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Experts reveal five things wedding guests should never do as they share list of unwritten rules

Home> Life

Published 15:02 14 May 2025 GMT+1

Experts reveal five things wedding guests should never do as they share list of unwritten rules

If you've done any of these things, you might be a bad wedding guest

Bec Oakes

Bec Oakes

The rulebook of things you should avoid doing as a wedding guest is never-ending.

Don't post pictures of the bride on social media without permission... Don't bring your kids unless they've been invited... And, whatever you do, definitely do not flirt with the groom!

Now, experts have added five more things to the list of things you should never do.

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According to etiquette guru Jo Hayes and dating coach Emily Thompson, bringing a nice present simply isn't enough to be considered a good wedding guest anymore.

Read below to see if you've ever broken any of their unwritten rules:

Experts have shared five things wedding guests must never do (Getty Stock Images)
Experts have shared five things wedding guests must never do (Getty Stock Images)

Sending a late RSVP

First up, sending your RSVP late is a big no no.

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Thompson told the Daily Mail: "Late-RSVPing is the silent killer of etiquette; it messes with everything from seating charts to catering orders.

"People don’t realise how much depends on these final counts."

Skipping the nuptials

And don't even think about skipping the ceremony and heading straight to the reception unless told to do so.

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"The ceremony is the whole point of the day - where the couple makes their vows and, usually, in front of their nearest family and friends," Thompson said.

"Not being there sends a clear message that you’re here for the food and drinks, not for the marriage." Definitely not a good look!

Have you ever done any of these wedding guest no-nos?
Have you ever done any of these wedding guest no-nos?

Bringing an uninvited plus-one

Some weddings allow guests to bring a plus-one. Others don't. And you need to be aware of which you're attending before you invited your new boyfriend to the party.

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Hayes explained: "Weddings are expensive events to put on, which often means limited guest capacity."

Thompson agreed, saying: “Your invitation should specify in so many words, ‘and guest,’ or else your plus-one is strictly not allowed.”

Drinking too much

We get it, an open bar can be tempting but you really need to limit yourself when it comes to the booze. Do not be the guest that's draining the bar dry and subsequently making a fool of themselves.

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"A good rule is to limit yourself to one drink per hour and definitely don’t start drinking until after the ceremony," Thompson recommended.

And Hayes added: "Sure, enjoy a couple of drinks. But be respectful and responsible. Avoid getting drunk."

They stress the importance of being respectful and not getting too drunk (Getty Stock Images)
They stress the importance of being respectful and not getting too drunk (Getty Stock Images)

Wearing white

Lastly, while some brides are happy to let their guests wear whatever they want, unless explicitly specified, avoid wearing white on the big day.

"Another controversial colour is red," Thompson explained. "Western cultures consider red blatantly conspicuous and would even think it inappropriate if it dressed too 'sexily' for a formal wedding."

And it should go without saying, always follow the dress code on the invitation.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images

Topics: Life, Wedding, Sex and Relationships

Bec Oakes
Bec Oakes

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