Wedding No Show

No. Because even if you essentially “paid for a seat” they could have invited someone else that they wanted to attend but instead chose you.

I mean, if there are extenuating circumstances. Did they know they wouldn't be able to make it sometime within a reasonable time frame to inform the couple before the wedding? Was there a family emergency? Did the person just not feel like going? If someone RSVPed yes but was ill the day of, that's one thing compared to someone who just spaced and forgot to show up. We had 1 couple not come because their flight got canceled and they couldn't get on a new one. We were sorry they went through everything they did at the airport and not upset they couldn't make it.

View Quoted Comment What if this person is a plus one?

View Quoted Comment The wedding is in two weeks and everything is already paid for, but the situation is a good friend is coming in from out of town last minute. He is in this person’s wedding and they want to get suits. The friend lives far from the wedding venue and they do not get to see each other often.

I’d ask if I could bring someone else in their stead or let them know in advance and maybe invite someone they couldn’t or give someone else a plus one.

View Quoted Comment That’s not a bad idea!

View Quoted Comment I would still tell the couple if you haven't already. My venue coordinator allowed me to make a price adjustment for that couple who couldn't make it (and adding a new plus one my brother's stepson really wanted to bring) a few days before the wedding.

No. Depending on the circumstance I’d understand needing to cancel but you should 100% let the bride and groom know because maybe they can get some money back or invite someone else. Just not showing up is extremely rude.

It is very rude. Your friend needs to let the bride and groom know.

View Quoted Comment Good to know!

View Quoted Comment The bride does know!

I was annoyed of no shows at my wedding but if you explain why and send a gift that’s pretty nice

No. If you can't go, tell the bride & groom.

Definitely not ok. The bride and groom need to be informed ASAP. We had different headcount deadlines for catering and drink packages, and when several people informed us they wouldn't be able to come, we were able to save quite a bit of money because they informed us as soon as they knew (before our catering deadline). Also, if you don't tell them, then it's just plain rude! It's the right thing to do

View Quoted Comment They knew right away!

View Quoted Comment They did know right away!

View Quoted Comment

Then I think it's fine. As long as the guest isn't a no show and communicates with the bride & groom then all is good!

It’s never okay to just not show up to something you said you were going to without saying anything. But life does happen and sometimes you can’t make every event you intended to. Most people can understand this IF you have an open and honest conversation with them. The earlier you can speak with the couple and let them know you can’t make it, the better.


We had someone tell us a week before the wedding that they wouldn’t be able to make it afterall. I appreciated the heads up. Coincidentally THAT DAY someone that had RSVPed no came back to me and said “actually I am available, is there any way I can still come ?” And I was like “lol yes perfect !!” little reorganization of the seating chart but didn’t need to deal with my caterers or adjust numbers or anything.
It’s okay to not be able to make an event. But it’s important to tell the hosts ASAP. And tbh for a wedding, i think it’s also important to have a good reason. “I’m sick” no problem. “I just don’t feel like it” or “I found some better plans” and If it was for my wedding, I’d be pretty mad, hah.

View Quoted Comment Yes, they know! The original person they invited is able to go, just their plus one is no longer able to go for a good reason.

No! If you RSVP yes, you need to go. If an emergency happens, text the bride/groom and let them know. Don't just not show up.