Is It Rude Not to Show Up To A Wedding?

The rudest thing about wedding etiquette is not to show up at their reception. Regardless of the reasons, if you’ve said “yes” to RSVP and participated eagerly in the pre-wedding celebrations. It is your obligatory duty to show up at someone’s big day. The average cost of inviting someone to a wedding is 150 -300 $. Now imagine your friend has already paid this amount for you, and how would they feel when you wouldn’t there?

It’s like taking away someone’s money from their pocket. In real life, you would never imagine doing that to your friend, but by not showing up, you do that. Has it ever happened to you that you invited someone, and they didn’t show up? How to deal with the embarrassment and humiliation? Let us talk about the no-show wedding etiquette, and find out what you should do if you cannot make it to a friend’s wedding.

Wedding Etiquette Q1: Do Not RSVP ‘Yes’ to a Wedding and Do Not Show Up

That is highly unprofessional and unethical to say “yes,” keep them waiting and never show up. Your presence on someone’s big day shows how much you love them and how much happier their union has made you. There are many reasons we cannot afford to attend a wedding. Probably it’s about finances, mainly if it’s a destination wedding.

The best thing would be to save the couple’s money and leave room for someone else. You’re probably saving up some money to buy a gift for your best friend, so it’s okay to say no and present them with the purchased wedding gift. Sometimes there are prior commitments, and no matter how long we reschedule, we cannot delay them. So the best way is to say “no” to RSVP and live without guilt.

Wedding Etiquette Q2: What To Do If You Cannot Attend A Wedding Reception?

There are some weddings which you cannot wait to attend. At the same time, some put you in an awkward situation. Explain to the couple why you cannot make it, and it’s better to decline it sooner.

Show the couple how deeply sorry you are; you even purchased a gift but cannot make it. Even if you realize on the wedding day that due to an emergency, you cannot make it, then contact an immediate family member. It’s unethical to disturb a bride or groom on their big day; break the news to someone close, and they’ll understand. Remember, it’s better late than never.

Wedding Etiquette Q3: Why Might a Wedding Guest Not Show Up?

There are many reasons a wedding guest cannot show up. Probably due to some prior commitments. For example, what if you’ve promised one friend to attend their birthday and cannot make it to the wedding? How about you didn’t get your leave approved from work? It’s okay to confine it to your friend. A true friend will always understand.

Many people often don’t attend weddings due to financial constraints. Specifically, if it’s a destination wedding, it’s pretty hard to manage the expenses of buying a ticket and traveling. It’s always okay to say no than keep someone on hold and not show up.

Wedding Etiquette Q4: How the Couples Deal With No-Shows on Wedding Day

Don’t ruin your big day for someone who doesn’t deserve your kindness. It’s your day, and think about all the attendees for your big day. All you need to do is relax! It’s natural to feel angry and left out, but now it’s not the time. You can call them and ask about their absence after the honeymoon. And who knows, you might even forget about them after your lovely honeymoon.

Never, never ask for a refund from your caterer. It’s highly disrespectful and pathetic. Accept that the damage is done, and there’s nothing you can do except be happy and move on. Calamities can befall anyone, your friend didn’t show up, you’re angry, but always have a wellness check to ensure they are alright. Always give them one chance to explain what happened and why they didn’t make it. After all, that’s what friends are for.

Conclusion

To err is human; we never want to miss a wedding by purpose. Sometimes we’re caught up in a situation, and there’s no way out. Be honest and let your friend know beforehand. Even after saying “yes” to RSVP, tell them if you feel like you cannot make it.

Whether it’s an intimate or a destination wedding, it’s better, to be honest, than a coward. Your faithful friend will always understand. Never miss your friend’s wedding unless you’re in dire need or in an utter emergency. It’s hurtful not in terms of money solely but emotionally. Imagine the dismal your friend would go through by not showing up for their big day. Have you ever stood waiting on your big day? Did someone do this to you? Let us know in the comments below.

If you want to learn more about wedding etiquette for wedding guests, go click here.