Reception Hall Etiquette: Essential Tips for Guests
Manners maketh man.
You must’ve heard this proverb a thousand times in school and from your parents! It implies that good manners and politeness reflect your character, and show who you are as a person.
Social gatherings like wedding venues in Houston, TX are one of those places where this proverb does its justice! Although well-mannered behavior is a part of the basic etiquette that’s expected from invitees, wedding planners often have quite the opposite story to tell!
In this blog, we have gathered some of the invitee etiquette guidelines that you must follow to enjoy a wedding reception wholeheartedly.
Mandatory Invitee Etiquettes to Follow at a Wedding Reception
Abide by the dress code
One of the most crucial etiquettes that invitees should strictly adhere to, is the dress code! It’s good to stand out of the crowd, but not in a literal sense, especially in a social gathering where you might be the odd one out! So, look for the “dress code” section on the invitation card. And if you’re still confused, you may ask the couple about it.
Refrain from bringing extra guests
If the invitation doesn’t specify to bring a guest along or a plus-one, DO NOT bring along a guest with you! First of all, that’s rude and annoying. And second, there might be a shortage of food or sitting space, or there might not be any provisions for them in any pre-planned activities. So, neither do request the host to bring along a plus-one, nor do you bring one along without an invite.
Don’t be late
The time mentioned on the invitation is the time of commencement of the wedding ceremony or the reception. It’s not the time for the invitees to arrive! Hence, if you do plan to attend a wedding ceremony, plan to arrive early at the reception hall in Houston, TX so that you can be present to witness and be a part of the whole ceremony.
Avoid over-drinking
Wedding ceremonies are one of the social gatherings where you’re allowed to have a few drinks and enjoy the celebratory vibe. However, as an invitee, you must also be judicious enough to not drink too much and start a nuisance that might stand as an embarrassment for the rest of your life!
Even if there’s an open bar, always stay within limits, and drink responsibly. That’s one of the best ways to avoid getting embarrassed at a social gathering!
Don’t start giving a self-toast
Impromptu self-toasts look good only in the movies! In a real-life scenario, it’s a strict no-no thing that you must follow strictly. So, remember to not pick up the microphone out of your overwhelming emotions unless you’re not asked to!
Also, if you’re allowed to speak, try to wrap up your speech within the allocated time. This can bore the guests, and also spoil the celebratory atmosphere!
Don’t use your cutleries while self-serving
If you’re invited to a wedding ceremony being hosted at popular reception halls in Houston, make sure to use the cutleries to eat your food, and not pick food up from the buffet area!
Yes, it might seem very tempting for you to use your own cutleries to take the salad or the sauce! However, more than being an inappropriate gesture, that’s also not a hygienic thing for the other guests, right?!
Don’t attend the wedding empty-handedly
Whether it’s a luxurious banquet or an inexpensive wedding venue in Houston where the wedding ceremony is hosted, never enter empty-handedly as an invitee! While it’s necessary to follow the couple’s preferences (if they mention not bringing any gifts), handing the newly-weds a wedding card with a warm message reflects good etiquette, and is a nice gesture to show the newly-weds on their special day!
Request what you require
While sitting at a table, if you want something that’s placed a little far away (for instance the salt-dispenser, or any dish), always ask the person next to you to pass it on. Instead of crossing your arm across the next person, it’s a polite gesture to ask your companion to pass the dish to avoid any unwanted disturbances.
To Conclude
Putting on your best behavior at a wedding ceremony is one of the most effective ways to enjoy such social gatherings. When you’re among a hundred other strangers, it’s your behavior and etiquette that makes you stand apart, and reflects your personality!
