Image by Moira Hughes

After years of designing wedding gowns all around the world I have heard the same things over and over again. It is these few points brides bring up during their fittings at Moira Hughes Couture and today I’m going to share them with you. So, if you’re wondering how to be the perfect wedding guest listen closely.

1. RSVP on time. Every bride struggles with what to do once the reply by date has passed and the couple haven’t heard back. A lot of time and attention went into posting the perfect invitation to your home address and a quick reply is always appreciated!

2. Keep in touch! Send thoughtful messages to the bride on the leadup to the wedding. A simple ‘Can’t wait to see you in that gown again’ can really make the day of a soon-to-be bride!

3. Compliment! Make an effort to thank the bride and groom for ‘the best wedding’ you have ever been to! The gown is perfect/the flowers are beautiful, appreciate the details that went into making the day one to remember.

4. Arrive on time. Start the wedding off with plenty of time to find a parking spot and have an excited chat before the ceremony. It is respectful not to arrive after the bride and have everyone’s attention distracted by you.

Image by Nabeel Khan of Nabeels Camera via Imogen & Cristiano’s Modern Sydney Wedding

5. Don’t question the seating plan. It has been carefully thought through and finalised in advance. Just be polite, make small talk and find out why you share such an amazing friend.

Image by Nabeel Khan of Nabeels Camera via Imogen & Cristiano’s Modern Sydney Wedding

6. Stay calm. Never start a sentence off with ‘Don’t panic but…’. We know things don’t always go to plan but try to involve the couple as a last resort. Someone is missing from the seating plan? See if the venue can add another chair to an existing table, the married couple with thank you for being cool and collected!

Image by Nabeel Khan of Nabeels Camera via Imogen & Cristiano’s Modern Sydney Wedding

7. Hit the dance floor! Everyone wants their wedding to be great fun – encourage guests on the dance floor and party the night away.

8. Don’t jump the gun! Wait until the bride and groom have uploaded the first picture from their wedding before revealing it on social media – or use a hashtag if they have created one. Especially if you are part of the bridal party – never show a picture of the bride before she walks down the aisle!

Ms Gingham says: Great advice! I like to keep one more thing in mind… don’t wear white to a wedding. It’s just the old-fashioned in me but better safe than sorry! Also, you may get mistaken for a bridesmaid all day!

Moira of Moira Hughes Couture: “You can ask a woman of any age or nationality what her wedding dress looked like and 50 years later she will be able to tell you every detail. That’s why I love bridal, the whole experience. It is so special to be involved in making a woman feel more incredible than she ever thought possible.”