Family & Friends

Please do not do this at a wedding

By Bo Geschiere | #!30Thu, 08 Jun 2023 09:20:38 +0200+02:003830#30Thu, 08 Jun 2023 09:20:38 +0200+02:00-9Europe\/Amsterdam3030Europe\/Amsterdam202330 08am30am-30Thu, 08 Jun 2023 09:20:38 +0200+02:009Europe\/Amsterdam3030Europe\/Amsterdam2023302023Thu, 08 Jun 2023 09:20:38 +0200209206amThursday=9#!30Thu, 08 Jun 2023 09:20:38 +0200+02:00Europe\/Amsterdam6#06-08-2023#!30Thu, 08 Jun 2023 09:20:38 +0200+02:003830#\/30Thu, 08 Jun 2023 09:20:38 +0200+02:00-9Europe\/Amsterdam3030Europe\/Amsterdam202330#!30Thu, 08 Jun 2023 09:20:38 +0200+02:00Europe\/Amsterdam6#

It is already June aka the month in which many couples decide to say 'I do'. Coincidentally, I attended a wedding last week. Twenty degrees, a location by the water, a great company, and a bit of sunshine – the right ingredients for a perfect wedding party, and that’s exactly what it was. Until the evening began. Daytime champagne in the full sun can naturally go wrong at some point, especially when cocktails come into play. And these didn’t sit well with some guests. It can happen, of course, but it is somewhat inappropriate on someone else's most special day. Anyway, this got me thinking: what do you absolutely want to avoid at a wedding?

1. Special announcements
We call this a case of ‘how can I make this about me’. Because how embarrassing is it to see a guest suddenly use a wedding to announce that they have a baby on the way? Your moment of fame will come, but for now, let’s focus all attention on the bride and groom, please.

2. The color red
That you must avoid the color white at all costs is now an unwritten rule, but you’d better leave red hanging in the closet as well. In photos, you’ll steal the show instead of the bride. That doesn’t seem to be the intention. And, not entirely unimportant, there is an ancient myth that says wearing a red outfit at a wedding means you’ve been to bed with the groom. You don’t want to help spread that rumor, I think.

3. Uninvited guests
If only your name is on the invitation, this doesn’t suddenly give you a free pass to bring your new partner or your ten-month-old daughter as a plus one. If your name isn’t on the card, then you’re not invited. Sounds harsh, but that’s just the way the rules are.

4. Ignoring a dress code
I get it: it’s already a challenge to find a suitable look, and such a dress code doesn’t make it any easier. Because try to come up with an outfit with the theme ‘cocktail’ if you want to avoid a dress at all costs. But still, that’s no excuse to just do your own thing.

5. Speaking without preparation
It sounds so nice: a speech from a good friend for the bride and groom. But make sure you practice it a few times beforehand. Not everyone is good at speaking in front of a large audience, even if some think they are after four glasses of champagne. And, a little tip: save the juicy details for another time, after all, it’s a family celebration.

6. Jeans
No one says you can’t wear jeans, but come on, show yourself from your best side and make a bit of effort. If you’re going for pants, at least choose slacks. Those jeans will be your best friend again on Monday.