You've been invited to a wedding in Russia, and the only wedding you've seen is the one in the movie "Gorko"? No problem, here are the rules of behavior at a Russian wedding.
1. Preparation for the wedding celebration for guests begins with the moment of receiving the wedding invitation. This is an important document, which can be in the form of a postcard or a card, which indicates the main details of the upcoming celebration. The invitation indicates the place and time of the celebration, as well as the style in which it will be held. Other information important for the guests may be indicated, for example, who exactly and in what composition the newlyweds want to see on their holiday. It can be either only the one to whom the invitation is addressed, or a guest in the company of the other half.
It is easy to understand who exactly expect to see at the wedding on the text of the invitation. For example, if it is indicated that the celebration is invited "Anton and Irina with children" or "the Fedorov family", it means that the newlyweds will be happy to see the whole family, including its younger members. If the invitation contains only the names of adults, it means that they are expected at the celebration without children. According to the rules of wedding etiquette, the received invitation should be responded to, thanking the celebrants and confirming your presence at their party.
2. Wedding etiquette includes a set of rules regarding the appearance of guests, namely the dress code. This is an important aspect to consider when preparing for a wedding. Modern weddings are often held in a certain style or even color. This can apply to the decor of the holiday, tableware, decoration elements and even the clothes of the guests. For example, in Russia in recent years, the Western tradition of dressing bridesmaids in dresses of the same color and style has become popular. This is usually discussed separately. Modern wedding celebrations can be narrowly themed, kept in a single style or a combination of different styles. The task of the newlyweds - to tell about their plans to the guests and suggest what exactly needs to be done to match the theme of the holiday. Perhaps it will be a question of outfits of a particular type or color, accessories in a certain style - for example, all the guests should have the same.
3. According to the rules of wedding etiquette, the celebration should not come empty-handed. This is very important, as the absence of a gift is considered as a clear bad tone. The selection of a gift requires special attention. Universal and always relevant option, fully compliant with wedding etiquette, is money in an envelope. The amount can be chosen based on the financial capabilities of the guest. Of course, money is not the only possible option for a gift. However, it is worth considering that the chosen gift should be useful and necessary for the newlyweds.
In order not to make a mistake with the choice, you can ask the celebrants in advance, what they would like to receive as a gift - wedding etiquette is allowed. Perhaps the newlyweds have long planned to buy some equipment or kitchen utensils, in which case they will gladly accept such a gift. How and when gifts are presented, determine the celebrants themselves. Usually a special table is allocated for gifts at the holiday, and the guests present their gifts and make toasts, as a rule, at the very beginning of the banquet. If one of the guests has prepared a large gift to the newlyweds, for example, a refrigerator, it is not brought to the celebration, of course - such a gift is delivered to the house, and its availability is reported by the wedding host or the giver himself.
4. If a wedding reception is attended by a large number of guests, then, as a rule, they may be completely unfamiliar with each other. In addition, they may be people from different social groups, with different upbringing and education. In the process of communication, which is quite logical, sometimes there is a misunderstanding, and the use of alcohol can be an aggravating factor. It should be understood that the expression "what wedding without a fight" and the accompanying circumstances usually have nothing to do with wedding etiquette and directly contradict it.
Aggressive behavior, conflicts and, especially, manhandling at a wedding is unacceptable. This is a manifestation of disrespect for the perpetrators of the celebration and to all who are present at it. The rules of wedding etiquette require that guests behave on the holiday as polite and tactful to others. They can get acquainted, have conversations on neutral topics, including with neighbors on the festive table. In conversations should not bring up topics related to religion and politics. In addition, it will be improper behavior to distract the celebrants and occupy them for a long period of time.
5. The wedding banquet program often includes various entertainment activities, for example, contests. Guests can treat it differently and do not even have to take part in them - it is not contrary to wedding etiquette. However, it is important to show the celebrants a good mood and try not to stand out from the general cheerful atmosphere.
6. Toasts are an integral part of the wedding feast. According to the rules of etiquette, toasts must be made by parents or older relatives of the celebrants, their close relatives, as well as witnesses, if they are present. The rest of the guests can say toasts only at will - there are no strict requirements in this matter. If a guest decides to make a toast, he should remember that his speech should not be too long and tedious for other guests. It is desirable to think over the text of the toast in advance, which should be short and sincere. It is undesirable to include in your toast poems, jokes, anecdotes, especially those that can be ambiguously perceived.
7. The wedding celebration is usually held in a restaurant or cafe, and the time of stay in these establishments is agreed upon in advance. After all, the wedding organizers pay for the rental of the hall for a certain time. Therefore, guests should not linger in the institution after the end of the banquet, so as not to cause the newlyweds unplanned expenses. If guests came to the wedding with children, they should take into account that children get tired much faster than adults, and most likely will have to leave the party before the rest. Also, do not stay at the wedding with children who have already started to be cranky - it is considered a bad tone.
That's it! The rules are simple enough, but even those rules sometimes have to be explained to people. Russian weddings are not a stereotypical chaos party with fights, it is a touching celebration that connects not only the newlyweds, but also all their surroundings.