Weddings aren’t what they used to be and that’s because couples today have introduced all kinds of new rules that’ll catch you off guard. Anyone with an invitation in hand should be prepared to brush up on all those fresh expectations! Here are twelve new wedding rules that couples are forcing on their guests. At least now you’ll know what’s coming your way—it’s a lot more than simply walking down the aisle.
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Jump Into a Group Dance
Rather than just watching the newlyweds sway, some couples now want everyone on the dance floor for a choreographed routine so don’t be surprised if you get a link to a dance tutorial a few weeks before the wedding. They’re probably going to ask you to learn the moves to some classic songs because, on the big day, you’ll join in a group performance! A group dance is sure to get everyone laughing & having a blast, which is a great way to make memories.
Stay Connected with a Wedding App
Some couples have created their own wedding apps and you’ll need to download theirs to get the scoop on everything—like the ceremony schedule & venue directions. The app will keep you updated in real-time about any changes in plans including weather-related issues. Some apps even have cool features like sharing your own photos from the day or interactive quizzes about the couple.
Dress Up for a Themed Wedding
Themed weddings have always been a thing yet some take it to the next level by asking guests to dress the part to theirs—you might receive an invitation that says “Wear your best medieval attire” or “Come as your favorite movie character.” As such, it’ll be time to visit costume shops or go through your closet for that perfect ensemble so you don’t stand out! The whole event feels like stepping into another world & everyone gets to be part of the fun.
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Leave Your Phone at Home
To keep everyone fully engaged, many couples ask guests to go completely phone-free for the entire wedding, which means no texting, no selfies & no checking emails during the reception. Instead, you’ll have to drop your phone off at a designated spot when you arrive—or better yet, leave it in the car. Having no screens to distract us forces everyone to enjoy the ceremony & reception in the moment, just as it should be.
Hold Off on Social Media Posts
Similarly, many couples ask guests to hold off on posting about the wedding on social media until they’ve shared their own photos—they want to keep things private. Sometimes, it’s just because they want to be the first to reveal their big day online so they’ll ask you to keep your snapshots to yourself for a day or two. Once they give the green light, feel free to post away.
Join in on Required Pre-Wedding Activities
Mandatory pre-wedding events are also a thing now to help everyone mingle before the big day, which might involve going to a group yoga class or even a cooking workshop. They want guests to bond & feel more connected when the wedding rolls around—so clear your schedule! Essentially, they’ve turned the wedding into a weekend-long experience & everyone gets to know each other better.
Send in a Pre-Wedding Video Message
Signing a guestbook is so last century—that’s why some couples ask for video messages from their guests before the wedding & they’ll ask you to film a short clip sharing your favorite memory with them. Then, they’ll edit these videos together into a montage that’ll play during the reception dinner so everyone gets to be part of the wedding. As such, get your camera ready & start thinking about what you’d like to say!
Choosing Zero-Waste Gift Wrapping
Eco-friendly weddings are quite popular now with some people asking guests to wrap gifts in sustainable materials instead of traditional wrapping paper. You might use reusable cloth or recycled paper—some even suggest skipping the wrapping altogether! The goal is to cut down on waste & promote greener practices to make the big day good for the environment, too.
Bring Your Own Reusable Cup
Likewise, don’t be surprised to learn that green couples tell guests to bring their own reusable drinkware, whether that’s your favorite coffee tumbler or a sturdy water bottle. You’ll use it throughout the event for drinks so you don’t use disposable cups. As a result, everyone at the event cuts down on waste and supports the couple’s eco-friendly goals!
Enjoy an All-Vegan Menu
Vegan menus are quite common now and many couples ask guests to stick to plant-based eating for the day as they’re quite passionate about sustainability & animal rights. As such, they want their wedding to reflect that—you won’t see any animal products on the menu. But rather than thinking of it as limiting your options, see it as a chance to try something new & support their values.
Leave the Kids at Home, Even the Babies
Child-free weddings are quite popular but some couples take it further by not allowing any children—including infants because they want an adult-only celebration. This way, they don’t need to deal with unexpected interruptions or crying during the vows and any parents will need to find a babysitter. It might be a bit of a hassle yet they hope you’ll understand their wishes.
Donate to Their Favorite Charity
Rather than buying blenders or kitchenware, some soon-to-be-wed couples ask guests to donate to a charity they care about & they’ll include information about the organization in the invitation. It could be anything from a local animal shelter to a global humanitarian cause. By contributing, you support something they’re passionate about while joining in on the happy day.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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