. If you’re not sure how much to give, imagine how much it would cost for your dinner and drinks, and put that amount in a card. If you don’t want to give a gift, then you don’t really want to go. People are getting married, not buying you dinner.
Remember while you’re there that weddings are supposed to be fun. You might not know everyone at your table, but make friends, mingle, and dance. If all the old couples can shamelessly wiggle their hips on the dance floor, so can you. Don’t be shy; be social. You’re at a party!
For the ladies, if you are committed to wearing the most ridiculous shoes you own because of how amazing they look, think about bringing along some comfy shoes to slip into later. Weddings are a full day affair, and while you and most of the other girls may be comfortable dancing barefoot for most of the night, if you plan on going out for more drinks later, you won’t like having to force your feet back into the highest heels you have.
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Lastly, regardless of the decor, what that weird guy is doing in the corner, or what the bridesmaids’ dresses look like, it’s a good idea to keep your mouth shut about what you would do differently or what your commentary is on all the things that may have gone wrong. Weddings are huge, and you don’t know who is around you. Keep your criticisms to yourself, at least until you get home. You might think you’re being funny, but most likely you’re just going to look like an ass. If you are planning a wedding and want to make your own band check out these Wedding band workshops.
