No extra guests, no food hovering: 8 wedding guest rules to follow for a drama-free event

Free food, a lively dancefloor—what’s not to love about a wedding?

Well, a guest who ends up being the talk of the event for all the wrong reasons. As many UAE wedding planners and residents will attest, being a great wedding guest is an art in itself. So, before you slip into that dashing outfit, let’s walk you through the essential rules of wedding guest etiquette.

RSVP—Yes, really, RSVP

Let’s get this one out of the way. If you get that gorgeous, paper-embossed invitation, please, please, respond, as Dubai-based Payal Moitra, a homemaker requests. She remembers several people who never responded to her wedding invitations, keeping her confused with ‘most likely not’ leading her to believe that they weren’t coming, and then they did show up at her wedding. As she woefully says, “Remember that the couple has spent hours agonising over the guest list, and last-minute additions don’t help. They’ve planned catering, seating, and cake sizing based on that headcount. So, if you’re coming, let them know! If you’re not, let them know. It’s not that complicated, and it’s the polite thing to do.”

Dress code: Follow it don’t fight it

We get it, sometimes, it’s difficult to follow many elaborate themes and colours. You can try, and if you can’t that’s fine, explains Florence Magalie, a Dubai-based event organiser. But here’s what you shouldn’t do: Show up in flip-flops and a Hawaiian shirt. “I’ve seen people do this, show up in casuals, not even trying formals, which is just bizarre to me,” she says.

Moreover, if the couple has requested guests wear specific colours, don’t be the rebel who shows up in neon green, unless, of course, the invitation says ‘neon green only’. “And for the love of fashion, don’t try to outshine the bride. It’s her day—save your over-the-top glam for another occasion,” warns Magalie, recalling a person who attended a wedding, in a white flowing dress, which was completely contrary to the actual colour code of the wedding.

 Be on time, but not too early

You’re there to support the couple, so arrive on time. Being fashionably late is a no-go when the vows are being exchanged. However, arriving too early can be just as awkward. No one wants to be the first person at a wedding, standing in a nearly empty room, wondering if you misread the start time. Aim to show up about 10-15 minutes before the ceremony begins, so you can get settled without being the awkward early bird, advises Magalie.

Don’t bring uninvited guests

If the invite is for ‘plus one,’ great! You have a date. “But unless you’ve been explicitly invited to bring a guest, showing up with someone uninvited is a no-go,” says Magalie.

For instance, Moitra recalls how her husband’s friend brought several people for her wedding, creating quite the scene of awkwardness as there was a lack of seating.” It’s really inconsiderate to do,” she says.

Don’t keep hovering around food

 Dubai-based Anisha Gopalan, a sales professional offers humble advice: Please don’t keep asking about food as soon as you enter the room. Undoubtedly, the food is often one of the best parts of a wedding But try to avoid being that person who hovers around the hors d'oeuvres table or acts like it’s a buffet. Pacing yourself is key—grab your plate, but also leave room for the next course. No one wants to be the guest seen going for a second round of potato mash before the speeches even begin.

Be respectful during the ceremony

Let's just say, no one’s here for your phone's text alerts during the vows. And perhaps, don’t try to start a conversation with the person next to you. If you need to step out for a moment, do so discreetly. This is a serious moment for the couple, and your respect will be remembered long after the reception, explains Magalie.

Moreover, there will be enough time to have fun, just try not to make jokes, or be loud or just generally create a disturbance during the actual wedding rituals, as Dubai-based Kristy Torres says, recalling how one of her friends started throwing flowers at each other during her wedding.

Dance, but don’t go overboard

The dance floor is open, and it’s time to party.  But here’s the key: Don’t make it all about you. Sure, if the DJ drops your favorite song, feel free to bust a move. But if you’re not the best dancer in the room, don’t make it your personal stage performance. And while you may think your epic moves are the highlight of the evening, remember: Others would like to join in too. Share the space and the spotlight.

Be considerate of the newlyweds

After all, this day is all about them. Be careful not to monopolize their time. Yes, they want to see you, but they have 200 other people to catch up with too. If the newlyweds are busy circulating, don’t chase them around trying to get that selfie. They’ve got a lot to juggle. You can still have fun without being the one who pulls them aside for a lengthy chat while they’re trying to enjoy their first meal as a married couple.

Don’t be the first to leave, unless you have to

At the end of the night, it’s tempting to sneak out after the last song ends, but don’t be that person. Stick around for the grand exit if you can, clap, cheer, and send the couple off with love and good energy. You were there for the ceremony, so you might as well see it through to the end.

Plus, it’s the perfect opportunity to snag a good slice of cake on your way out.