People dream about a wedding and prepare for it long before the scheduled day of celebration. Every girl wants to feel like a queen on this holiday. Any groom wants everything to go according to plan on this significant day. There is no place for surprises and quarrels on a bright, joyful holiday. And the organizers of the celebration are doing their best to reduce the possibility of failure to a minimum. This is where wedding etiquette comes to the rescue. Accepted rules of behavior for all participants, procedures and customs of celebration help to keep those present within limits. Etiquette makes it easier to develop a wedding script, and greatly simplifies the difficult task of organizing a reception and entertainment for several dozen or hundreds of people.
It's important to respond to an invitation
Wedding invitations are sent to all guests containing information that is important to them. A beautiful postcard indicates the location of the banquet, the style of the wedding, and any additional conditions, for example, the opportunity to bring children with you.
It is important to be able to read the invitation correctly in order to understand whether you are expected alone or accompanied. If the invitation states that “Marina and Oleg with children” or “the Lebedev family” are invited to the event, it means that they want to see you at the holiday in full, including your children. If the card contains only two names, and nothing is said about the children, then they will need to be left at home.
Only your name mentioned in the invitation indicates that they want to see you alone at the banquet. If there is a number “+1” next to the name, it means that you are allowed to take a companion, which can be any person. Be sure to notify the organizer that you will take advantage of the opportunity to take one more guest with you.
It is strictly forbidden to bring other people to the holiday without permission. The number of guests is calculated in advance, so in this way you will put the newlyweds in an awkward position when they do not have enough space for all the people who come.
After receiving the invitation, thank the newlyweds and confirm your presence at the celebration. If you have unforeseen circumstances that prevent you from attending the celebration, please inform the newlyweds in advance so that they do not take you into account when booking a restaurant.
Present
Usually, newlyweds receive the most expensive gift from their parents and close relatives. This could be household appliances, jewelry, furniture, carpet, car, apartment.
Guests who know each other often buy a large item together. As a rule, these are household items.
Although it is not at all necessary to buy something very expensive: books, a beautiful wedding album, and interior items would be a pleasant gift. If you know the interests of the newlyweds well, then you should choose a gift that is related to the common hobby of the spouses.
Today, the most common and popular wedding gift in Russia is money. It is better if they are presented only to close relatives.
According to etiquette, money is given in large bills, enclosed in a white envelope without an inscription. Banknotes, like checks or bonds, are given before a wedding ceremony or reception.
Usually an envelope with money is given to the groom along with flowers or a small souvenir.
In the West, there is a wonderful tradition of compiling a list of gifts that newlyweds would like to receive.
This list includes necessary household items, taking into account the different financial capabilities of the guests: expensive things coexist with gifts that are affordable for most people.
The list does not include jewelry, clothing, shoes and real estate. A month before the wedding, trusted representatives introduce the invitees to the list and coordinate purchases with the guests.
Sometimes the list is sent by mail along with an invitation card. In this case, indicate a phone number where you can clarify the details and find out which of the guests should team up with to purchase a large item.
In Russia, “gift lists” have not yet become widespread, but they are gradually becoming part of our everyday life.
There are different opinions about how and when to give gifts. For example, Baroness de Rothschild considers giving a gift on the day of the ceremony extremely impolite.
She says the gift giver should give the gift in person or send it immediately after the engagement announcement or after receiving a wedding invitation.
In Russia, this most often happens on the wedding day, less often before the wedding or after the celebration. If the reception takes place in a restaurant, a large gift with a greeting card is delivered to the house where the newlyweds will live.
To display gifts (without donor cards) in the room where the reception is taking place, a special table is placed or a separate room is allocated.
In the old days, there was a wonderful custom: on the wedding day, a rich groom sent the bride a “groom’s box” with jewelry, wedding accessories and other gifts (sweets, jewelry, etc.).
The tradition of newlyweds giving each other gifts continues to this day. It also has its own taboos: the bride cannot be given underwear, clothes, kitchen utensils, household appliances and household items.
