Each Wednesday, we tackle wedding etiquette. At times, it’s a reader question or one from a colleague, friend or family member and other times we’ll cover a popular issue. This week, we are sharing a question from Dee Lane’s advice column in the Summer-Fall 2010 issue of New Orleans Bride Magazine. — Melanie Warner Spencer
Question: Wedding Crashers…Though I think Owen Wilson is really cute, those two words are giving me nightmares. My fiancé and I have planned a sit-down dinner for our reception. I keep worrying that a some of our friends will show up with uninvited dates or, though I made it clear (through word-of-mouth) that we would like ours to be an adult-only wedding, one or two friends might show up with kids in tow. Is there anything I can do?
Answer: If you like “Wedding Crashers,” then I bet you also like “Clueless”; take a page from Cher and embrace her “the more, the merrier” outlook. If you’ve listened to your wedding planner, caterer and, or bartenders, you’ve already assumed that someone will have thought they replied when they didn’t or that their reply got lost in the mail. If you’re still in the planning stage and renting, always order three to five percent more of everything than the number of your RSVPs. Also, tell the venue that you would like two to four extra place settings, just in case — that way, you’ll be prepared for an extra couple of guests as well as the inevitable chair break or plate break. As long as you don’t over-seat each table, you’ll be able to squeeze them in, no problem. As for children, if you’ve made sure not to mention children’s names on the invitation and had conversations (in person or over the phone, please) with parents whom you think might have a problem complying with your adults-only request, then you’ve been as proactive as you can be and done everything you can. If, or when, they show up regardless, ask the person in charge of your venue to plate a child-friendly meal, sit back, take a deep breath and enjoy your party.
Do you have a solution to share or a wedding etiquette question? Respond in the comments or email Melanie@MyNewOrleans.com.
