Do weddings make you cry? No, I don’t mean welling up when the bride walks down the aisle; I mean REAL tears, the kind that happen when you are nervous about attending a wedding for any number of reasons? Perhaps you are guest without a plus one, or maybe you recently called off your own engagement. Perhaps you are simply a shy person, or you hate wedding cake, or the sound of a harp gives you hives. The “why” doesn’t matter at the end of the day; what does matter is that two people are starting their lives together, and they have asked you to share in their joy. So your job is to be a great wedding guest, no matter what is playing on that harp.
Four Steps to Being a Great Wedding Guest:
Be on time
This is so not the time to play beat the clock. Don’t try to do one last thing at home. Don’t make a quick stop on the way. Don’t think you remember how to get to the wedding site. Decide what time you are going to leave the house and leave the house. My father-in-law always said, “If you aren’t 15 minutes early, you’re late.” In this case (and many others), he’s right.
Be aware of time
As you make your way through the receiving line, introduce yourself if you aren’t familiar with members of the wedding party, offer a few eloquent words, and move along. Something like, “Hi, I’m Debra, my husband, Steve, plays lacrosse with the groom. The harpist was just amazing! Thank you for including us in such a special day” is an easy way to identify yourself, throw in a compliment, and show your gratitude. All in one sentence – what a timesaver!
Have a good time
Clap when the bride and groom arrive, raise your glass when asked to toast, dance when the band plays, and look on when the cake is cut. This is one of the biggest days of this couple’s life and they have asked you to celebrate with them, so do so.
…but don’t have THAT good of a time
Watch the drinks. Dancing and dining and dishing is thirsty work, so drink – some water. Yes, yes, yes, drink some champagne or have a cocktail or two, but you really don’t want to hate yourself in the morning. Save yourself the headache and heartache that comes from overindulging. It’s worse than listening to that harp, I promise.
