Wedding Guest Etiquette: A Cotswolds Wedding Planner’s Guide to Being the Perfect Guest
As a wedding planner in the Cotswolds, I’ve seen just how much time, energy, and emotion couples pour into creating their dream day. From choosing a breath-taking Cotswolds wedding venue to finalising the floral arrangements, every detail is carefully planned and the role of the guests is a big part of making that vision come to life.
Whether you’re attending a rustic barn wedding in the Cotswolds, an elegant countryside manor celebration, or a chic marquee reception, these wedding guest etiquette tips will help you be the kind of guest every couple dreams of inviting.
Timeless beauty in the Cotswolds countryside.
A favourite choice for couples planning their wedding.
1. RSVP Promptly, and Stick to Your Response
When that beautiful wedding invitation arrives, reply as soon as you can. Late RSVPs can create real headaches for the couple (and the wedding planner!), affecting catering orders, seating plans, and even flower arrangements. In the Cotswolds, many suppliers require final numbers weeks in advance, so a quick RSVP is a gift in itself.
2. Respect the +1 Rules
If your wedding invitation doesn’t mention a plus one, it’s not an oversight. Couples spend a lot of time building a guest list that fits the venue, budget, and atmosphere they’re creating. Bringing an uninvited guest can disrupt carefully planned seating and catering numbers.
3. Arrive on Time (Or Early!)
Whether the ceremony is in a charming Cotswold stone church or a scenic outdoor garden, aim to arrive at least 15–20 minutes early. This ensures you’re seated, settled, and ready before the bride makes her entrance, and avoids you doing the “latecomer shuffle” down the aisle or you standing awkwardly at the doorway...
Bridesmaids arriving at a beautiful Oxfordshire wedding ceremony.
Captured by Matthew Ellacott Photography.
4. Follow the Dress Code
Every couple chooses their dress code to suit the style of their wedding - respect it.
For a Cotswolds countryside wedding, this might mean chic florals and smart jackets; for a black-tie manor celebration, it might be full-length gowns and tuxedos. If in doubt, ask the couple or their wedding planner.
And DO NOT wear white… just don’t. There is always one, and the wedding planner will ‘accidentally’ spill red wine on your outfit - “oops”...
5. Follow the Couple’s Social Media Wishes
Some Cotswolds weddings are completely unplugged, with no phones during the ceremony, while others love instant sharing. Check whether there’s a hashtag, signage, or note in the invitation about photography.
Respecting these wishes ensures the couple’s professional photos can shine, and allows them to share the photos they want to, at the time they want to. Don’t be the bridesmaid who shares the bride's first look on stories before she’s even walked down the aisle - that’s how you ruin the friendship.
Dancing the night away – guests making memories at a Cotswolds wedding.
Captured by Matthew Ellacott Photography
6. Be Fully Present
A wedding isn’t just a series of photo opportunities, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. So put down your phone, enjoy the food, and dance the night away.
Couples remember the energy and joy of their guests long after the day is over.
7. Enjoy the Bar… in Moderation
A glass of champagne to toast the couple? Absolutely. Becoming the person everyone talks about the next morning? Best avoided.
Your friends have worked hard to create a beautiful day, so keep your celebrations joyful but elegant.
The mother of the bride enjoying the drinks reception at a Cotswolds wedding.
Captured by Matthew Ellacott Photography.
8. Choose a Thoughtful Gift
If there’s a wedding registry, it’s the best guide to what the couple truly wants.
For many Cotswolds weddings, guests choose personalised gifts inspired by the countryside setting, or contribute to honeymoon funds. A heartfelt card can make even a simple gift extra special.
9. Say Thank You
This might be as you leave, or it might be a quick text the next day, but find the right moment to thank the couple. They’ve just hosted you for one of the most important days of their lives, and hearing your gratitude will mean more than you know.
But… don’t steal them off the dance floor if they're in the middle of their favourite song - there is a time and a place for an Irish exit, and that is now!
Final Thoughts from a Cotswolds Wedding Planner
Being a perfect wedding guest isn’t about memorising a long list of rules. It’s about kindness, respect, and joining in the celebration in a way that supports the couple.
As a wedding planner based in the Cotswolds, I can tell you that guests who follow these etiquette tips help make the day seamless and joyful.
If you’re planning your own Cotswolds wedding and want support to make sure every detail - from guest etiquette to vendor coordination - is handled with care, I’d love to help you create a day that feels effortless and unforgettable.
Supplier Spotlight
Photos by the talented Matthew Ellacott, who captures the gorgeous details perfectly.
