As a professional wedding consultant I see and hear a lot of what goes on behind the scenes…. Philadelphia weddings are no different than in any other city or state…
 
 
 

After a seeing a series of events at recent weddings I decided it was time to write a list of tips for GUESTS attending weddings…
 
 
 

1. If the bride and groom think highly enough about you to invite you to their wedding please have the courtesy to RSVP – they have a lot going on and calling to follow up with you takes time…
 
 

2. Gifts – if you would be kind enough to send the gift for the couple to their home I know they would greatly appreciate it…Yes, they have made arrangements for the cards and envelopes (and the cash and checks are greatly appreciated as many are saving for a new home)… sometimes the number of gifts that show up at the reception fills an entire van…and with the couple typically leaving the next day for their honeymoon…sending the gifts to the house would be a huge favor.
 
 

 

3. The church/ synagogue or ceremony location has given the couple a very specific timeframe in which to hold their ceremony – they’d love to wait for you to arrive, but they can’t – so please try to arrive in time to find a seat before the ceremony starts.
 
 
4. If the bride and groom provide transportation for guests from the hotel to the ceremony or reception… please do you best to get on… too many times the information is provided, with times and locations of pick ups and guests till miss the shuttle …
 
 
 

5.  If the weather is 90+ degrees all week – with nearly 100% humidity consider:
     • Bringing another shirt to change into…if you know you are a sweat-er.

    • Pick up a bottle of water from the hotel or on your way- while the bride and groom     usually make every attempt to provide these for guests during warmer weather… other folks might take more than their share…
 

    • Think about bringing a small folding umbrella – chances are with high temperatures and humidity – it will rain.
 
 

6. If you are the one in the crowd who is always COLD – bring a sweater or light jacket – it’s 90+ degrees out- the other 150 guests are sweating and the air conditioning feels good… chances are they’re not turning it down for you….

 

 

7. If you are seated with a family member you have recently had a disagreement with – and the bride and groom by chance didn’t know – sit there, eat your meal, and mingle with the people you like… you’ll be there only long enough to eat, you’ll live…
 
 

8. Be a doll – the bride and groom are having an amazing time at their wedding- you do the same… telling them about how hot the ceremony was, that you missed part of the cocktail reception because you got lost, or that the flowers on the terrace died in the heat will do nothing to add to the enjoyment of their day… chances are the wedding consultant (hopefully they have one) or the venue are handling it already…
 
 
 

Relax, have fun and enjoy yourself… you’ll be glad you did…