If for any reason the wedding is upset, the gifts must be returned to the donors with a short explanatory note.
First of all, this applies to jewelry or inheritance items that were received from the groom's family.
The same must be done if a divorce followed immediately after the wedding. True, in this case, only those gifts that have not been used are given away.
Dress code for a wedding
Attending a wedding requires strict adherence to the rules regarding the choice of clothing. The dress code for a wedding has its own characteristics. Currently, weddings that have a certain style and are kept in the same color are becoming increasingly popular, from the elements of decorating the banquet hall to the dresses of the bridesmaids. Dresses of the same color for bridesmaids are a feature of foreign weddings. However, recently she has been popular among Russian brides.
Weddings can be themed or in one specific style, for example, Greek. In this case, the newlyweds inform the guests what form of clothing is required of them. These can be dresses and suits of a certain color, or plain accessories that are the same for all guests. The theme of the wedding must be indicated in the invitation so that guests can think about their outfit.
If the wedding is not thematic, but ordinary, you can choose any outfit that does not go against wedding etiquette. Girls can wear both dresses and suits.
It is important to pay attention to the length of the skirts - maxi and midi lengths are preferred. Too deep cutouts on dresses and provocative decorations are considered bad form.
Representatives of the fair sex should look fresh, beautiful and decent, but not overshadow the bride's beauty. According to etiquette, men choose classic suits, the color of which depends on the season. The guest decides for himself whether to complement the suit with a tie or bow tie.
There are restrictions on the color of clothing. Women should not wear white dresses or outfits in shades that match the bride's dress (if the newlywed, for example, chose a beige wedding dress). Black dresses are not welcome at a wedding, but such attire can be chosen if it is decorated with accessories or complemented with faux fur coats.
Men are not allowed to wear black suits with white shirts, or suits of the same color as the groom's clothes. As for shoes, girls can wear shoes, sandals, boots, the main thing is that they are in harmony with the outfit. Small handbags are acceptable: clutches decorated with rhinestones or embroidery are ideal. When creating hairstyles, the use of fresh flowers is not recommended.
Photo and video shooting
Photo and video shooting of the wedding is carried out by the registry office photographers, who are recommended to the future spouses by specialized specialists when submitting an application to the wedding palace.
Before choosing anyone, you need to familiarize yourself with the portfolio - a set of works that any specialist should have. It’s even better if your friends have already used this person’s services.
It is not customary for photographers and videographers to sign a written contract for filming. Accordingly, the only guarantee that the wedding will be captured on film is only the word of honor and the reputation of a specialist.
It is advisable to negotiate with wedding “chroniclers” a month before the celebration. And if the wedding falls during the peak season - summer, you should start looking for suitable candidates in the spring.
True, even in this case, it is possible that at the last moment the specialist will prefer a more profitable order, and will send another person in return.
Discuss in advance from what point the shooting will begin, how long it will last, the key moments of the wedding, the presence or absence of special effects: it all depends on your wishes and the imagination of the photographer.
For example, filming can begin on the eve of the celebration, during the traditional “ransom” of the bride, or even after the wedding celebration.
The latter, for example, is practiced if newlyweds want to capture themselves against the backdrop of nature or in places that they did not have time or were unable to visit during the traditional walk that follows the registration of the marriage.
Another option is studio photography, when the photographer films the newlyweds and guests in a specially equipped room. Of course, such work is more expensive and is rarely in demand.
And if you are not limited in expenses and the reception takes place in a separate residence, specialists are ready to set up a real “Hollywood” stage at the banquet venue. But newlyweds, as a rule, choose a standard shooting scheme: bride price, registration, wedding, trip around the city and the first 1.5-2 hours of the banquet.
Immediately specify what you want to receive: a report from the wedding, “staged” photographs and/or a film with special effects.
Each operator has his own style, but most likely only unexpected shots will become exclusive.
Any “original” production idea is simply doomed to plagiarism, and each wedding season has its own fashionable and popular shooting techniques, so a “split” bride or a young husband who fits in the newlywed’s shoe wanders from one wedding album to another.
