coffee talk: wedding protocol
I’ll be in Sacramento next weekend for my friend’s wedding. (Holla if you’re in the neighborhood!)
Here’s the thing: This will be the first American wedding I’ve ever attended. Crazy, right? Living an ocean away means I’ve missed every friend’s wedding for the past 11 years. (Occupational hazard of being a missionary, I guess.)
So I’m very grateful I can be there for April’s special day. And it’s doubly-special because April was an intern with our ministry. That humbles me and makes me proud all at the same time. It also makes me feel old, but let’s not think about that.
Since I’ve never been to a wedding here before, I don’t know—well, anything. And I don’t think African wedding protocol applies!
So help a girl out. What do I need to know? Do? Get? Wear? Pass along anything you can think of.
Oh—and talk amongst yourselves.
i guess just don’t expect a labola trade to happen… haha!
I do understand about missing peoples weddings. I missed my best friends wedding last year and that was so hard. My sister is engaged and getting married next year so there is no way I’m going to miss it!!
Have a good time at the wedding, it’ll be a blast!
@AleceRonzino says:
yeah, i’m thinking there won’t be any cows trading hands at the ceremony!
Besides my own, I have only been to a couple of weddings in the past 14 years. Why is it everyone seems to get married after we move somewhere else and we aren’t able to make it? Therefore, I have no suggestions except to have a GREAT time and dance your socks off!!!
side note: Macy asked what I am doing. I said I’m commenting on Alece’s blog. She says “Hi Alece!” :)!!
@AleceRonzino says:
i don’t think i’ll know anyone but the bride… so i’m not sure about the dance part. but… maybe i’ll surprise even myself.
(hi macy!)
even better, what a great opportunity to meet new folks!!!
hey, i’m pretty excited i said that! because it is not something i normally would say was a great opportunity..cool! glad i’m thinking abnormal :)!
@AleceRonzino says:
niiiiiice!
Hi Alece – Hmmmm, let’s see here. I live near Sacramento, so if you want to get together, I might be free. I have a baby shower to go to on Saturday for part of the day, but will be free on Sunday. Email me if you want to get together. As far as advice – what to wear…..I almost always get this wrong, but the time of the wedding will dictate how you dress (an evening wedding will be more formal, and a outside wedding may be a bit more casual). As far as what to get – hmmmmm……you don’t need to ‘get’ anything – the bridal registry should help with the gift idea. Bring a camera if you want to take some impromptu pics and send them to the bride through email so she has something right away from the wedding. This weekend in Sacramento it’s going to be pretty hot, so wear something breathable. :) Again, let me know if you want to get together for a few hours. How long will you be in town? If you will be in town a few days, you HAVE to go by Lake Tahoe. Email me if you want. Or I can send you my cell #.
@AleceRonzino says:
i’ll email you.
and thanks for the tip about the weather next weekend!
@cassgirl says:
I have a friend who loves weddings, she said she’ll find her husband there someday.
Weddings are fun, you’ll be on the bride’s side so there will be lots of tears bring tissues.
My only advice: have fun, talk to people around you, and just relax.
8 hours ugh!
@AleceRonzino says:
so close. and still so far.
someday, heidi. someday.
@atangie says:
When in Rome…
Eat, drink and be merry…
And one more clique for ya:
Go with the flow.
You’ll be fine. Have fun!
@AleceRonzino says:
i think i’ll write “eat, drink, and be married” in the wedding card…
@atangie says:
Ha! You rock, Alece. :-)
(i laughed at this… and told david i hope you write that in MY wedding card. ha!)
@ventigrace says:
…just don’t wear white… and have a blast!!
@AleceRonzino says:
is black okay?
@moweezle says:
now a days…yes.
yep! but you might roast!
@AleceRonzino says:
since i’m needing to borrow from a friend, who is smaller than me, my options are pretty limited.
the dress that fits best is both black AND 3/4 sleeves. for an outdoor wedding in sacaramento?! the one thing in my favor is that it’s at 6 PM, but still…
@danielleH says:
black and 3/4 would be warm…i dont think you are my size or i’d mail something to you! what size are you?
@AleceRonzino says:
i fly out on wednesday, so i wouldn’t have time anyway. but i SO appreciate the offer! thank you, friend!
i have a plan B option of a sleeveless dress. the pink flowers aren’t something i’d normally wear, but… shrug. i think i’m gonna go with it.
i LOVE weddings! love them.
as for what to wear…some people change outfits from wedding to reception (wedding=nice outfit; reception=eat your heart out!). However, much tradition has died or has been diluted in recent years, so wear what makes you feel beautiful and throw the rest of the crap to the wind (just don’t stand downwind…that would be bad). Love on the girl…you do that naturally, so you’ll be perfect!
decath – you seem like a fun, fun person :)!!! i like it!!!! :)!
@moweezle says:
April’s getting married? Aweeee!
Ok. I’ve been in 9 weddings, myself…9! But as for what to wear, I was always wearing a bridesmaid dress, so no choice on my behalf. But, I do know this. Now, pretty much anything goes (accept white). If its an outside wedding, something light and summery. If its inside, maybe a bit more formal or nice, but I even see women in pants now (though I personally dont suggest it).
Have lots of fun, take pictures, and send April my love! You’ll look beautiful, I’m sure!!!
Gifts are easy. Something off her registry and you can get it ahead of time, so you won’t have to travel with anything. Most registries deliver. Or, you could see if you have an awesome photo of you and the bride from her time in Africa and have that framed. That would be tremendous, special and meaningful, too. You could even write some neat verse or phrase at the bottom of the picture.
Have fun! Love you and praying … p.s. just emailed you!
Hey ….could you PLEASE tell April I said CONGRATULATIONS!!