Oh! Behave

Dun let arguments spoilt your wedding day. Know the proper way to behave and do things that will keep smiles on everyone's faces

Preparing for a wedding is like walking through a minefield; you don't know who's going to blow up in anger. And a lot of these misunderstandings are so unnecessary. Arm yourself with a bit of wedding etiquette knowledge and avoid the pifalls that could mar the best day of your life walking through a minefield; you don't know who's going to blow up in anger. And a lot of these misunderstandings are so unnecessary. Arm yourself with a bit of wedding etiquette knowledge and avoid the pitfalls that could mar the best day of your life.

Meet The Parents
Hide all visible body piercing and tattoos with long-sleeved clothing. Be as con-servative as possible when meeting your future in-laws for the first time. Parents have a tendency to judge you by the first impression.

Switch It Off
If you fear the unmistakable beeping sound interrupting your exchange of vows then ask the master of ceremonies to kindly rernind invited guests to switch off all electronic devices minutes before you walk down the aisle. Another option is to print the request directly into programme, either at the bottom of the page or on the back because anything more prominent might be construed as being obsessive; subtlety is always better.

Axe The Ex?
If you have reason to believe your ex is still romantically interested in you, don't bother inviting him to the wedding. Do this out of respect for your fiance. But if you and your ex have remained friends, then by all means include him in your happy occasion. It would be a nice gesture to invite your ex's new wife/girlfriend as well.

The Uninvited
When addressing your invite cards, be sure to not include the children's name if you want your wedding to be an adults- only affair. But some parents may call to ask if they can bring their kids. It's a sticky situation that must be handled tactfully. Explain that you want to keep it a strictly no-kids affair, but in the same conversation, add that their entire family is invited to a barbecue a month after the wedding. This is so they don't get the impression that you don't like their children.

Walk The Walk
Walking the bride down the aisle is an honour traditionally reserved for the father, In the case of brides who have a father and a stepfather, she can have either, or both men, walk her down the - if she is close to both of them. As a father or stepfather of the bride, please accept graciously whatever decision the bride makes. For brides whose fathers are no longer with them, the next nearest and dearest male (not necessarily a family member either) in her life should give her away.

Drop It
If, from past experience, you find the bouquet toss an embarrassing and insulting ritual for singles, then don't do it. There's no law engraved in stone that says you must follow tradition - create your own.

Bride's Mate
One of your three best friends is hoping that she gets the job as bridesmaid but you have already promised it to someone else. How do you tell her the bad news? Take her out for coffee and gently break the news to her and be honest. Perhaps, create another role for her like manning the reception table. But do let her know that she is still one of your closest friends and that will never change.

Good Behaviour
If you know the wedding couple's parents and in-laws are the conservative sort, refrain from going too far with playing aisle practical jokes on the couple during the ceremony, Also, if you're going up to say something about them, avoid all forms of lewd remarks.