What is customary to give for a wedding?
It is not customary to come to a wedding without a gift, since according to etiquette such behavior is considered bad manners. The most popular wedding gift is a sum of money in an envelope. Wedding etiquette does not set a certain amount for a gift; it depends only on the financial capabilities of the person and his desires. You can give not only money, but an item that no one needs will bring joy to either the newlyweds or the donor.
Find out in advance what newlyweds may need at the beginning of their married life. Maybe you want to donate some equipment or household equipment.
The newlyweds decide for themselves how gifts will be presented. Usually a table is set aside for gifts, and guests give their gifts, toasting the newlyweds at the beginning of the holiday. Large gifts, for example, a stove or a bed, are brought home to the newlyweds; the host only announces the presence of such gifts at the event. According to etiquette, it is not necessary to buy a bouquet of flowers; each guest independently determines whether such a gift is needed or not.
A wedding cake should look like a wedding cake
You can get creative and abandon the standard rule of taking out the wedding cake. A table with sweets, an unusual cheese pie or a candy bar with cupcakes looks very nice. It all depends on the format of your wedding. You can make a real show and bring out a chocolate fountain with strawberries glowing with lights. This will cause a sea of pleasant emotions and impressions.
Late
Often the wedding celebration starts late, even though it has been carefully prepared for a long time. According to etiquette, guests being late is bad manners and unacceptable. They should arrive at the place ten to fifteen minutes before the start of the holiday. If guests are late for registration due to unforeseen circumstances, they must sit quietly in the back row, without attracting the attention of others. Be sure to put your mobile phone on silent mode.
Bridesmaids in matching dresses
I agree that it looks very nice. But this rule can be played out in completely different ways: the same fabric in color, but different styles; same fabric texture, but different shades; same fabrics and colors, but different lengths... Especially if you are lucky and have three best friends - why hide their individuality? One will wear a dress with bare shoulders, the second will look beautiful in a fishnet style, and the third will wear dresses with a neckline. In any case, it's worth playing around with.
Dating and communication
At a wedding banquet you meet many previously unfamiliar people, belonging to different social strata, with different levels of education and upbringing. For this reason, conflicts of various types may arise during a banquet, especially after drinking alcoholic beverages.
Aggressive attacks and inciting conflicts are not only unacceptable, such behavior at a wedding shows complete disrespect for the newlyweds and other guests. At a wedding, everyone is required to behave with the utmost tact and courtesy towards others. Guests get to know each other and communicate on positive topics. You can have casual conversations with your tablemates on abstract topics. It is not recommended to touch upon religion, politics and nationality. You cannot take the bride or groom aside for a conversation, much less detain them for a long time.
If you have any comments regarding the organization of the wedding, you cannot discuss them with other guests. It is necessary to show respect to the people who tried to make the holiday interesting for you.
Standard banquet or ordering dishes from the menu
The classic format of any wedding banquet is the arrangement of pre-ordered dishes. An alternative option would be to serve dishes a la carte. You can organize a beautiful presentation of cold appetizers and salads, but the choice of main courses will be at the discretion of each guest. Of course, when you have more than fifty guests, this is not the best idea, since the dishes will take a very long time to prepare. But if the banquet is small, then this will be a pleasant bonus for the invited people and will give them the feeling of going to a restaurant. Unfortunately, not all establishments can provide this opportunity, but if it exists, it’s worth taking advantage of.
Competitions and entertainment
Most of the wedding banquet consists of competitions, games and dances. The guest has the right not to take part in all competitions, but it is better to have fun. During the event, you need to demonstrate sincere fun and good mood. You shouldn’t sit at the table all the time, you need to go out on the dance floor, take part in games, laugh and be happy. Do not turn away from the operator filming the video, do not cover yourself with your purse or hand.
