As we enter the peak of wedding celebrations, typically from May to October, we have already witnessed a good number of high-profile celebrity weddings in 2024 so far. Some include the nuptials of the Adelekes, the Kutis, the Nwokes, and the Blisses, among others.

Since it’s the wedding season, guests need to be mindful of the unwritten rules of wedding attendance. In this article, we shall explore some do’s and don’ts that guests should adhere to at weddings.

Do’s

1. Follow the dress code

When you’re invited to a wedding ceremony, ensure you follow the stipulated dress code. Whether it’s a black tie, casual, cocktail, or whatever theme the couple chooses, it’s important to dress the part. This is not only for you to dress the part but it is also a way of showing respect to the couple getting married and honouring their request. Additionally, this applies to traditional or religious ceremonies as well.

2. Arrive on time

It is a common joke among Nigerians to follow “Nigerian time,” which is arriving fashionably late to an event, but this should not apply to weddings. When invited to a wedding ceremony, ensure to arrive right on time or at least 15 or 30 minutes early. After all, this helps you avoid having to sneak through the back door or sit at an uncomfortable distance.

3. Prepare a wedding gift

Another golden rule for attending weddings is to prepare a gift for the couple. While it is not required to gift the couple on the exact wedding day, you can always give them their present at least a year after the ceremony. Avoid carrying heavy gifts as they can be unnecessarily tedious to move around. Should you be conflicted on what to give them, cash is always a good option.

4. Follow seating arrangements

Avoid being a party pooper and stick to the seating arrangements at the event. A lot of thought usually goes into the seating plan, and it wouldn’t be courteous to disregard it. You can mingle and move around during the after-party while most people are on the dance floor or have gone home.

5. Drink responsibly

Despite the free food and drinks, it is important to know your limits and exercise caution, especially when drinking alcohol. Dance, eat, celebrate, and have fun, but don’t allow alcohol to get the best of you to the point you start acting out.

Don’ts

1. Don’t wear white or any shade close to white

Wearing white is probably the biggest taboo at a wedding. Traditionally, the bride wears white (or a shade of white) to symbolise purity and be the centre of attention. Furthermore, a guest wearing white will be seen as trying to upstage the bride, which is considered disrespectful. In addition, it may be confusing as to who is the bride because they may look like the bride or draw attention away from the couple.

2. Don’t bring uninvited guests

Except the invitation states that you can bring a plus one, refrain from bringing uninvited guests. The couple created the guest list with certain people in mind based on their budget and venue capacity. Unless you have been granted permission to bring a plus one or your invite states that, try to come solo.

Also, this applies to children as well. Some couples choose not to have children present at their ceremony for different reasons. If your invitation doesn’t include “and family” or the names of your children, it is best to let them stay at home. In addition, there could be clues similar to “Children only over the age of 13,” so ensure to follow it.

3. Don’t be on your phone always

A wedding ceremony is typically done once in most people’s lives, and most couples would like their guests to be fully present during the ceremony, especially if it is an intimate event with only close friends and family. So, ensure your gadget notifications are silenced and try to stay off your phone for the majority of the event. In case you have to attend to pressing issues, you can step out of the hall to do so.

4. Don’t leave too early

While it is permissible not to attend the wedding after party, it is customary not to leave until after the cake is cut at least. The couple has gone to great lengths to plan their wedding, ensuring people are fed and entertained. Leaving early could be seen as being disinterested in their celebration.

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5. Don’t make a big announcement

A wedding is a celebration of a couple’s union. It is their special day, and the focus should be on them. Try not to make personal announcements like an engagement, pregnancy, or other life events on that day. This is because such announcements could overshadow the newlyweds or take the spotlight off them.