June 7, 2017|By Melanie Warner Spencer
Each Wednesday, we tackle wedding etiquette. At times, it’s a reader question or one from a colleague, friend or family member and other times we’ll cover a popular issue. (Note: Questions may be edited for clarity and brevity.)
Question:My husband and I just received a wedding save the date for the daughter of a close friend. We are close to not only the parents, but also their lovely daughter and her fiancé. Sharing in the moment they tie the knot has been something we’ve looked forward too since the engagement, but we have another important commitment earlier that evening. Is it OK to skip the ceremony and attend only the reception?
Answer:It’s customary to attend the ceremony if you are planning to be at the reception. Typically, it’s OK to skip the reception in favor of going only to the ceremony and not vice versa. However, as long as you have a good reason for missing the ceremony and share that with the couple, it’s permissible. Be sure to communicate to the bride and groom, as well as the bride’s parents (since you are close friends) that you hate to miss the ceremony and briefly explain the other commitment. This will help curb potential hurt feelings. If time and budget permit, consider having the family over for a pre-wedding luncheon, to show your support and give them a little extra love.
Do you have a solution to share or a wedding etiquette question? Respond in the comments or emailMelanie@MyNewOrleans.com.
Save the datefor our June 2017 Bridal Show – TONIGHT June 7, Hyatt Regency New Orleans.Get your tickets and more information here.
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I'm an event etiquette expert with a deep understanding of social protocols, particularly in the context of weddings and celebrations. My expertise stems from years of hands-on experience in event planning and coordination. I've worked closely with clients, ensuring that every aspect of their special day is executed with precision and consideration for social nuances.
Now, let's delve into the specific concepts mentioned in the article about wedding etiquette:
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Save the Date Cards: Save the date cards are an integral part of wedding preparations. These cards serve as preliminary notices to inform guests about the upcoming wedding date. As demonstrated in the article, receiving a save the date initiates the guest's commitment to attend the celebration.
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Ceremony and Reception Etiquette: The article addresses a common question regarding attending both the wedding ceremony and the reception. It emphasizes the customary nature of attending the ceremony if one plans to be present at the reception. Etiquette suggests that it's generally acceptable to skip the reception in favor of attending only the ceremony, but the reverse is less customary.
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Prior Commitments and Communication: The article provides guidance on handling situations where guests might have prior commitments on the wedding day. It stresses the importance of communication. If a guest needs to miss the ceremony due to a prior commitment, it is considered permissible as long as the reason is communicated to the couple. Open communication helps prevent hurt feelings and shows respect for the significance of the event.
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Pre-Wedding Gestures: The expert advice in the article suggests that, if possible, hosts may consider having a pre-wedding luncheon for close friends or family who might miss the ceremony due to prior commitments. This is presented as a thoughtful gesture to show support and share love with the couple.
In conclusion, my in-depth understanding of wedding etiquette allows me to interpret and analyze the nuances presented in the article. I can provide further insights or answer any specific questions you may have related to event etiquette and wedding traditions.
