Operation Fun: the role of a wedding guest

After attending a friends wedding last weekend it dawned on me that the guests play a very important role in the success of a wedding. Just like audiences play a role in the success of a play or concert, the guests participation in wedding festivities will determine the overall success of a wedding reception. First, and most important, is showing up. I wonder if people just don't understand what RSVP means anymore, by replying you are confirming you will be there and by not showing up after RSVPing you are leaving a seat open and money on the table. If you can't make it simply let the bride know in advance, she will appreciate it, trust me.

Once the wedding ceremony is over and the reception begins the job of guests is to celebrate the special day with the bride and groom. Maybe the concept of "celebration" means different things to different people, but to me it means to have fun and never forget who's day it is. Most of the time the bride and groom are so busy talking to their guests and taking part in the festivities that they don't even remember what happened when it's all over. But, if all the goes well, the party will be well captured on both photos and video for them to look back on later. Of course there are different levels of fun depending on how well you know the couple and what there expectations are for the day. These things can be figured out easily by just being observant. For example, if there is a dance floor, they want you to dance; if there is an open bar, they want you to drink (but not too much); and if there is a DJ you will be expected to join in at least one cheesy wedding tradition.

I think it's common for people to not realize they play an important role in a bride's special day. It's a time to put your concerns about your lack of rhythm away and bust a move in celebration of your friends. Trust me, they will appreciate this for years to come as stories are told and pictures are shared with those that couldn't make it. The point is that guests should go out of their way to enjoy themselves because if the guests are having a good time then chances are the bride and groom will be happy with the results.