Wedding Protocol
A Guide to Proper Wedding Protocol
Whether planning or attending a wedding, proper wedding protocol is important to make sure this special day goes perfectly. Unfortunately, too many people will begin the process of organizing a wedding or they schedule time to attend one but have no clue how to behave or the right things to say. In this article, we wanted to address a few of the protocols specific to a wedding that would be helpful.
While a ton of information on wedding protocol could be found for guests, it is also important to focus on protocol for the bride, groom, and both sides of the family. Although family members want the wedding to go through without any major issues, sometimes families are so closely involved with planning the special day they start making decisions for the bride and groom or becoming a little too bossy. The behavior is not intended to be mean or hurtful but it happens.
By following a few simple rules for wedding protocol, potential problems could be avoided so the wedding is everything the bride and groom imagined. Even the bride and groom need to follow specific wedding protocol, which would eliminate problems with the family and each other. For instance, couples are usually provided with tons of recommendations on the wedding theme, colors, decorations, and so on. The people that make the suggestions are well wishers but the bride and groom have the right to create the wedding of their dreams.
Another important piece of wedding protocol for the couple is that once the members of the wedding party have been assigned, this should not change. Of course, if someone were to become ill, experience a major family tragedy, or a member of the bridal party were to become pregnant, then a change may be required but otherwise, once the couple has asked people to be in the wedding and the invitations accepted, names should not change.
Next, proper wedding protocol would be the way in which the wedding party is treated. Although the maid of honor and best man would be expected to help throughout the planning phase of the wedding, some tasks would be performed by the hired help. As a prime example, at the reception the catering company would be responsible for making sure enough servers are on hand to get guests fed. Therefore, this job would not belong to people in the wedding party.
Then, wedding protocol for the bride and groom’s family also needs to be followed. For instance, unless arrangements have been made for the groom’s family to pay for certain things, traditionally, the cost of the wedding would fall to the bride’s family. Therefore, no one should be billed unless everyone agrees. Additionally, proper protocol for the groom’s family and a traditional wedding would mean not adding things to the wedding since they would not be responsible for the bill.
Finally, one of the common questions asked about wedding protocol has to do with the bar setup for the reception. It is common for a couple to cut costs where they can while still providing guests with an amazing experience. If the couple wants to have a bar at the reception, it would be best to save money somewhere else than to charge guests for a drink. Although alcohol is expensive, for guests that enjoy a cocktail, offering an open bar or one with a two-drink limit would be a way for the couple to show appreciation for everyone celebrating this day.