Navigating Event Etiquette - 5 Guest Behaviors That Drive Hosts Crazy

Elegant dinner table with name tags for every guest

Photography: Hannah Schweiss

Event hosting can be a rollercoaster of emotions, blending the joy of bringing people together with the stress of managing details. However, certain guest behaviors can test even the most seasoned host's patience. Envision hosting the soiree of the season: your space is a symphony of style and sophistication, the culinary offerings are a marvel, and every detail of your décor whispers elegance. Yet, amidst the glamour, there lies a subtle challenge every host knows too well - the dynamics of guest behavior.

While many arrive as the epitome of grace, others may unwittingly tread across the delicate lines of etiquette. Let’s navigate through five guest behaviors that, despite the host's best efforts, could ruffle even the most finely feathered nest.

Here's a look at five common guest faux pas that can turn event planning into a host's nightmare.

1. Last-Minute Inquiries About Attendees:

When guests call to ask who's coming at the eleventh hour, it can disrupt the host's focus on final preparations, adding unnecessary stress.

2. Day-Of Requests for Time and Address:

This will drive any anyone nuts! Despite invitations and reminders, some guests still ask for basic event details like ‘what’s the address again?” “what time does it start?” on the day itself, creating chaos amidst the host's last-minute tasks.

3. An Avalanche of Questions:

Imagine hosting and getting bombarded with a million questions. Guests bombarding the host with too many questions before the event can be overwhelming, detracting from the joy of hosting

Photography: Hannah Schweiss

4. Surprise Plus-Ones:

This is one of the most frustrating things to encounter as a host - The Surprise Plus One!!! Not informing the host about bringing an additional guest can throw off carefully planned arrangements, from seating to catering plus its just bad manners.

5. A Torrent of Complaints:

Guests who complain about everything from the menu to the music can dampen the festive spirit, making the hosting experience less enjoyable.

Photography: Hannah Schweiss

While hosting can be incredibly rewarding, navigating the minefield of guest etiquette can be challenging. Awareness and understanding from guests can go a long way in making any event a smoother, more enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Remember, a little courtesy, such as RSVPing on time, adhering to the event details provided, and expressing gratitude, can make a world of difference to your host.

For more insights into perfecting your guest etiquette and ensuring you're always invited back, check out more articles on our blog.

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Akeshi Akinseye

Akeshi Akinseye is the founder and CEO of Kesh Events and is the leading expert in the wedding and event industry on all things celebrations.

She is widely regarded as One of the best Wedding planners in America by Brides, Top 5 wedding vendors in the world by WEDLUXE, top wedding planner in Chicago by PartySlate and more. 

Her insights and work have been featured in national publications like Brides, PartySlate, Modern Luxury Weddings, Inside Weddings, Yahoo, ESPN, New York Times etc and she appears regularly in media outlets like ABC, The Tribune and more.

She is the author of the best-selling book, The Art of Floral And Event Design” and founder and editor of celebrations and lifestyle magazine, The Art of Celebrating. Her creativity, keen eye, attention to detail and knack for perfection is what her clients love about her. She brings the art of creativity and personalization to every single event making her the best at what she does. Akeshi honors the individual styles of her clients and she continually strives to make every experience one to remember.

http://www.akeshiakinseye.com
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