Well, your dig day is here and you’ve been reassured that everything is in place and the ceremony will go smoothly. As confident as you are in the venue staff, wedding planner, caterer, florist and photographer, you’re not too certain of some of your wedding guests. It can be stressful thinking that the unpredictable or unpleasant, predictable behavior of your guests can leave a black eye on your wedding day memories. As full as your family and friend’s lists are full of interesting characters, let’s hope you don’t have many of the following worst wedding guests:
Crazy Mother-In-Law. Yep, the one sobbing uncontrollably and is quick to point out flaws in everything from the bride’s dress, to other guests and in-laws to the ceremony to the newly established marriage.
Inappropriate Father-in-Law. Father-in-laws don’t tend to be as emotional, but they can still show their displeasure. They can prematurely take advantage of the old man leniency exception when they blurt out inappropriate comments, remarks and jokes. After their tirade, they may spend the rest of the ceremony in a peaceful slumber, letting the special occasion pass him by.
Emotionless Dad and Girlfriend. It is forbidden for your dad and his girlfriend (if your parents are separated or divorced) to show any emotion or any hint that they are enjoying themselves.
Emotional Mom. Some moms can’t conceal their emotion and will cry at every moment of the wedding. To better cope with their emotions, most will either turn to exerting control over your wedding or turn to the bottle to drown their emotions.
Bridesmaids-Zillas. You genuinely love and respect your bridesmaids. However, the emotions and responsibility of the day and their coveted positions can make them act strangely out of character. Some may become demanding, entitled monsters while others accept your request to be your bridesmaid either out of obligation or some other ulterior motive.
Maid of Honor (Privilege). You’ve picked your best friend whom you’ve known nearly since birth as your bridesmaid. You’ve placed confidence and trust in her. However, she isn’t bridesmaid material. The pressure may cause her to go on a power trip where she will manipulate, constantly complain about everything, make excuses for things, make unsolicited remarks, crave to be the center of attention and put her wants and needs before the bride’s.
Fraternity of Groomsmen. You have a unique bond with the men in your wedding; so much so that you’re like brothers. As close as you are, you know they love alcohol nearly as much as your friendship. This means they will likely have their fill by the time their speeches come about. You just hope they don’t share X-rated blackmail-like speeches.
Not Your Brother’s Keeper Best Man. Your best man has always had your back and he won’t let you down this time by telling everyone in attendance of some of your deepest, darkest secrets and mistakes that shouldn’t be repeated in front of children.
Obnoxious and Obscene Siblings. Oh, yes, you can’t forget your brothers and sisters. While they are grown up, technically speaking, they still think and act like irresponsible, sex-hungry teenagers with their “significant others.” You just hope nobody catches them making out, getting drunk or stones in the parking lot.
Unpredictable and Unruly Extended Family. You have a large extended family, meaning you don’t know everyone very well. You are, however, worried about some unpredictable, unruly behavior. After all, you don’t want desperate cousins flirting and making out with your groomsmen, gossiping aunts pressuring you to call off the wedding because they someone who will be a better spouse, unruly children running around screaming bloody murder and drunk uncles. In a way, you figure if it gets too bad, your wedding could be made into a book or movie.
Who’s That and Other “Random” Guests. Are these guests your great grandma’s second cousin twice removed that you “had to” invite, a “date” of one of the guests or a random guy who just crashed your wedding for some free booze and cake and flirting opportunities?
While it is impossible to completely predict and control guest behavior, it is still important to enjoy your special day. There may be embarrassing, awkward moments, but why should they bring a tarnished memory of your wedding?
Even if your wedding unexpectedly unravels into one drama after another, having a professional, trustworthy wedding photographer there to capture the moments that really matter and exclude those bad memories, can give you some peace of mind and help you better enjoy your wedding day. A seasoned wedding photographer will know such embarrassing guest behaviors are best remembered in the mind and not in the photo album.
