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In the tapestry of wedding celebrations, there’s always that one guest—perhaps the eccentric uncle or the spirited second cousin—who’s bound to stir things up. Brace yourself for the dreaded CLINK CLANK of glasses and the ensuing throat-clear that precedes an ill-fated comment. To ensure you don’t become “that person,” here’s a guide on five things you should tactfully avoid saying:
Wedding Etiquette 101: Five Things NOT to Say to Avoid Being “That Person”
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- “Remember that night in college when you…”
- Cue the cringe. Bringing up past escapades, especially those from college, is a surefire way to signal an impending embarrassment storm. At weddings, tears should flow from joy, not secondhand embarrassment. Maids of honor and best men, take note: teasing is fine, but keep it tasteful and remember that your words will echo long after the festivities.
- “Remember when we used to ____ ?”
- Don’t delve into any history you share with the bride or groom. It’s not just inappropriate; it could cast a dark shadow on their special day. No one wants mental images of unspeakable antics involving their significant other and someone from the past.
- “What an awesome bachelor(ette) party!”
- The cardinal rule: what happens at the bachelor/bachelorette party stays there. Don’t be the one to spill the beans on any eyebrow-raising activities that could sour the celebratory mood. Keep it G-rated, or better yet, keep it to yourself.
- The Wedding Dress
- Unless your observation about the bride’s dress is overwhelmingly positive, keep it to yourself. Months of dreaming and fitting have gone into that gown, so don’t be the one to rain on her parade. And remember, no comments on the bride’s figure – stick to a simple and sincere “You look beautiful!” while you marvel at the garment of the hour.
- “I object”
- Objecting to a union at a wedding? Just don’t. If you harbor jealousy or unresolved feelings, RSVP with a polite decline. Coming to the wedding to profess your love for the bride or groom is a surefire way to be labeled a drama queen. Life isn’t a ’90s sitcom, and interruptions to the ceremony or reception are a major no-no.
With these tips in mind, go ahead, enjoy the wedding, and clink those glasses responsibly!
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