Arrival time

The invitation will say it starts at, say, 1pm. This means it Starts at 1pm. If you want to be entered in the guestbook, give a gift, or leave a card, or all of the above, you are going to have to arrive 1/2 hour to 1 hour before hand. They will close the guestbook on you at 1pm and tell you to go into the chapel.

dress code

nothing is worse than showing up to a wedding in shabby clothes. better to be drssed in a suit & tie (or a nice dress if you're a woman), than to show up in casuals. one of the verses I think about is this: Matthew 22:11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:
Matthew 22:12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.
Matthew 22:13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Matthew 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
...In America you won't be treated this way, but it is something to think about.

Invited to a wedding? go.

here is another passage from the book of Matthew:
Matthew 22:2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,
Matthew 22:3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.
Matthew 22:4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.
Matthew 22:5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise:
Matthew 22:6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.
Matthew 22:7 But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.
Matthew 22:8 Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.
Matthew 22:9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.
Matthew 22:10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.
...again, people don't treat you this way in America. but it is something to think about.

toast to the groom and bride

Martinelli's is not wine. it is sparkling apple juice. It is often served at weddings. a bottle and some fresh cups will be probably placed on your table. If this happens, the best thing to do is pour everyone else a glass, and then yourself one *in advance*. don't wait. then you will be ready for the toast.

Single?

you will be asked to participate in one of 2 things. if you are a gal, participate in catching the bouquet. if you are a guy, catching the garter. yes, you actually have to try to catch it. it's supposed to mean your'e going to be married.