The newlyweds are pleased to know that everyone enjoys the holiday, as evidenced by the activity of the guests and their sincere smiles. Newlyweds are always worried about the quality of the banquet, so your task is to assure them that everything is going well and not boring.
Bouquet and garter toss
The tradition of throwing a bouquet and garter has come to us a long time ago, but despite the metamorphoses in rituals, this part of the celebration is present at almost all weddings. But this also has its moments. For example, not every bride will want the garter to be removed according to all the rules, namely, with the teeth from the leg. Now it has become fashionable to throw a groom's bowtie or, even more original, the phone book of a former bachelor. As for throwing a bouquet, brides are increasingly using a double bouquet or putting the bouquet in a special box and closing it. Each friend is given a key, but only one fits. And there are very, very many such options.
Toast at a wedding according to the rules of etiquette
According to the rules of etiquette, parents of the newlyweds, close relatives and witnesses must make a toast at a wedding banquet. The rest of the guests congratulate the newlyweds if they wish. If you want to make a toast, plan your speech in advance. A long congratulation will not do, which will make the guests tired. A short toast in which you say a few sincere words is appropriate. You should not include poetic works, jokes and other cliches in your speech; the best congratulations for young people will be words spoken from the heart.
The congratulations cannot mention the past relationships of the newlyweds, their state of health, deceased relatives, or any negative events. Also, refrain from making jokes on vulgar topics, do not say anything about a possible addition to the family, and do not make your speech a laudatory ode to yourself.
Marriage registration
As a rule, the application is submitted 1-2 months before the wedding.
But if the celebration falls during the wedding season, which lasts all summer and early autumn, you should visit the Wedding Palace in early January.
It is at this time that a preliminary list of those wishing to get married in the warm season is compiled.
And if you call a little later, for example in mid-January, then most likely it will turn out that there are vacancies on this list only for the morning hours of weekdays.
At the time of submitting the application or immediately before registration itself, the bride and groom will have to decide on the surname of each of them.
Spouses may or may not change their surname, as well as combine both surnames into a common one, which will be written with a hyphen. In this case, the husband's surname will appear first.
Registration can take place in two scenarios:
- The first option is quite ascetic: the marriage takes place in the modest setting of a registry office.
- The second option is a formal registration in the hall. In this case, music appropriate to the moment is played and guests are present.
People enter the registration hall in a certain order. The procession is led by the bride and groom, followed by witnesses, then parents and only then relatives and friends.
The ceremonial part includes paperwork, a speech by a registry office employee, exchange of rings, congratulations to the newlyweds, photo and video shooting.
The marriage procedure can take place with or without witnesses and takes 15-30 minutes. After registering the wedding, according to the rules of etiquette, parents and guests congratulate the young couple and give flowers.
A more formal ceremony takes place in the wedding palace. The basic rule of etiquette is that the newlyweds arrive at a wedding event in separate cars from the invited guests.
Half an hour before registration, they will have to pay for additional services, hand over their passports and finally decide on changing their last name.
Then the bride and groom, accompanied by witnesses, go to a special room to prepare for the registration of the marriage. At this time, parents and invitees enter the hall.
After the ceremony, which lasts about 15 minutes, the newlyweds and their guests can celebrate the event in a separate room of the palace. There you can also view a video tape recorded during the ceremony.
Today, the concept of a “marriage contract” is returning to our lives. Agreements of this kind were known even before the advent of Christianity.
The division of jointly acquired property was agreed upon by newlyweds back in the ancient world.
In Russia, the marriage contract appeared relatively recently - since the entry into force of the new Family Code.
However, this document never gained popularity among domestic newlyweds and still remains in the minds of ordinary citizens as an exotic part of the life of movie stars and millionaires.
Showing concern about the fate of jointly acquired property even before marriage is considered almost bad form.
In a marriage agreement, Russian citizens, unlike residents of some other countries, can stipulate only property rights and obligations, but not the relationship of the married couple.
For example, spouses have the right to establish a regime of joint, shared or separate ownership of all property, its individual types or the property of each of them.
