As weddings change, so does wedding etiquette. As you plan your modern wedding, here are a few etiquette concerns for you and your partner need to keep in mind.
As weddings change, so does wedding etiquette. As you plan your modern wedding, here are a few etiquette concerns for you and your partner need to keep in mind.
Children and Plus Ones and Dogs, Oh My!
One of the biggest questions about wedding etiquette surrounds who is invited to the wedding and who is not. All wedding etiquette rules state that the people listed by name on the invitation are the people who are invited to the wedding, so that means you and your partner must make the decision in advance. Keep in mind that people are more likely to expect that a wedding invitation includes children, and some weddings even encourage people to bring their pets! People also usually expect that they can bring a plus one to a wedding, so make sure to indicate that on the invitation.
What to Serve at the Reception
Old wedding etiquette indicated that a couple needed to offer two dining options: vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Now, however, you and your partner might want to include a gluten-free entree as well as dishes that will work for people with peanut allergies or dairy sensitivities, if a large percentage of your guests have food allergies. You may even need to think about a few different types of wedding cake, so everyone is able to enjoy a slice. One of our Real Weddings, Leslie and Rachel, featured a sugar-free, gluten-free, but-free vegan wedding cake since one of the brides can’t eat sugar, and they have a ton of friends with various food sensitivities.
To best get a handle on your wedding reception needs, ask your guests to identify any food allergies or dietary requests when they RSVP. Then, you’ll be able to work with a caterer to prepare a perfect reception meal that fits your budget and includes food that everyone will love.
Allergies and Sensitivities
In addition to food allergies, some of your guests are likely to have allergies to perfume, as well as sensitivities to flowers, cigarette smoke, and even strong deodorants. Many couples choose to have a “scent free” section in their wedding and reception seating to accommodate these guests. Help your guests enjoy themselves without inconveniencing others by encouraging guests to use e-cigarettes as opposed to regular ones, that way people who choose to smoke can do so by inhaling a smokeless vapor. You can inform your guests ahead of time on your wedding website and put out a sign on the day of.
As with all other aspects of your wedding, remember that etiquette is in place to make sure everyone feels comfortable and included. By following these simple rules, you will be able to have a beautiful wedding and include all of the appropriate modern etiquette!
Photos: Ashleigh Stanczak Photography, Ashley and Kerri Real Wedding
