Wedding etiquette

Wedding etiquette refers to those expectations and conventional norms surrounding a wedding. Weddings are one of the few social events still tied closely with traditional rules of etiquette. Although weddings have embraced individual expression and creativity the same wedding etiquette prevails.

From the guest list, invitations and seating arrangements to the ceremony and dress code, a wedding can be a minefield of do’s and don’ts. The formality of the occasion means that traditional rules of etiquette come into play and most couples will be unfamiliar with the code.

For most couples creating their guest list presents the first etiquette challenge, followed closely by the invitations. Who are you expected to invite? Who should the invitations be addressed to? How should you describe the dress code? Follow our guide to Invitation Etiquette to avoid a social faux pas in print!

Wedding traditions and wedding customs vary, but there are a few basic rules you can follow and indeed most couples do follow. However it’s not uncommon for couples to completely disregard wedding traditions and wedding customs. For example it is traditional for a father to walk the bride down the aisle, but our modern family life sees both parents, mums, brothers or grandparents walking a bride down the aisle. Brush up on your knowledge of wedding traditions and wedding customs – remember you can pick and choose what you choose to follow!