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Guests and etiquette · Wedding guest etiquette

What are two bad table manners?

Answered by the UK Wedding Websites editorial team · Updated 2026-10-12 · For guests

Short answer

Two bad table manners are talking with food in your mouth and reaching across the table for something instead of asking for it to be passed. Both make fellow guests uncomfortable.

At a wedding breakfast, bad table manners can spoil the mood for everyone around you. Talking with food in your mouth is one of the most obvious ones. It is unpleasant to watch, and it makes it hard for others to enjoy their meal. Another common mistake is reaching across the table, over plates and glasses, to grab the salt or bread. This can knock things over and invade other people's space. Instead, simply ask the nearest person to pass what you need. Other bad manners include using your phone at the table, starting to eat before others are served, and criticising the food. Remember that the wedding party has worked hard to organise the meal. Being polite at the table is a way of showing respect to the couple and to your fellow guests. If you are unsure which fork to use, watch the person hosting your table, or start from the outside and work inwards. Keep your elbows off the table while eating, and always say please and thank you. These small habits make a big difference to how comfortable everyone feels.

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