15 Things You Should Never (Ever) Do at a Wedding (2024)

Anytime earlier than 30 minutes prior to the ceremony could create an awkward moment for the hosts if they're not ready."It's better to wait in your car thango into the venue and risk stressing out the bride by seeing her before the ceremony," saysHolly Patton Olsen,founder ofPerfectly Posh Events.

On the contrary, showing up after the ceremony's start time is also a hard no. "If you can't get there 10 minutes prior, you are better off not showing up," saysBrandi Hamerstone, owner ofAll Events Planned. "Walking in as the bride (or groom) is walking down the aisle in incredibly rude and ruins video and photos that are being taken."

Or take pictures. Most couples hire professionals to capture their big day for them. "An image of the bride walking down the aisle is quickly ruined when it's filled with guests in the background holding up their cell phones," saysKimberly N. Rhodes, owner of Hitched Events.

"Couples are now opting to either have a hashtag (think #TheMillersAreMarried) or choosing to have an 'unplugged wedding," says Briar Johnston, owner of Epic Events. And as a guest, it's your job to respect the couple's decision. Wait to share details (like the bride's dress or bouquet) until the couple gives you the okay too.

This is especially frustrating during the family portrait session. "They distract the subjects and hence their eyes are looking at different directions instead of the photographer," says Agnes Neusse, owner of Neusse Photography. Her solution? "I usually politely tell the guests to let me go first, then I let them go."

This seems like a given, but it's worth repeating. "Nothing looks worse than standing next to the bride and basically matching her," says Hamerstone. It's the bride's day, so let her shine — plus, you have every other color in the world to choose from.

The only thing more frustrating than receiving an RSVP with two names, when only one was invited, is when a guest brings a date they didn't even RSVP for. Don't assume children are invited either. "If it's not clear, ask the couple if it's a family-friendly or adult-only event," says Lindsey Nickel, wedding planner atLovely Day Events.

If you're not a fan of your table location (it's all the way in the back!) or who you're sitting with, it's best to suck it up and deal with it. You'll only be there for an hour or two (tops) and the bride and groom probably sat you there for a reason.

Tifany Wunschl, etiquette expert atGourmet Invitations, says most people don't know it's poor etiquette to bring a gift to a wedding andyou should send items to the couples' home instead.This way, the couple won't have to figure out how to getboxes home at the end of the night.

Even if it isn't of huge interest to you,it's an important moment for the couple and the family member or friend speaking. Hamerstone says a good guest will put down their phone down, stop talking, and enjoy themoment with them.

And when it comes to speeches, more is not better. If the couple didn't ask you to say a few words, it's safe to assume they don't want you to address their guests.

Even if the couple serves cupcakes or other individual treats instead of cake,it's tradition to wait for the couple to have their cake cutting moment before you dive head first into your sugar coma.

"The bar closes to keep guests at their seat during dinner service or to keep costs down for the couple," says Hamerstone.That's why you shouldn'texpect to get served the entire time you're at a wedding. Complaining to the waitstaff won't help and could cause drama for the bride and groom.

This should go without saying, but creating a scene by drinking too much isneverokay and only takes away from the happy couple's day. If a bartender (or a loved one) cuts you off, it's probably for the best.

Even though at some weddings the flowers are given away to guests afterwards, you shouldn't assume that's always the case. Sometimes, the vases or candles are rented and the bride and groom could get stuck with an unexpected bill if you takeitems without asking.