There is proper etiquette to follow for wedding preparations as well as for the wedding party and guests. You can figure out the correct etiquette if you attend a few weddings. However a lot of of us don't attend a lot of weddings so you need to find some etiquette rules if you are not sure. If you know the proper etiquette then you will enjoy your wedding much more. and have a good time as a guest.

Wedding etiquette starts way before the actual ceremony. There are special rules to follow when writing your invitations. If you have a specific preference, for example you don't want any children at your reception, you can hint at this or make it obvious. You can leave out any of the children's names on the invitation or you can let your relatives and friends spread the word.

There are also certain phrases you can have that politely omit inviting children, such as; "four seats have been reserved for you", "adult reception" or "we hope the three of you can join us". It's also important to include an RSVP card that has return postage. If you are inviting adult's older children, then any one over 18 should receive their own invitation. You should also send invitations to your family or those that may not need one, as they may keep it as a memento of the occasion.

You should not include any gift information on your invitation. Your friends and relatives should let everyone know if you have a registry set up. Additionally you can put this information in your bridal shower invitation. It is also very rude to request "cash only gifts" and remember you do not have to open any of your gifts at the wedding or reception.

It isn't important how many times the bride has been married, she can always wear white. However it is inappropriate for the bride to wear a train or a veil or to carry orange blossoms. Your parents are only reuired to pay for your first marriage, not any subsequent marriages. Today it is more common|popular| for the groom and bride to pay for their own wedding.

You should plan the seating accordingly so that no fights break out. Battling relatives should be seated far apart as they can. You should also try to seat everyone by age or relationship. This will minimize an uncomfortable conversation silences. You want everyone to have a nice time and whom he or she sit with will be important.

There are no rules when setting up the head table with the bride and groom. Table numbers should be used as any other sort of naming can be confusing, such as using famous couples or songs. The only seats you should reserve are for the parents of the couple.

Guests also have some etiquette rules to follow. RSVP need to be returned, you should never just show up to a wedding without RSVPing. You should only send a gift if you are attending the wedding. Those latecomers to the ceremony should wait to be seated once the bride has walked down the aisle.