Otherwise, property acquired with the funds of the spouses during the marriage will be divided equally between them upon divorce.
Also in the marriage contract, you can define the rights and obligations of the husband and wife regarding mutual maintenance, ways of participating in each other’s income, the procedure for each of them to bear family expenses, or add other provisions relating to property relations.
Time to leave
The time spent in a cafe or restaurant is clearly agreed upon in advance; young people pay money for a certain number of hours, so etiquette strictly prohibits guests from staying longer than a certain limit. Such a departure from the schedule will result in additional financial costs for the newlyweds. If you come to a wedding with your children, keep in mind that the little guests will quickly get tired and you will have to go home earlier than expected. Continuing to be at a banquet with naughty kids who cause inconvenience is bad form.
Original wedding dance
A wedding is not a reason to surprise someone, right? This is your day and you need to do everything to make it special for you. If you want to cause delight and admiration, you can go to a professional choreographer and choreograph a dance. And if you want classics and romance, you should choose your favorite song, look at each other and move to the rhythm of your heartbeat. Then the wedding dance will be a reflection of your couple.
If you are a witness
Nowadays, the presence of witnesses is not at all necessary, but many newlyweds, out of old memory, continue to award a similar title to their closest friends. Witnesses help the newlyweds organize the celebration, actively participate in bachelor and hen parties, and play almost the main role during the bride price. Groomsmen help the bride and groom get ready on their wedding day.
During the banquet, witnesses provide moral support to the newlyweds and help resolve issues that arise if there is no coordinator in charge of the celebration. The bridesmaid has a little more responsibilities, as she monitors the appearance of her friend, helps to go to the restroom, correct her makeup, carries a purse with essentials and a change of shoes. If you have been offered the honorary role of a witness, discuss with the newlyweds in advance what functions you will be assigned.
Accommodation of guests
The feeling of comfort at the banquet table is one of the most important components of a successful wedding celebration. Wedding organizers need to be very careful when it comes to accommodating guests. A thoughtful, meticulously developed plan will allow everyone present to avoid excesses and quarrels, and maintain a good, high spirits. It is necessary to take into account a number of criteria, selecting neighbors based on the following criteria:
- gender and age;
- marital status and presence of children;
- kinship and personal relationships;
- interests, inclinations, hobbies;
- character traits and behavioral characteristics.
If you sit next to or at the same table people who have radically opposing views on lifestyle, sports or politics, then such proximity will not bring joy and can cause serious problems. That is why seating guests at a banquet table is an art.
Wedding etiquette also implies certain rules for the placement of newlyweds and their relatives:
- guests are seated on the left hand side of the bride;
- on the right - relatives and close friends of the groom;
- Parents and witnesses must be placed next to the newlyweds at the common table;
- if small tables are provided, then their parents are seated closest to the location of the newlyweds. And preferably at one table.
If the table is shared, and the number of guests from the bride and groom varies greatly, then they should be seated evenly, without taking into account the side.
How should the groom behave at a wedding?
The groom should not be nervous, since he is now the head of the family and is responsible for the overall course of the wedding. In addition, the bride who finds herself in the center of attention needs his support, who may feel awkward and confused, worrying about the appearance and progress of the celebration. The groom supports his beloved, says warm words to her, sends tender glances and is kind to the girl who has received the status of his wife.
The groom is prohibited from using alcoholic drinks as a sedative. A drunk groom at a wedding is a terrible sight. It's better to give up alcohol completely to have a clear mind, but you can also drink a glass of champagne.
The groom must not be late when he goes to pick up the bride. Any delay can ruin the bride’s mood for the whole day, because a worried girl interprets it differently. In addition, the fact that you will have to rush to the registry office, trying to make it by the appointed time, will not add joy to anyone.
The newly-made husband must support the bride in everything, dance with her, not enter into disputes or conflicts with guests, and participate in a photo shoot.
