How to Attend a Wedding: Wedding Gifts and Proper Dress

A wedding is a sacred union in any culture. If you are invited to a wedding, and you feel like there's going to be an issue, don't be scared. Just follow the tips to the different potential problems in this article and everything will be okay.

1. Different religion: It doesn't matter if you're going to a Jewish wedding right after Rosh Hashana or a Muslim wedding, you should be excited to see two people come together to spend the rest of their lives as one. Even if you're attending a religious wedding where you are the outsider, no need to worry - relax and appreciate the customs of the culture.

2. Solo: If you're attending a wedding without a date, don't hold a grudge. Weddings can be vastly expensive, and your boyfriend or girlfriend who you've been dating for five months isn't really that important to the bride and groom. Try to enjoy the wedding and not dwell on how alone you feel. You can talk to the other singles and older folks, try to make some new friends, and enjoy the open bar - but be careful not to enjoy it too much.

3. Wedding gifts: Most brides have a registry accessible online these days. This allows you to see what has been already bought and what the remaining available options are. If you're especially close to the bride or groom, don't feel bad if you can't afford more expensive wedding gifts. Go in with a friend to split something or choose a couple of less expensive items that you know will get a lot of use.

4. Dress: Don't be afraid to look really, really good. You may meet someone you want to impress, and who knows, you could even meet your future spouse.

5. Destination Weddings: If you feel like you can afford it, go. If you can't, you can't. Even if it's your brother who's getting married in Madagascar, he should have taken into account his guests' expenses. Don't feel obliged to go if you don't want to, but if it's meaningful and won't put you into debt, do it!

6. If you can't make it: It's still proper to give a gift if you can't attend a wedding. If you're not close to the couple and can't make it, don't feel bad, just RSVP accordingly. You should have a good excuse if you're going to miss the most important day of the couple's lives. A sick family member or serious prior engagement is understandable.

If any other horrible matrimonial situations occur, don't be afraid. Go with your gut and base your actions on how well you know the bride and groom, social customs, and moral obligation. And if there are problems at the ceremony, try to forget about them and just have fun! People aren't there to see you, anyway; you'll have your own day soon.