We all love wedding season. No matter if you’re getting married or celebrating a happy couple, we can all appreciate the perks that come along with those wedding bells. For example, delicious food, great company, a happy occasion, and, well, an open bar. When you get those invitations in the mail, you know what you’re in for. However, wedding drinking etiquette is not something to gloss over. Eat, drink, be merry, but most of all— be respectful of the event you’re attending. After all, this is someone’s very special day.
Wedding Drinking Etiquette: Being a Good Guest
Food and Water
Most weddings kick off with a happy hour pre-ceremony. A little wine, a few appetizers, and socializing as the bride and groom take photos, get ready, and go through the usual pre-wedding festivities. While it may be easy to get a bit overzealous with the free drinks and appetizers— use some discretion here. The ceremony has yet to begin, the bar has yet to fully open, and you haven’t had dinner yet. Start slow, and grab a bottle or glass of water along with your wine. Eat a solid dinner, and then begin your evening.
Know your limits
While weddings are a great time to let loose and have some fun, it’s also important that you use a bit of caution in how much you consume, and how quickly. As we’ve mentioned: water here and there, dinner, and then have your fun. However, maybe limit yourself to one to two drinks per hour… Especially if that open bar includes liquor. Wedding drinking etiquette does not include dancing on the table before 10:00 p.m. Or, even after for that matter…
Tip your bartenders
One of the most important pieces of wedding drinking etiquette is to take care of your bartenders. They often get a cut of the wedding tab, or an hourly rate during events. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve a tip. Consider the fact that you’re practically going to a bar without having to pay a dime. Do your bartenders a favor and drop a twenty into their tip jar. They will appreciate your doing so, they might take care of you accordingly, and you might just start a trend amongst guests. in short, befriending those who are tending the bar is never a bad idea.