In spite of all the media attention on weddings big and small, there are still awkward “I’m not sure how to handle this” moments for guests. There are many variations in the “new” wedding traditions. They vary by region, by ethnicity and by what TV show the bride is watching. The “rules” that applied to earlier weddings have been relaxed and while it is good news for the brides and grooms, it can be tougher on guests. Stop and see us for answers to the simplest conundrum and advice on the most complicated social question.

The driving force for this is the desire to “be the best possible guest” at the wedding to which you have been invited. The “rules” used to be simpler and clearer. Today’s touch individuality, which enables the couple to have the wedding of their dreams – unique as it could be – sometimes leaves guests in a nether world of “what does this mean”?

1. How do I know if my “partner” or “significant other” is included in the invitation that is addressed to me?

If you are close friends with the bride or the couple, expect the invitation to be addressed to you on the outer envelope, and on the inner envelope expect to see your name +guest (or your partner’s name). If it is a contemporary invitation that has no inner envelope, you’ll need to check the reply card for clues. If the invitation is addressed to you only and the reply card says, “I will attend or I won’t attend” no guest is included. If the reply card has room for a guest, it will have a line that says “# attending ________”. You send back the reply with a #2 on that line and you have just experienced the now famous “plus one” rule.

2. If I am a friend of the bride and guest at her wedding, to whom do I address the check? I don’t have time to search out the various wedding registries and live by the adage that “when in doubt, send cash”?

You will find “experts” who tell you that you should make the check out to the groom. You will find “experts” who tell you to make the check out to the couple. We advise to make the check out to the bride using both her maiden and new name (depending on her decision about new last names). After all, you are wishing her well in her new life.

3. I received an invitation to the wedding of a college friend. I can’t attend but want to send a gift, even though the “rules” of etiquette say this is not necessary. Should I send it before the wedding to the bride (my friend) or after the wedding to the couple?

If the bride is your friend, send the gift with a personal note explaining why you can’t attend but including your very best wishes for a long and happy married life. If the groom is your friend, send the gift to the couple via the bride’s home address. Again, explain why you can’t be there in person but assuring each of your good wishes and congratulations. Depending on your relationship to the groom, a personal call to him may be in order.