However, couples are often under a lot of pressure when they're planning and throwing their wedding. There's a myriad of decisions to be made, from choosing a venue to managing the guest lists, and the whole process can become (a little) overwhelming.
So, we asked Diane Gottsman, an internationally renowned etiquette expert and founder of the Protocol School of Texas, whose clients range from university students to Fortune 500 companies' leaders, which of these challenges are the most pressing in 2025.
"Budget is always an issue because the number of guests couples want to invite may not be able to coincide with their finances," she told Bored Panda. "It’s important to not overextend yourself. Invite the people that are really important to you and don't feel pressure to invite those who are [merely] asking for an invitation, or that extended family suggest you invite."
#2 Groom's Mother Photobombs The Newly Weds' By Sitting Between Them In Full Mourning Dress And Staring At A Bust Of Her Dead Husband
#3 Flashback To When My Mother In Law Wore This To Our Wedding. You Could Also See Her Purple Thong Underwear Through The Material. See Her Hand Reaching Out! This Was During The Kiss When She Grabbed Him So She Could Kiss Him
To avoid drama and some of the problems we see in these pictures, couples should remember to consider everyone else's point of view.
"It's the bride and groom’s big day. It’s their responsibility, however, to greet every guest so each guest will remember the moment and feel welcome," Gottsman, author of the book Modern Etiquette for a Better Life, said.
Smiling at others and enjoying their company is easier when you take care of your own needs first, so rest well before the ceremony and set yourself up for success.
"Eat before the ceremony [too]. Have a little nibble so you aren't famished," Gottsman added.
These things might seem inconsequential, but you know how grumpy we can be when we're not feeling our best.
#6 The Dress My Mom Is Planning To Wear To My Wedding. She Sent This To Me Yesterday And I Still Haven’t Replied
#7 Bride Is On The Left, And Her Friend Is On The Right And Not With The Bridal Party So The Dress She Wanted Was All Her Choice
It's only fair to remain mindful of your wedding guests, as many of them make quite the effort to be there for you.
According to a 2024 survey from LendingTree, 43% of wedding guests spend an average of $100 to $499 to attend each blessed event. Another 29% spend an average of at least $500, while 12% dish out at least $1,000.
#11 Hot Tip - Save Money On Your Wedding By Defrauding Your Employer
Many weddings require guests to travel—an expense they're typically expected to shoulder.
But most guests think their presence isn't enough to count as a present: 91% of such attendees say they feel pressure to get the couple a gift as well, and 67% did.
Such gifts are part of the reason why people even go into debt to attend weddings — and some take on quite the commitment.
Of everyone who has taken on this kind of debt, 23% took on $2,500 or more. Fortunately, more guests (43%) took on less than $1,000.
#16 Saw An Acquaintance At A Wedding Last Night. Still Shocked At What She Wore
But if there was one piece of advice Diane Gottsman would give to the engaged, it's to try not to stress too much.
"All weddings have highs and lows and what makes it great is understanding the importance of the ceremony as opposed to it being a perfect Instagram photo," she said.
If you legitimately care about the event and everyone in attendance, you will find a way to make it fun and enjoyable.
For more wedding shaming, check out our earlier publication on the subreddit.
