How to Be a Good Wedding Guest: Tips from a St. Louis Area Wedding Venue
Tips from Pebble Creek Farm - A White Barn Wedding Venue, Near St. Louis
Attending a wedding is a joyful honor - a celebration of love, family, and new beginnings. At Pebble Creek Farm in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, we’ve hosted hundreds of weddings and seen firsthand what makes a guest’s presence truly special. Whether you’re heading to a St. Louis city area wedding or joining a countryside celebration like ours, here are some essential dos and don’ts to help you be the perfect wedding guest.
Do: RSVP On Time
One of the simplest yet most important ways to show respect to the couple is to RSVP by the deadline. Caterers, seating charts, and event details all depend on accurate guest counts. If plans change and you can no longer attend, let the couple know right away.
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Do: Send a Thoughtful Gift
Even if you can’t attend, sending a gift or heartfelt card goes a long way. Many couples have online registries that make it easy to choose something meaningful. You can ship your fit directly to their home so they don’t have to travel with extra boxes after the wedding.
Do: Arrive Early, But Not Too Early
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the ceremony begins. This gives you time to park, freshen up, find your seat, and settle in before the couple walks down the aisle. At Pebble Creek Farm, for example, our ceremony sites are surrounded by nature and just a short walk from parking - so giving yourself a little cushion makes for an stress-free start. Arriving more than 30 minutes prior can interfere with the pre-ceremony timeline and happenings, like bridal party photos or prepping the parents and grandparents with their boutonniere’s and corsages.
Do: Celebrate With Enthusiasm
When the couple invites you to their wedding, they want to share their joy with you! Dance, laugh, and participate in the celebration. A full dance floor and lively energy make every moment unforgettable - not just for the couple, but for everyone in attendance.
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Don’t: Bring Uninvited Guests
Every wedding has been carefully planned around a specific guest list. Don’t assume you can bring a plus-one or your children unless it’s clearly state on your invitation. Respecting the guest list is one of the most courteous things you can do.
Don’t: Interrupt the Photographer
Professional photographers work hard to capture the couple’s special moments. Be mindful not to step in front of them during key moments, especially during the ceremony. If the wedding is “unplugged,” keep your phone away and enjoy being present.
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Don’t: Overindulge
A celebratory drink or two or three is fine, but moderation is key. The best guests are the ones who know how to have fun without going overboard. Remember, it’s the couple’s big day, not yours!
Don’t: Forget to Thank the Couple
Before you leave, take a moment to congratulate the couple in person or send a quick message afterward. Your kind words will mean more than you.
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Enjoy the Day, and the Setting
If you’re attending a wedding at Pebble Creek Farm, you’ll get to experience the charm of our St. Louis area countryside venue - complete with rolling hills, a peaceful waterfall, and our signature white barn the blends character and warmth with elegant design. Every detail is created to make weddings here feel personal, inviting, and unforgettable.
About Pebble Creek Farm
Pebble Creek Farm is a wedding and event venue located in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, just a short drive from St. Louis. Our family-built venue offers both indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces, a spacious reception hall, picture-perfect scenery, and overnight accommodations on property and nearby.
If you’re planning your St. Louis area wedding and look for a place that feels like home - with natural beauty, thoughtful design, and plenty of space to celebrate, we would love to host your day.
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