Wedding Etiquette 101: How to Be a Good Bridesmaid + Guest

It IS possible to do it wrong.

I love non-traditional weddings. Pink wedding dresses leave me breathless. Intimate ceremonies with no more than 20 guests give me all the feels. A couple dancing barefoot with a burger in hand from a food truck makes me smile with jealousy and delight. Yes, I'm an outspoken proponent of breaking ALL of the wedding rules. Because why should you feel obligated to follow a tradition that started before you were even born?!

However, there are still common courtesies guests and wedding party members should follow. Here are some frequently-broken, unspoken guidelines you need to be aware of as a bridesmaid and wedding guest.

FOR BRIDESMAIDS

Never ever, ever complain about your bridesmaid dress. Ever.

It's shocking that I have to even list this "rule," but, here it is. When a bride chooses you to be her bridesmaid, consider it an honor! Telling the bride "mint green isn't really your color," doesn't exactly convey gratitude. Buy the dress, be agreeable and sell it after the wedding, if you want.

Bohemian Bouquets

Bohemian Bouquets in Canada

“With long sleeve lace dresses, and soft colors from Anthropologie, a more 'boho' bouquet look is on the rise" in Canadian weddings, says Callandra Caufield of Postcard Weddings & Events, Inc. "These bouquets are far less structured and can be fairly large, with lots of movement in them. Bohemian-inspired bouquets often feature beautiful streaming ribbons made of lace and hand-dyed raw silk." Caufield predicts a movement toward using plants as well as fresh blooms since the value of the Canadian dollar has fallen."I predict that we'll start to see centerpieces made of mixed woods, terracotta pots filled with 'house' plants, and candles. Greenery garlands are HOT. With the decor trend towards rectangular raw wood tables and wood chairs, greenery garlands (think seeded Eucalyptus or passion vine) are the perfect centerpiece option."

Photo by: Photo by Corrina Walker Photography / Floral Design by Flower Artistry

Photo by Corrina Walker Photography / Floral Design by Flower Artistry

Don't voice your opinon unless asked.

There will be instances when the bride wants your honest opinon on her dress, the invites, the flowers, etc., but untill she asks you, don't offer unsolicited advice. If you're a married bridesmaid, especially don't say, "Well, that's not how I did it" or "You should do this, cause I had it at my wedding." Always be positive, truthful and helpful, but let her make the final decision.

Photo by: Image courtesy of Heidi Geldhauser

Image courtesy of Heidi Geldhauser

Arrive on time or early to every. single. event.

Between the shower, bachelorette party and rehearsal, there are quite a few events bridesmaids have to attend. Be respectful to the bride and the hosts of said events by arriving with the bride, a few minutes before the bride or, at the very least, on time.

Fun Baby Shower Games

Festive Baby Shower Games

No baby shower is complete without a few fun (and slightly silly) games. Enjoy this guide to a few favorite games that are simple, yet sure to be a riot.

Photo by: She-n-He Photography

She-n-He Photography

Keep it together at the wedding.

The bride will be nervous enough as it is. Don't give her another reason to worry. Problems with your dress, the ceremony or another bridesmaid should not be shared with the bride. Also, imbibing in too many drinks at the reception embarrasses everyone, especially the bride. Be mindful of your food-to-drink ratio so the bride doesn't end up taking care of you.

Simple gold glitter paper cut into large circles makes a cute photo booth backdrop for  New Year's Eve party.

New Year's Eve Gold Glitter Photo Backdrop

Simple gold glitter paper cut into large circles makes a cute photo booth backdrop for New Year's Eve party.

Photo by: Nicole Mlakar / nicolemlakar.com

Nicole Mlakar / nicolemlakar.com

Make friends with fellow bridesmaids.

This makes the bride's life so much easier. Chances are you won't know some of the other bridesmaids, but it's your duty to get along with them and work together to make your mutual friend's wedding the best it can be. The last thing a bride wants to deal with is bickering, petty bridesmaids.

bridesmaids

Pretty Maids All in a Row

Georgia bride Jenna Lombardi’s seven bridesmaids carried bouquets of baby’s breath and wore dresses in a color palette of cream and blush.

Photo by: Image courtesy of Gracie Blue Photography (www.grblue.com)

Image courtesy of Gracie Blue Photography (www.grblue.com)

Come prepared.

Prepare for emotions; bring snacks; know what hair and makeup styles you want; and most importantly, read emails/texts/mail from the bride so you know EXACTLY where to be and when. Don't stress out the bride by not knowing what's happening. Know the ins and outs of the wedding so you can help the photographer, florist or officiant if they have questions.

Essential Bridal Survival Kit
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Get the party started!

Every bride wants her day to go smoothly. One way she'll measure whether or not the wedding was a "success" based on how many guests danced the night away. So, grab your date or another bridesmaid and be the first people on the dance floor. This goes for the bachelorette party as well — as long as the bride is down to party, then so are you.

BP_GCFRM406_wedding-photos_30_h

FOR WEDDING GUESTS

R.S.V.P. immediately.

We're still unsure why guests don't do this. It's extremely rude to send a late response. Every person at the wedding costs the couple money. Creating a seating chart, planning a menu and booking a venue to accommodate all the guests requires numerous hours of work and lots of money. So, be considerate, and R.S.V.P. on time.

CI-Kori-Clark_wedding-invite-summer-watercolor-paint2_h

Respect the dress code.

Yes, wearing white to a wedding is still unacceptable. No, you can't wear shorts, even though it's 90 degrees and humid. Yes, peach-colored and cream look white in pictures; pick a different color. To be safe, just follow instructions from the bride and groom. They will specify on the invitation whether or not bathing suits or white dresses or shorts or whatever are permitted.

Wedding Guest Sipping on Champagne

Have a Crowd, Not Sides

Luke and George didn't have sides at their wedding. They handed out champagne before the ceremony so guests could sip on bubbly while watching them exchange vows up on stage.

Photo by: Abie Livesay

Use the registry.

It's there to help you! Brides and grooms set aside time to create a registry specifically for guests to use. Do them the courtesy of picking an item from it. Alternatively, if the bride and groom request a charitable donation, a monetary gift or honeymoon funding, fulfill their wish the best you can.

Kitchenware Wedding Registry Gifts

Kitchenware Wedding Registry Gifts

Kitchenware and cooking utensils are very popular wedding gifts that couples often put on their wedding registry.

Photo by: Dynamic Graphics/Creatas/Thinkstock

Dynamic Graphics/Creatas/Thinkstock

Expert Advice for Making a Wedding Registry
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Take a favor, and sign the guestbook.

Seriously, please take one. It's embarassing how much effort brides (myself included) put into these. Similarly, quite a bit of thought goes into a guestbook, whether it's a photo booth, poster, globe, etc. Make sure to seek it out before the end of the night.

Tea in Vials With Labels

Mixed Tea Party Favors

After putting tea in individual vials, print out a typed label on Kraft paper. Cut into squares. Punch a hole at the top of each label. Tie the label onto the glass vial with pink twine.

Ask about plus ones.

Don't assume your invitation includes a plus one, especially for a small wedding. Always, always ask a friend or family member of the bride or groom if it's OK to bring a date. Usually, your significant other will recieve a separate invite or be included on yours if the bride and groom want plus ones at the wedding.

wedding couple

Guests of Honor

Leslie and Lloyd Geddes are the guests of honor at an inspired Farm Day, a celebration of country life and the imminent union of a city boy and a country girl.

Photo by: Image courtesy of Heidi Geldhauser

Image courtesy of Heidi Geldhauser

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