Top 10 Wedding Etiquette Tips From Yours Truly

Opening day has passed and wedding season is in full swing. Thousands of couples across the country will walk down the aisle between Memorial Day and beginning of October.

I never thought this day would come, when my summer was not filled with trips to Spain and Italy but with my best friend’s weddings. It seems as if 25 came by so fast. College ended and we grew up quickly, taking on careers, finding love and settling down. And now wedding bells are ringing for four of my very close friends, who are soon going to change Ms. to Mrs.What this means for me? First, I had a maid of honor speech to construct and give in front of 150 people. Second, this weekend I have a reading to do at another wedding in front of 400 people. And finally, I have answered a thousand questions on what is good wedding etiquette.  People seem to go to the maid of honor when they have questions about the wedding, therefore I had to brush up on what was proper and not proper when it came to weddings.  Here are a few tips:

1. Don't be late! If a wedding invitation says that the ceremony will begin at 5, be sure to arrive there by at least 4:45 so as to give yourself time to find a seat and get settled.  
2. Avoid taking photographs during the ceremony. Leave that to the professionals—too many flashes going off can ruin the professional photos.
3. You don't need to bring a gift with you to the wedding. In fact, it is better for you to send it to the bride or groom’s house. Bringing a gift with you means that someone in the wedding party will have to worry about how to get it home.
4. If you are unable to attend the wedding, it is customary to still send a wedding gift.
5. While we're on the topic of gifts, shop from the registry. If you don't, it comes off as "I knew what you wanted but I didn’t care."
6. Don't bring a date unless your invitation specifically says their name or "+ Guest". Remember that the cost for each person attending a wedding is usually expensive; therefore bringing unexpected guests is very impolite. This includes your children or other relatives!
7. Speaking of children, if you have small kids, it would be of the best etiquette to find a babysitter unless the child is in the wedding. Crying babies in a ceremony and 5 year olds running around a reception on a sugar high is never classy.
8. Don't leave before the cake is cut. It's an old rule, but most elderly guests know that after the cake is cut they may slip out unnoticed. If Grandma can stay—so can you.
9. No tweeting, no facebooking, no texting. Just keep your hands off the phone.
10. Have fun. The bride and groom invited you to spend one the best days if their life with them. Enjoy yourself and make sure you tell the bride she looks gorgeous.