The Ultimate Wedding Etiquette Guide for Brides and Grooms
Impress without the stress! All your burning questions, answered.
Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting (and let’s be honest, overwhelming) times in your life. From sending out invites and navigating the rehearsal dinner to dealing with your soon-to-be mother-in-law’s passion for fashion, there are a lot of unspoken rules. Whether you're wondering about bridal invitation etiquette, how to handle tricky family dynamics, or the must-knows of wedding planning etiquette, we’ve got you covered on planning your big day the right way.
In this guide, we’re breaking down bridal etiquette essentials—like who to invite to your rehearsal dinner (and what’s totally optional). Because while tradition might matter to you (or not), your wedding should feel like you.
And don’t forget—once the big day is over, a Chatbooks wedding photo book is the easiest way to turn your favorite moments into a keepsake you’ll enjoy forever. Ready to master modern wedding etiquette? Let’s dive in!
You’ve locked in your dream venue—now it’s time to send out your save the dates! Timing is everything when it comes to proper etiquette. Giving guests plenty of notice, especially those traveling from out of town, is key. Six months ahead is a great rule of thumb, but if you want to send them earlier, go for it! Planning a destination wedding? Aim for 10-12 months in advance to give everyone time to prepare. No matter when you send them, one thing’s for sure—it’s all starting to feel real!
Your bridal shower is the perfect time to sit back, relax and take it all in — this is happening! The day should be filled with love, gratitude and lots of laughter. Traditionally, when wedding planning, standard protocol is that the bridal shower will take place around two months before the wedding. Mailing your bridal shower invitations 6-8 weeks before your shower gives guests enough time to plan and make any schedule adjustments. Don’t forget to have guests RSVP and include your registry details if you have one!
Your bachelor/bachelorette party is a great excuse to go all out in anticipation for your big day. As previously mentioned, there’s no right or wrong way to plan a wedding, and the same idea applies to bachelor/ette parties—you can go as big or as laid-back as you’d like. However, if you’re a stickler for having proper wedding etiquette, we have some tips on how to plan your big party. If you’re thinking of going big and traveling to a farther destination, consider notifying those invited 4-6 months in advance so they can have plenty of time to plan. If you’re staying local, 2-3 months should be plenty of notice.
It’s almost here! Time to whip out the invitations. But before you mail them, make sure you’ve addressed them properly, because yes, you guessed it, there’s such a thing as having proper wedding invitation address etiquette. It’s also usually customary wedding invitation etiquette to mail your invitations around two months before the big day. Your invitations serve as your guests' first impressions of your wedding. From the design you choose, to what you send with it, this is where you clue your guests in on what to expect. Wedding etiquette for guests is a real thing too!
Make sure to be clear in your invitations on what type of attire is expected, who from the family is invited (if kids are invited or not, etc.) and when the RSVP deadline is. Also, include any other guidelines you have for your wedding on your invitation. For example, if you’re doing a social-media free wedding, note that on the invite.
If you choose to have a rehearsal dinner before your big day, it’s important to focus on gratitude and celebration rather than stress or logistics. Rehearsal dinner etiquette usually includes inviting the wedding party, immediate family, out-of-town guests, and your officiant (but, of course, invite the people that make the most sense for your occasion). Keep the atmosphere relaxed and intimate, and consider giving small gifts to the wedding party.
You’ve had your cake, danced until you couldn’t feel your feet, and most importantly, married the person you love, which means now it’s time to send the thank yous! This one is pretty easy, as proper wedding thank you card etiquette just requires that you write ’em and send ’em. Try to send your thank you cards within three months after your wedding. Put on your favorite TV show, get cozy, and take some time to write little heartfelt notes to everyone who attended and/or gifted you—they’ll be happy to receive it.
At the end of the day, wedding planning etiquette is all about making thoughtful choices that honor and reflect your unique love story. Whether you're following classic bridal invitation etiquette, navigating tricky guest list decisions, or planning a stress-free rehearsal dinner, the most important thing is that you and your partner feel good about every step. So, take a deep breath, enjoy the process, and remember—the best weddings are the ones filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. And when it’s all said and done, don’t forget to turn those beautiful wedding photos into a Chatbooks photo book so you can relive the magic for years to come!
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