Marriage is an age-old tradition and over time an extensive wedding etiquette has developed. There are also Do's & Dont's for the wedding guests from the moment the invitation falls on the mat until after the wedding party.
DONT'S
1. Introducé: do not bring someone unexpectedly or uninvited. The bridal couple will indicate on the invitation whether you may bring someone (if you are single).
2. Children: The same rule applies to children. The bride and groom will indicate on the invitation whether they intend to bring your children.
3. Congratulations: When congratulating after the ceremony, the bride is congratulated first and then the groom. At a more formal wedding, the parents are also there to receive congratulations. If not: find them to congratulate them anyway!
4. Cell Phone: Don't forget to turn your phone off or on silent. Focus on the wedding and the bride and groom so wait until after the reception to call, post or tweet (about the wedding).
5. Photos: don't just distribute photos of the bride and groom via Facebook or Twitter. That first one is for the bride and groom themselves!
6. Cake: It's an old rule but don't go home until the cake has been cut!
DO'S
1. RSVP: Let the bride and groom know as early as possible if you will be attending their wedding. At least within a few weeks, even if the RSVP date is still far away.
2. Gift: if you have received an invitation, provide a suitable gift for the bride and groom. If you cannot attend the wedding, send your gift in that case.
3. Travel time: make sure you are on time for the ceremony, the most important moment of the day. So also plan enough time to find your way.
4. Seating arrangement: stick to the bride and groom's suggestion even if you would rather sit across the table next to the bride's cute cousin. The bride and groom have certainly thought this through.
5. Dress code: dress according to the dress code stated on the invitation. This prevents you as a guest from being underdressed or overdressed. If you have any questions about the dress code, ask the master of ceremonies, not the bride and groom themselves.
6. Enjoy: give the bride and groom the greatest pleasure and enjoy their party immensely!