Weddings are once in a lifetime affairs and the utmost care has to be taken when it comes to seeing them to a flawless finish. The hosts and the guests ought to mind their manners, as a single ‘faux pas’ could ruin the wedding and leave behind bitter feelings, or in the least raise several critical eyebrows. One of the biggest problems faced by the couple and their families is the all-important guest list. This potentially dangerous list could very well become the basis of the first argument. The bride-to-be and the groom-to-be should get together and decide between themselves with the help of their parents how many people they can accommodate at the wedding reception, and more importantly, how many they can afford to accommodate. This includes charting out- 1. Whom do they would like to be present at the occasion (family members, close friends, relatives, etc.) 2. Whom it is necessary to invite (the boss, colleagues, relatives, etc.) 3. Who is likely to eventually make it (those living in the same city, neighborhood, etc.) 4. Who is unlikely to come (those living in another state or country) They should also compare their two separate guest lists to make sure there is no duplication. The invitations should always be sent a month before the wedding date. The guest list should be kept ready well in advance, to avoid a hasty inclusion of all and sundry, or as many have found to their dismay that they have forgotten to invite an old friend, who may have temporarily slipped out of their memory. The soon-to-be bride and groom should not forget people who helped make the wedding possible like the tailors, the beauticians, etc. Often unfortunate accidents, doubts, or unforeseeable circumstances may lead to the wedding being postponed, or simply cancelled. When this happens after the invitations have been sent out, there might be a bit of confusion. If time permits, a printed formal announcement should be mailed to the invited guests. When a wedding is postponed, but a new date has not been decided yet, the invitation must be recalled. When the new date is determined, a new invitation must be issued. Sometimes you would rather leave out people who we feel would get too inebriated and create an embarrassment of themselves. But you feel obligated to invite them, as they are family. You would rather conveniently leave them out of your guest list, but you run the risk of offending your other family members. If such family troublemakers are invited and do eventually turn up, you could have someone keep an eye on them, preferably someone known to them, who they would listen to. Remember that though you may be the bride and the groom, it is your duty to make sure that the waiters attend to each and every one of your guests and that they are well looked after. At most religious functions, there are certain items of clothing that are better avoided. Some religious places have policies against certain types of attire and many simply frown on women wearing revealing, or provocative clothing. Remember the wedding ceremony isn’t a beach party. Caps are not appropriate for men, even at outdoor weddings, unless these functions are extremely casual. At all Hindu weddings, it is considered improper to wear white, a colour of mourning. Switch off your cell phones at the marriage ceremony, out of courtesy for the couple exchanging their vows. The incessant ring of the cell phone is a positive distraction certain to make many disapproving heads turn your way. After the wedding, thank you notes, informal gift acknowledgment cards and calling cards may be used to thank your guests for their presence at the function.
