You’re getting married and now you will have to deal with inviting guests. All of the planning in the world will not keep you trouble free so here is a wedding guest guide for you. Hopefully this will eliminate potential problems.

A full list of wedding do’s and don’ts in wedding processions can be found at any wedding website. If you are putting up your own wedding website to announce and celebrate your wedding with friends, you may want to include a guest etiquette page.

The Bride’s Guide to Guests

Here is where things can get sticky. Guests and who can they bring? You are on a budget and can only accommodate so many people. Do you allow everyone to bring a guest?

That could be expensive. What about fiancés? If your guest is engaged, you should probably allow for the fiancé to attend, but only if it is a close friend or relative.

Your 10th cousin Sarah, twice removed, can leave her fiancé home if you have to limit head count. Your invitation should clearly state you and your fiancé or you and your guest if it is ok for them to bring a friend. What about children? That depends; teenagers are different than toddlers and infants.

For evening weddings you most likely want the younger kids to stay home. However, if there are lot of kids in your family, it may not matter to you. If children are not welcome, be sure to say adults only on the invitation.

Also state what the dress code is on the invitation, if it is formal, say so. If it is casual also let your guests know.

Be sure there is a secure area for gifts at the wedding reception. Keep it out of the main traffic flow, but keep it secure as well. Some wedding gifts may be fragile and we do not want anything to break.

Following these simple wedding guest guides will help make guest relations much easier.

The Guest’s Guide

The worst thing in the world is to be a bad guest. When it comes to weddings, some common sense is required. If the invitation does not specifically state you can bring a guest, assume you cannot.

It is rude to ask and it will put the bride in an awkward position. As far as children go, if you are unsure, it is better to ask in advance, then to show up with 5 kids at an adult only wedding.

Do not take pictures at the ceremony, request copies of these later on.

Another item to address is the RSVP. You should respond as soon as possible – either yes or no.

This way you are not holding up the wedding plans. Also, even if you cannot attend, you should send a gift if you were invited. About gifts, you do not have to bring a gift to the ceremony or reception.

You can send something from the registry in advance or just after the wedding. A check or savings bond is also appropriate.

A little common sense and good communication will help keep awkward situations from occurring. That is what a wedding guest guide is for.