Weddings ~ Invitations
Tips
on Being the Perfect Guest
1. RSVP. Immediately.
RSVP is French for “please respond” (répondez
s’il vous plaît). Your most important obligation
as a guest is to respond to the invitation immediately, especially
if you are unable to attend. At the very least, it allows your
host and hostess enough time to give an accurate count to the
caterer. There is usually a card to return with your reply.
If not, you may write a formal reply or a note indicating your
intention.
2. Respect
your invitation.
Do not ask your host or hostess if you can bring a date or your
children. The invitation will be addressed to the people invited.
If you may bring a guest, your invitation will read “Mr.
John Phelps and guest.” If your children are invited, they
will either receive their own personal invitations or their
names will be listed under yours on the envelope. This is not
the time to question your host’s decision, to argue or
to beg for an exception. And, please, do not add their names
to a reply card or show up with them anyway!
3. Send a
gift.
If you are invited to the ceremony and/or reception, you should
send a gift, whether you are attending or not. Generally, gifts
are sent to the bride in advance of the wedding. In some localities,
gifts are brought to the reception and placed on a special table.
If you hear from family that the couple would prefer a charitable
donation—as in the case of an older couple or an encore wedding —please
respect their wishes. If you receive an announcement after the
wedding has taken place, you may send a gift if you wish, but you have no obligation to do so.
It is nice to acknowledge the announcement with a card
or a note expressing your best wishes.
4. Be on your
BEST behavior.
Be on time, wear appropriate clothing and be respectful during the marriage ceremony. Pay
your respects to the hosts, the wedding party and other guests
at the reception. And remember.
“The good guest is almost invisible, enjoying him- or herself,
communing with fellow guests, and, most of all, enjoying the
generous hospitality of the hosts.”
—
E. Post
Questions about wedding gifts?
Click here.
^Top^
