Wedding expert shares common blunders guests make – and how you can avoid them

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A wedding expert has advised guests how to dodge a number of all too common mistakes on the big day, ensuring you get through to the evening do without too many blunders

As fun as wedding days can be, they are also notorious hotspots for making gaffes, no matter how determined you are to remain a picture of perfection. From buffet queuing etiquette to making awkward small talk with random relatives, guests can all too often find themselves navigating some seriously cringeworthy territory.

Luckily, wedding expert Lisa Forde is on hand to offer nervous guests some pearls of wedding day wisdom, ensuring they make it through the day as smoothly as possible, oozing grace and sophistication. Until it’s time to hit the dancefloor for a post-prosecco attempt at the Macarena at least.

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Lisa, from leading wedding stationery firm Tree of Hearts, says things can of course vary from ceremony to ceremony, depending largely on the expectations of the happy couple in question.

She told the Mirror: “This can often depend on what a couple’s expectations of their guests are – some couples are really easy-going and some not-so (understandably after spending thousands of pounds on their big day).”

Don’t automatically assume you have a plus one

Whether you’re in a long-term committed relationship or just super excited to introduce a special new person in your life to your pals, make sure to check what it actually says on the invitation first before bringing anyone along.

Lisa warned: “One of the things we hear all the time is that guests automatically assume they have a plus one or that the whole family is invited to the wedding – if the invitation is addressed to just you, don’t assume your other half or children are included.”

Don’t pester the couple with unnecessary questions in the days beforehand

As romantic as it may be, getting married can also be quite a stressful business, and the last thing any busy couple needs is to feel under additional pressure to field a number of questions that could easily be figured out without their help.

According to Lisa: “Another thing we hear is that guests often bother the couple with silly questions in the lead up to the big day, often asking information that’s already on the information card or website they’ve created.

“Maybe they’re asking what the dress code is, what time the ceremony starts – this can be overwhelming and very frustrating for the couple in what is often the busiest weeks in the lead-up.”

Make sure to consider your outfit in advance

Wearing white to a wedding is widely considered one of the most calamitous faux pas that can be made at a wedding, aside from getting the name wrong at the altar. However, you should also give some thought to the theme of the day when choosing your outfit.

Lisa explained: “Another huge mistake is wearing white or the same colour as the wedding party on the day itself – the couple often includes little hints on their Save the Dates and invitations as to what the colour theme of the wedding is to try to avoid wearing that colour as a guest.”

With so many potential pitfalls, it’s easy to start fearing putting so much as a foot wrong. However, there are a few preventative steps you can take.

Lisa advised: “I’d suggest bearing in mind that this is one of the biggest and most stressful events that the wedding couple will ever plan – so they will be under a huge amount of pressure in the months leading up to the day.

“Make sure you keep your invitation and wedding information card so that you can refer to that if you have any questions rather than bothering the engaged couple. If you have to ask a question, maybe ask someone involved – a bridesmaid or family member instead.

“Easy things you can do to be the best guest; RSVP early, be excited and happy for the couple, turn up on time, and don’t complain or moan about anything.”

Do you have any wedding tips to share? Email us at julia.banim@reachplc.com