Are you THAT guest?!

Over the past 5 years of coordinating weddings, I've seen some pretty interesting and sometimes embarrassing behavior from guests and wedding party members. There's been a few times I've cringed while the Best Man gave his speech (or rather a roast to the Groom). I've shaken my head in disbelief at conversations overheard in the lobby or the bathroom, and I've looked on in awe at how alcohol makes people think they're as good of a dancer as Michael Jackson in his Thriller days.

Now don't get me wrong - weddings are meant to be fun - a celebration in honor of two people in love. I'm all for everyone having a good time, for that's why the Bride & Groom are hosting such a fete. But, let's remember that some people look at weddings like they would a nightclub, or a high school prom. Depending on the type of guests that are in attendance, things can sometimes get a little wild.

As I said, I've witnessed some crazy things from guests while coordinating weddings, and thankfully none have been overly inappropriate. A few weeks ago I heard a story from a pair of friends that are newlyweds, and I hope to never ever encounter what one of their guests did! Without crossing any lines, I'll let you use your imagination with this one....a female guest in a dress brought a random guy as her date and while it's proper etiquette to not have your elbows on the table during dinner, this guy took it to another level and didn't have his hands visible during the main course. So to say the least, he skipped the main and went straight for dessert. Thankfully the Bride & Groom didn't serve Tiramisu which is made with 'lady fingers'. BAH!

So when attending a wedding, ask yourself - do you want to be THAT guest that people talk about over brunch the next day - or even weeks, months and years after the wedding? Dress appropriately, don't conduct lewd acts in public, pace yourself when drinking and just be mindful of your actions. Have a good time, share some laughs, flirt a little and party, but do yourself a favor and don't be THAT guest.

'What not to Wear' to a Wedding

As a woman, I’m sure you’ve seen the show “What Not to Wear” on TLC. If I were to host an episode, it would be about what not to wear to a wedding. Instantly, I can think of some major “no no’s” and a few fashion faux pas.

If you’re attending a wedding, here’s 4 things you need to know when you’re picking out what to wear.

#1 – Don’t wear white!

It’s majorly frowned upon to wear white to a wedding – that colour should only be worn by the Bride. You should also stay away from colours such as ivory, champagne, pale peach or light silver (these colours can look white in photos). If you want to wear white, it should be in a patterned dress either as the pattern itself or as the foreground colour.

#2 – Keep the length reasonable

Short dresses are very popular these days, but you shouldn’t wear a dress that is more than 1 inch above your knee to a wedding. Cocktail dresses are a better choice than long dresses. The length of your dress should be either 1” above your knee, at your knee, or just below your knees.

#3 – Coordinate with the time of day & season

Black dresses shouldn’t be worn to daytime weddings. Summer dresses shouldn’t be worn in the winter (unless paired with a pretty cardigan that will stay on through the entire wedding) – and choose your shoes properly too. This is common sense stuff.

#4 – Mind your straps

According to an article featured in The Spectator, you should avoid strapless and spaghetti straps. Choosing straps that are 2 fingers in width is best – and obviously more classy. But, times have changed, and I know that strapless dresses are worn often – so if you go with a strapless or spaghetti strap, be sure that the dress fits – don’t be adjusting your top all night, don’t show any signs of a bra (although you MUST wear one, we just don't want to see the straps or the back of it) and make sure the spaghetti straps don’t slide off your shoulders. A good fit goes a long way.

Be conscious of other guests and the theme of the wedding when picking your outfit. Be mindful of cultural traditions, and do research if you're not sure – for example, Chinese traditions frown upon guests wearing red as that colour is typically reserved for the Bride. If you’re still not sure what to wear, and don’t want to cross any boundaries, the best suggestion I can give is for you to consult the Bride as she’s the one that has planned and envisioned her special day for months.



*post generated from personal opinion & articles featured in The Spectator & Project Wedding's Blog
* pictures from Google images