Bride's dress: white and fluffy
Each bride has a different body type, skin color and eye color, so it is not necessary to adhere to this rule. Nowadays everything that is strange is fashionable - it sounds funny, but it is a fact. A fitted dress with an open back in powder color... Beautiful? I think very much. Or a mint lace top and straight-cut trousers. Have you seen this outfit yet? Then get ready, because this is a new trend. Believe me, any outfit that reveals your personality will look stunning.
How should a bride behave at a wedding?
How to behave correctly at a newlywed's wedding? The behavior of the bride at the wedding depends on the characteristics of her nationality. Many peoples have completely opposite ideas about the rules of conduct for a newlywed at a wedding. In many cases, a girl is obliged to sit at the table all evening, showing her modesty.
However, if we talk about modern weddings, not burdened with national flavor, then the bride is allowed more and more liberties. She can change her fluffy dress to a more comfortable outfit so that she can dance comfortably. The girl does not have to dance the whole evening only with the groom; she is allowed to dance with guests as well. However, the newlyweds discuss this nuance among themselves in advance so that there is no misunderstanding between them at the wedding.
The bride can have fun, dance and take an active part in the course of her wedding. However, everything should have a limit and one should not forget about decency.
How can I find out more?
You can chat with wedding planners and learn more about how wedding participants should behave.
Wedding hosts who know the traditions, customs and rules associated with the banquet hall can also provide advice. But don’t get carried away with following every rule of etiquette. Otherwise, your happy event will be orderly and will be carried out strictly according to the rules. Add an element of surprise and be prepared for pleasant surprises at your celebration. Leave a request Wedding Private event Birthday/anniversary Graduation Corporate party Reception Conference/forum Charity evening Romantic dinner Photo shoot Excursions Office rental
At whose expense is the wedding?
At the first stage of planning the celebration, the newlyweds will have to face the question of who will pay for what. Wedding etiquette has its own instructions on this matter. We will not take into account national characteristics, but will focus on the general rules of modern weddings. Typically, the bride's parents are responsible for paying for:
- full outfit of the newlywed: wedding dress, shoes, jewelry, veil;
- hair and makeup;
- invitations;
- banquet hall decoration service;
- host and musical accompaniment of the event;
- car rental.
Accordingly, the groom's parents must pay:
- groom's attire: suit, shirt, shoes, bow tie or tie;
- the bride's bouquet;
- wedding rings;
- celebration in a restaurant.
Wedding etiquette allows both parties to split all expenses in half. In the modern world, newlyweds are increasingly paying for their wedding themselves, or only partially resorting to the help of their parents. Then it becomes more difficult to distribute expenses. It all depends on what conditions both parties agree on with the parents.
The only thing that remains unchanged is that the one who pays for the celebration has a strong say in its organization. For this reason, the bride and groom most often prefer to pay for the wedding themselves in order to do everything exactly the way they want.
Limousine
Unfortunately, you won’t surprise anyone with a limousine anymore. Wherever you look, they are everywhere. It's time to start acting original. For a beautiful photo shoot and a spectacular appearance in front of guests, a convertible, a retro car or a carriage with white horses is perfect. You can go the other way and ride up on a motorcycle or go down in a hot air balloon. There are many options, it all depends on your mood and financial capabilities.
National features of wedding etiquette
Each national wedding has its own characteristics, which seem interesting or strange to many. At a traditional Russian wedding, it is customary to block the path of the wedding procession, bathe the bride, release doves and distribute candy to children in the yard before going to the registry office. After the wedding ceremony, the mother-in-law removes the veil from the bride, thereby showing that she is accepting a new member into her family. An ancient Russian custom that is still popular today involves welcoming newlyweds who arrive from the registry office with bread and salt. The bride and groom take a bite of the loaf. Whoever has the larger piece will be the head of the family.
A European wedding is radically different from a Russian one. To begin with, the groom proposes to the bride - an official engagement occurs. A few days before the wedding, a bachelorette and bachelor party are held, as well as a pre-wedding photo shoot. On the wedding day, the newlyweds meet at the place where the marriage takes place. After the ceremony, photography is organized, then the newlyweds and guests spend time at a buffet organized outdoors. Various competitions and quizzes are held in a relaxed manner. After the event, the newlyweds leave for the hotel or immediately go on their honeymoon. European weddings show the good taste of the newlyweds.
