How NOT To Be A Guest From Hell At A Destination Wedding!
BY Apoorva | 29 Jun, 2017 | 4 min read
No matter how much planning and hard work you put into your big day, Murphy’s law will always make sure that whatever can go wrong, most likely will especially with Indian guests. Destination weddings give our guests another reason to complain and find faults in the wedding (All the aunties find the rooms small or the welcome basket too shabby!). So we came up with guest etiquette that help you be a good guest at a destination wedding!
Image via Stories From Above
It’s Not A Free Vacation
In most destination weddings in India, the hosts pay for travel, stay and meals & beverages for the hosted events. In very few cases, all meals are paid for so don’t assume that and be prepared to pay in that case.
Its Good Manners To RSVP
Destination weddings are expensive and require a lot of planning. So, make sure you RSVP within 1-2 weeks within the date that the invitation is sent. Also, pay close attention to the names listed on the invitation, so RSVP according to that only. If only your and your partner’s name is mentioned, it doesn’t mean you can tag the entire family. If a guest or children aren’t included, please don’t call, text, or email and ask if you can bring one — it isn’t proper manners
Don’t Ask For Extras
No, just because you want to vacation lavishly, you can’t ask the hotel to give you two rooms for a family of three when you are booked in one! And no, you won’t get extra welcome bags or favors for your guests who couldn’t make it too. It’s a destination wedding and the couple has already allocated rooms. Just in case you want an extra room, book it yourself.
Image via Happyframes
Don’t Say Maybe, When You Know It’s A No
If you know that you can’t make it, don’t say you will come. Planning goes for a toss! Some couples plan an itinerary for their guests, such local tours. So if you cancel last minute, it’s going to cost them.
Don’t Crib About The Facilities
Not all destination weddings are at 5-star hotels, so don’t go expecting that. If the facilities aren’t according to your expectation, don’t complain. It’s just 2-3 days and you are there for the happy couple. No couple wants to hear complains (though they always hear!) on their wedding day!
Image via The Wedding Designers
Spend Time With The Couple Rather Than Sightseeing
We can understand that you want to go and chill on the beach when you are in Goa but you are here for the wedding and not a beach vacation. Try and spend time with the couple or their family. Even during the events, don’t spend the entire night glued to your phone or the bar. Celebrate with the ones you love, and revel in the chance to make new friends in a cool destination!
Never Compare
“In my last cousin’s wedding, the wedding had a celebrity chef!” Not all couples can manage the same amount of pizzazz and lavishness, so don’t compare. It’s their happy day and let it be a happy moment!
Don’t Rack Up A Room Service Bill
Just because the couple has booked your room, it doesn’t include room service or you raiding the mini-bar. Usually the couple will end up paying your bill but it’s really crass to do that just because it’s free!
Image via The Wedding Salad
No, Your Presence Is Not A Gift
Even if it’s a destination wedding, its good manners to bring a gift. Don’t assume that just because you made an effort to be there, it counts as one. We are sure the couple appreciates your presence more but destination weddings are a free-mini vacation for you too, so a gift is cherished!
Respect The Check In And Check Out Timings
Just because it’s a destination wedding, it doesn’t mean that the couple owns the hotel. Respect the check in and check out timings. In case you’re flying in early or late, ask (not tell!) the couple beforehand or make your own arrangements.
Don't be a Spoilsport
When the bride and groom arrange for you to be at their wedding, they expect participation. Not that glum look. So what if you care less for kite flying or antakshari, do it for their sake. It's their day, not your moody day.
Dress Code Issues
Every wedding nowadays comes with a dress code - casuals or wear only white or some such. Try and keep up. Don't disrupt the system please!
