Experts explain: Anyone who behaves like this at a wedding will no longer be invited

Anyone invited to a wedding wants to please the bride and groom. But according to etiquette coach Jo Hayes and dating expert Emily Thompson, simply showing up isn't enough.

They warn: Anyone who misbehaves can not only ruin the big day—but also jeopardize the friendship. The New York Post reports.

1. Late response is an absolute no-go. At the top of the list of the biggest sins: late response. "Responding late is the silent killer of etiquette—it messes up everything, from the seating plan to the food order," says Thompson. Many people don't realize how much wedding planning depends on the final guest count.
2. Just coming for the party sends the wrong message. The ceremony is the heart of every wedding – skipping it and only showing up for the reception, experts say, sends a bad message. "It shows that you're just there for the food and drinks – not for the marriage," says Thompson.
3. Companion only with invitation. Spontaneous companions are also a sensitive issue: "The invitation should explicitly state 'with companion' – otherwise, a plus-one is taboo," says Hayes. Weddings are expensive, and the guest list is often strictly limited.

• Alcohol, yes, but in moderation . Open bars invite drinking – but overdoing it will embarrass you. Thompson recommends: "One drink per hour – and only after the ceremony, please!" Hayes also warns against showing up drunk: "Enjoy the evening, but remain respectful."
• Dress code is mandatory – white is taboo. There are also clear rules regarding the outfit: No white – that's reserved for the bride. Red is also problematic, says Thompson: "It can easily appear too flashy or too sexy for a formal wedding." The general rule is: Whatever is written on the invitation must be followed.
• No gift? A faux pas with consequences. TikTok user Alizé Ruiz recently caused a stir with a video: Of 120 guests, only 12 brought a card and four brought a gift. "I didn't even expect money—but a card with a nice greeting should be included," she wrote. The clip went viral, and many users were shocked by the lack of courtesy.

One commentator summed it up: "It's a wedding. At least a card, a bottle of wine, or a 100-euro note—something!" Thompson is also certain: Anyone who comes empty-handed won't win the bride and groom any sympathy.

Although they had already given small gifts for the bachelor party, they collectively canceled their attendance. The celebration took place without their closest friends, and their friendships fell apart. This case demonstrates that anyone inviting people to a wedding should exercise sensitivity—otherwise, a special day can turn into a permanently strained relationship.

• Average costs : A wedding in Germany costs on average around 13,000 to 15,000 euros , and the trend is rising.
• Number of guests : On average, couples invite around 60 to 80 people – large celebrations with over 100 guests have become rarer.
• Most popular months : May to September are considered the high season – June is particularly popular.
• Civil & non-religious : Many couples opt for a non-religious ceremony in addition to the civil wedding – often with a personal speaker.
• Age of marriage : Women marry on average at 32 years , men at 34 years – the average age has been rising slightly for years.