Wedding Guest Etiquette: 6 Rules for Attendees
What You Need To Know
Weddings are beautiful, joyful celebrations—but behind the scenes, they’re also logistical marathons involving spreadsheets, budgets, and dozens of tiny decisions. Guests may not see all that, but how you show up matters. If you’re lucky enough to receive an invitation, here’s how to be a respectful, thoughtful guest (and not accidentally cause chaos for the couple).
1. RSVP Like It’s Your Job
Whether you're attending or not—you must RSVP. This isn't optional. Even if you're 100% planning to be there, the couple can't read minds. RSVPs affect headcounts for catering, table assignments, rentals, and more. Send your response by the date listed on the invitation, not a week later. And no, texting the bride doesn’t count.
2. Honor the Dress Code
If the invitation includes a dress code, it’s not a suggestion—it’s part of the couple’s vision and the tone of the event. Black tie or formal means a floor-length gown for women (not ankle-length, not your favorite summer maxi) and tuxedo for men. Cocktail attire? Think knee-length dresses and or suits—no denim, no sneakers.
And while we’re on the topic: No white. Not even ivory. Not even if it has flowers printed on it. If the base of the dress is white, it’s a no-go. You might think it’s obviously not bridal, but in photos and in person, it can still distract. Let the bride and or groom in white be the only one(s) in white—this is their moment.
When in doubt, err on the side of being slightly overdressed rather than too casual. If you’re unsure what the code means or how to interpret it, check the couple’s wedding website—chances are, they’ve included guidance for a reason.
Take a look at images for each attire.
3. Don’t Ask About Plus-Ones
If you're allowed a plus-one, it will be clearly stated on your invitation—either with your guest's name or with language like "and guest." If it’s not there, assume you’re invited solo. Asking for an exception puts the couple in an awkward position when they’re juggling headcounts, budgets, and venue limits. Trust that if they could invite everyone, they would.
4. Stick to Your Assigned Seat
You may not love sitting with your second cousin’s girlfriend’s friend, but seating charts are carefully planned (sometimes agonized over). Moving around can throw off dinner service, spacing, and the flow of the event. Just sit where you’re asked—you’ll be up and mingling before you know it.
5. Put Your Phone Away for the Aisle Moments
We know you want to capture the moment—but please, don’t. When the bride or groom walks down the aisle, that’s notthe time to pull out your phone. The couple has likely invested in a professional photographer and videographer who need a clean shot of those once-in-a-lifetime moments. Nothing ruins the photos faster than a row of guests holding up phones and tablets in the background. Be fully present and let the pros do their job. Trust us—your Instagram Story isn’t worth blocking the view of someone’s grandmother in row two.
6. Respect the Timeline
If the invitation says 4:00 p.m., don’t aim for 4:00—arrive by 3:45. Walking in during the ceremony is disruptive, and the timeline exists for a reason. Be gracious with your time—showing up and wrapping up on cue helps keep the event flowing smoothly.
Wedding guest etiquette is about being thoughtful, not perfect. RSVP on time, follow the dress code (to the letter), don’t ask for extras, and respect the couple’s space and planning. You don’t have to be a wedding expert—you just have to be considerate.