According to the customs of Kazakh weddings, the groom pays a ransom for the bride, which is called “kalym”. In ancient times, the groom's family had to present forty-seven head of cattle to the bride's parents. Currently, this custom is only partially observed - instead of livestock, a gift bag is presented, inside of which there are forty-seven different small items. The tradition that has survived to this day is for parents to help young people. The bride collects a dowry, which consists of bed linen, dishes, carpets and other household items. The groom's parents give him money to buy furniture. According to ancient Kazakh traditions, the bride's dress should be red, but now it is allowed to choose a white robe.
Asian weddings also have their own characteristics. For example, in Thailand, a bride can change about ten outfits during the celebration. Black is not allowed at weddings because it is worn by widows. It is strictly prohibited to be used in finishing a wedding dress. According to tradition, a Thai wedding should have a lot of items painted in crimson, gold and orange.
In China, red is the dominant color in wedding ceremonies. Everything here is connected with this color: the dress, rose petals, gift envelopes, wrapping paper and other details. Chinese wedding ceremonies require a lot of expenses, but they pay off, since gifts are usually given only in money. Financial assistance in the form of gifts is also provided by those relatives who are not present at the holiday.
The customs of Egypt are interesting - a country in which for the first time on earth relations between a man and a woman were legalized. This is where the marriage contract appeared, which outlines the responsibilities of the spouses.
Egyptian wedding ceremonies are associated with Islam. National dances are interesting, captivating with their colorfulness. Wedding rings in Egypt are worn on the middle finger because the heart vein passes through it, holding the newlyweds together.
Compliance with wedding etiquette on the part of the newlyweds and guests will allow you to have a pleasant time at the celebration, after which only positive memories of the celebration will remain on both sides.
Rings and flowers
Another example of wedding etiquette that has come down to this day from ancient times is the custom of lovers exchanging rings. This tradition originated in Ancient Egypt.
The wedding ring was placed on the ring finger of the left hand: according to legend, a direct vein goes from this finger to the heart, which is why it was called the “finger of the heart.”
Traditionally, wedding rings were made from different metals. Today, instead of bronze and silver, gold or platinum is used.
Rings can be divided into two types: classic and decorated with precious stones, diamond cut or engraving. By the way, the Italians were the first to decorate wedding rings with diamonds in the Middle Ages.
But such jewelry was usually given not for a wedding, but for an engagement, since it was believed that breaking the circle of the ring with stones would lead to misfortune.
Modern newlyweds are unlikely to be familiar with this belief, but they also prefer to give rings with precious stones on the occasion of engagement.
Such a ring is worn on the left hand after the wedding. The bride and groom's rings are usually made from the same metal, but they don't necessarily have to be the same design.
If the ring given for engagement is a wedding ring, then after the wedding it is put on the right hand. Traditionally, the future husband buys the wedding rings.
However, modern etiquette allows the bride to purchase a ring with her own money.
Another essential attribute of a wedding is the bride’s bouquet. It reflects the tastes and preferences of the hero of the occasion.
However, it should not overwhelm or distract attention from the bride. Her favorite flower can set the theme for the entire bouquet and can also be used in her girlfriends' bouquets. The color scheme of the bouquet also looks original, repeating itself in the decoration of the hall and the festive table.
Before ordering flowers or discussing your ideas with a florist, you need to know the exact date, time and location of the ceremony.
Traditionally, when composing a wedding bouquet, the style and color of the bride’s dress, her age and appearance are taken into account. It can be round, in the form of a bunch or a basket, collected in a rosette, decorated with lace or silk ribbons.
Florists recommend that the bride appear at her own wedding with a bouquet in the shape of a hemisphere with shiny dark green leaves that will highlight the beauty of the flowers.
