A wedding is a significant milestone and an exciting opportunity to celebrate with a loved one, but it can also be intimidating. If you haven't been to many weddings or you've gotten conflicting advice about how to behave at a wedding reception, you might feel self-conscious. Below are the basics to remember when attending a wedding reception.

A Basic Guide to Wedding Reception Etiquette

1. Invitation Etiquette

When your friend or family member is planning for the wedding, they must know how many people are coming, so they can prepare the catering and seating arrangements for the venue. For this reason, you should RSVP as soon as possible after getting the invitation and fill out all the required information.

If you're confused, call, or email with questions. Also, note who the couple addresses the invitation to and whether it says you can bring a plus one. Don't write anyone in or bring someone who wasn't on the invitation. If you think they excluded someone by mistake, you should ask, not assume.

2. Wedding Preparation

Most weddings have a dress code, which may be general or specific and can be casual or formal. This information should be on the invitation. Whatever the dress code is, don't wear white or anything that could be mistaken for white unless the couple specifically asks you to do so; this color is usually for the bride.

Also, send your gift to the couple instead of bringing it with you to make transportation easier. Choose something from the registry, and make sure to note on the registry that you've done so; this helps ensure the couple will get items they want and can use, without duplicates.

3. Ceremony & Wedding Reception Behavior

Unless the couple allows pictures during the ceremony, turn your phone completely off and put it away. During the wedding reception, you can usually take pictures, but couples may request a phone-free wedding, and you should respect this rule when it's in place. Don't overdo it with food or drinks either; you should make sure there's enough food for everyone, and not do anything disruptive.

If you're looking for somewhere to host your wedding in Saint Ann, MO, choose Infinite Occasions Banquet & Conference Center. This St. Louis County venue can hold up to two hundred guests, and they strive to make sure their decor matches your theme and colors. They also offer on-site catering. View their event spaces online, or call (314) 395-1407 to make a reservation.