Reception Rules You Don’t Want to Break
It’s your wedding day, which means you can do anything you want, right? Well, yes and no. All the big decisions are ultimately yours and your groom’s, but if you want to make sure your guests are comfortable and have (almost) as much fun as you do, check out these “rules” you don’t want to break. Keep these tips in mind, and it will be great day for all involved.
Cash Bar
If you threw a dinner party would you charge guests for the wine? Think of your wedding in the same way. People are spending a lot of money and time and travel to be there for your big day, and a cash bar says “cheap.” If you need to cut costs, serve medium-shelf liquor or just serve wine, beer and champagne. You can even have an alcohol-free breakfast or brunch, and just serve coffee drinks.
Opening Gifts at the Wedding
Okay, so you can’t wait to see the Plasma TV you know Aunt Betty purchased, but think how your Aunt Sue’s gonna feel when you open the Fruit of the Month selection she purchased. Everyone spends a different amount of money on gifts, and guest might be embarrassed, or think it’s tacky, for you to be parading items in front of the crowd. Spend that extra time mingling with your friends and loved ones, and you’ll be giving them a wonderful gift for taking part in your big day.
Forcing Bridesmaids to Wear Outfits They Hate
This is a tricky one, as you might have your heart set on bridesmaids’ outfits that your maids simply don’t like. Once you make your decision, it wouldn’t be fair to let one of the girls wear something different, so choose wisely. (Also, once a bridesmaid says “yes,” she shouldn’t demand a different outfit.) Before you pick their dresses, think about each girl, their likes and, more important, their figures. If one of your bridesmaids is heavy, she might not be thrilled about the strapless number you love. Many brides talk to their bridesmaids before choosing outfits, to get ideas. Also, you can pick a gown that has different styles to it, or, if you want, let them wear whatever they prefer, provided it’s the same color or a certain style that complements your gown.
Making an Early Exit
Yep, some newlyweds do it and it’s a very bad idea. While you may be in a rush to get back to the hotel or to jump on a plane, your guests are going to feel cheated if you skip out early. If your reception is scheduled to last until 10 p.m., that means the two of you should be there until 10 p.m. (Should your site be open later, and your guests want to party without you, that’s fine.) If you’re going to feel rushed, then change your plans; whether it’s a later flight or an earlier reception time. Besides, you want to enjoy every last minute of your party!
Getting Drunk
It’s the biggest day of your life, the champagne is flowing, and there’s a signature drink with your name on it! Who wouldn’t want to over-indulge? Trust us on this one, over-doing it on your wedding day is too easy to do and a big no-no. Not only are you going to be slurring thank-yous to Great Uncle Henry, but you’re going to look haggard in photos, and—the worst part—you’re not going to remember everything the next day. Many brides get intoxicated purely by accident: they may not have found the time to eat much during the day, or may be short on sleep, and the alcohol hits much harder than expected. Take our advice: Sip slowly on your big day, and imbibe more freely on your honeymoon.
-David Toussaint
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