Orchids, roses, gardenias, camellias and lilies in combination with seasonal plants are suitable for it.
For an informal celebration, you can make a beautiful bouquet of garden flowers - tulips, irises, asters, daisies. But still, roses remain the most popular, including in combination with other plants.
When composing a wedding bouquet, its aroma is of great importance, which requires care and caution when choosing flowers.
When ordering a bouquet, you need to think about boutonnieres. At the wedding reception, they decorate the costumes of the groom, witness, and male relatives of the newlyweds.
The groom's boutonniere should be different from others; Often a bud or twig from the bride’s bouquet is used for it.
If exotic flowers or plants are needed for a wedding bouquet, then you need to contact a florist 1.5-2 weeks before the celebration.
General rules of modern etiquette
- greeting when meeting: the younger ones greet first, then the older ones, men greet women first. An exception to this rule: any person entering the room, be it a man or a woman, is the first to greet those present;
- respecting the boundaries of personal space: do not stand too close; touching, patting, kissing and hugging a person is possible only after his permission;
- neatness of appearance: clothes should not only be fashionable, but also clean and appropriate to the situation;
- use of polite words (thank you, please, excuse me).
Etiquette is when you behave a little better than is absolutely necessary. Will Cappy.
Standards of conduct for children
The child receives the basics of etiquette, of course, in the family, and only then does he undergo socialization in kindergarten and school, where he continues to become acquainted with the culture of behavior in society. Good manners and politeness, respectful attitude towards people, friendliness - these are the qualities that a child will definitely need for a further successful and comfortable life in society.
So, the basic rules of behavior for children:
- when meeting a familiar person, do not hesitate to be the first to greet;
- do not interrupt the speaker during conversation;
- pointing a finger is rude;
- you should eat with your mouth closed and not talk with your mouth full;
- you can sit at the table only after an invitation;
- don’t forget to say the magic words: “thank you”, “please”, “sorry”;
- treat older people with respect.
Rules of good manners for men
A man’s appearance, clothing and demeanor will tell people a lot about him even before they come into personal contact with him, so you should not neglect the basic rules of etiquette:
- pleasant, fresh aroma. Modern cosmetics companies offer men the use of perfume lines, which include both hygiene and aromatic products that are combined with each other;
- a man’s wardrobe should be just as carefully selected;
- basic rule: shoes should ALWAYS be clean;
- watches: either good or not at all (obvious fakes are unacceptable);
- before shaking hands, a man must take off his glove; hands are not shaken in the toilet;
- headwear is removed indoors;
- It is a sign of good manners for a man to open and hold the door for his companion, help her put on or take off her coat;
- Men do not carry a small handbag, but a real gentleman will not allow a lady to carry a heavy suitcase in his presence;
- do not respond to rudeness and rudeness in the same way, find acceptable ways out of conflict situations.
Etiquette for women
Well-groomed appearance, rich and cultured speech, goodwill, good manners, elegance and style, sophisticated manners, the ability to restrain excessive emotionality, posture, gait, charm and intelligence - these are the main distinguishing features of a real lady. In order to develop these qualities in yourself, you need to know the basics of etiquette for women:
- skillfully emphasize the advantages and hide the flaws of your figure with the help of clothes, do not blindly chase fashion;
- When choosing a wardrobe, we always take into account the format of the event; clothing must match the situation;
- makeup can be used for daytime or evening, you shouldn’t try on the “smoky eye” look for morning lectures - it looks vulgar;
- the aroma of your perfume enchants those around you, and does not suffocate you;
- You can fix your makeup and comb your hair only in the restroom;
- loud laughter, excessive gesticulation, strongly expressed facial expressions do not make a girl beautiful;
- swear words and curses should never escape the lips of representatives of the fair sex;
- punctuality is a rare gift for women; remember, being late for a meeting by more than 15 minutes is bad manners;
- the ability to conduct a conversation, maintain a conversation on various topics, and be open to communication;
- gait and posture are an important contribution to the overall image of a woman.
