Can you give me some examples of bad etiquette?

Short answer

Bad wedding guest etiquette includes arriving late, ignoring the dress code, or bringing an uninvited plus-one. These actions can upset the couple and other guests.

Wedding etiquette is about respecting the couple's plans and making the day comfortable for everyone. The most common mistakes usually come from forgetting that a wedding is a scheduled event, not a casual drop-in.

Arriving late, especially to the ceremony, disrupts the order of the day and can distract everyone. If you are running behind, message the couple or a member of the bridal party as soon as you can. Never assume you can just slip in quietly at the last minute.

Another frequent issue is ignoring the dress code. If the invitation says smart casual or black tie, wear something that fits. Showing up in jeans when everyone else is dressed up can make the couple feel their effort was overlooked. Similarly, do not bring a child or extra guest unless the couple has explicitly said that is allowed. The guest list is usually carefully planned for seating and catering.

Using your phone during the ceremony is also frowned upon. Turn it off or put it on silent. If you must take photos, follow the couple's wishes about photography. Many couples prefer to be fully present in the moment.