At this point, we’ve probably seen them all: Guests loitering in the church and blocking the photographer’s and videographer’s view during a very important portion of the wedding, attendees bringing out and even holding up their phones and taking videos at an unplugged ceremony, and those who wear the most inappropriate outfits imaginable at someone’s wedding party.
Of course, there are also those who leave even though the program is not yet over, as well as those guests who just behave badly and cause a scene during the celebration.
But how do we avoid these things, really? How do we communicate to our guests that there are certain things and behaviors expected of them when they partake in our once-in-a-lifetime event?
Here are some tips:
Include specific instructions and requests in your wedding invitation
Sometimes, soon-to-weds do not realize that not everyone knows what they should and shouldn’t do when attending a wedding. In fact, there are people who still get confused about the difference between formal and semi-formal attires, in the same way that the idea behind unplugged weddings still baffles many. To avoid misunderstandings that can have a huge impact on the overall look or vibe of your wedding, make sure that your wedding invitation contains specific instructions and other reasonable requests you may have.
Create a group chat for each circle or group of people invited to your wedding
Not everyone likes to read detailed instructions and requests, unfortunately, so sometimes, creating a chat group for certain groups of people who are expected to attend your wedding can go a long way. That’s because you may use the platform to have a dialogue with your guests about some things they may have to clarify about your wedding.
Take time to message some people individually
If you are particularly concerned about a relative or a friend who may be notorious for not following instructions and breaking rules (or perhaps never coming on time), feel free to talk to them individually. Just be careful when you approach them so as not to create any unnecessary drama.
Assign a contact person who can answer questions and clarifications
If you have a long guest list or are simply prioritizing other things in the planning process, don’t hesitate to assign a person whom guests can talk to in case they need to ask anything before or on the day of the event. This can be a trusted friend who’s also a part of your wedding party or your wedding coordinator if you are ever hiring one.
Your wedding is going to happen just once, so you really deserve the best. However, keep in mind that your request should still be reasonable and aren’t putting other people at a disadvantage. In short, be considerate, and don’t be a bridezilla!
