We’ve all been there at one time or another. Every wedding guest makes a goof-up at one point, but when you’re the bride, it can be tricky to handle. Check out these tips to learn how to handle common wedding guest goof-ups.
If there’s ever a time for a bride to learn how to handle common wedding guest goof-ups, the time is now, before it’s too late. If you wait until the last minute to figure out how to handle guest blunders, you’ll only add unnecessary stress to your already-stressful wedding planning process.
All wedding guests make mistakes, and it’s likely you’ve made one when you’ve attended a wedding yourself. So, you might already be familiar with some of these common mistakes. However, be aware that they happen and prepare yourself so you are ready to handle them when they arise.
No RSVP—This is probably the most common mistake wedding guests make. You can combat this problem by setting the reply-by date as early as possible. If you haven’t heard from someone within two weeks, consider sending them a polite yet firm reminder to request a response.
Unexpected Guests—It’s likely that you’ve indicated in your wedding invites that each guest is allowed to bring one guest with them, but unless you have the calligrapher specify the names in print, chances are your guest will bring whomever they please. While it’s fine to allow people to bring dates, guests will often add an additional name on their RSVP, aside from their date. If you run into this, politely send a note or e-mail to clarify how many guests they are able to bring.
And Baby Makes Three—Many couples automatically assume it is okay to bring their children to your wedding. Children can be a distraction at a wedding, regardless of their age. If you would like children to be able to attend your wedding, be sure to specify this on the invite. Similarly, indicate a specific policy, such as “no children under 18” policy, if you’d prefer for the kiddies to stay home. Good communication is the best way to handle common wedding guest goof-ups such as these.
People get hung up on the potential embarrassment of having to deal with this admin stuff and of just being clear with their guests. But think how much more embarrassing it would be to have to deal with wedding guest goofs at your own wedding, as it’s happening!