Passing the bar - part 2

I am sorry, I couldn't resist. This blog has garnered so much attention that I just had to post a second reply to what seems to be a growing issue here in the Midwest; bar-hopping after the wedding ceremony.

I say a growing issue because it is the height of bad manners to make your guests wait for your entrance while you and your attendants are out cruising the bar scene. I understand wanting to celebrate is one thing, but going to bar after bar while your guests are waiting for you, is just not a very graceful thing to do.

I realize that not every wedding is going to be patterned after a ballroom affair, complete with white gloves and tails, but there are certain etiquette rules that should be followed for the sake of the entire wedding celebration. The number one rule should be the comfort and feelings of your guests.

I cannot seem to emphasis this enough---if you are inviting guests to your wedding, whether in town or out, then you owe them a certain amount of respect and obligation to see to their needs and enjoyment. Otherwise, what is the point? Why are you spending thousands of dollars to entertain and then the star attractions are late to their own party or worse yet, have moved the party somewhere else!

I don't care if your guests are eating the finest caviar and drinking the best champagne during the cocktail hour while you are out gallivanting around; the bottom line is this: you invited them to your party---you need to show up and show them a good time.

Can wedding couples not wait one day longer to hit the bar scene while guests are checking their watches, wondering when the happy couple is supposed to be arriving? After all, they traveled over half a day just to see the married couple---doesn't the wedding couple want to see them? Poor manners---you bet!

You think that I am too hard on the wedding couple? Think back to the worse wedding you have been to---how did you feel about the couple and their poorly planned event? Now you know how your guests feel.
Everyone processes information differently--some will agree, while some will disagree, but this is true---etiquette rules were designed to care for the comfort, social grace, and fairness of everyone in any situation.

Want your guests to take away fond memories of a loving couple and a happy occasion? Then be the host and hostess at your own party. Skip the bar and pay attention to your guests. Good manners always makes a good impression!