From BBQs to formal affairs, summer is always busy with lots of parties, so it's important to be ready. Luckily, we have party advice ready for you, courtesy of SheSpeaks members who taught us what NOT to do - through examples of the crazy wedding mishaps they experienced.
Read on to learn from the hilarious experiences of others and be prepared before you go to your next party - whatever type of party it may be!
Plus, we’re giving away the hottest gadget of the summer: an Amazon Echo (valued at $179.99), the in-home speaker system you can ask everything from “Alexa, how do I get cake stains out of a silk dress?” to “Alexa, where can I get a last-minute babysitter?"
1. Do NOT wear clothes that are too big or too small!
Before you leave the house, make sure your clothing fits properly. No one wants a wardrobe malfunction, especially not what SheSpeaks member Jsthornhill3 experienced…
“I decided to switch wedding dresses at the last minute and didn't have time to get it altered. It was a bit too long but I thought it would be fine when I added my shoes. WRONG! I was walking and got caught up in the dress and tripped. When I fell it ripped my dress at the waistline. I was so embarrassed standing there with part of a dress on. I guess it is a good thing I had pretty under garments on.”
2. Do NOT forget to accessorize!
For party prep, you often focus on getting the jewelry and make-up perfect. But also think about less typical accessories like suntan lotion and bug spray. Sounds like winchamp wished she had done just that…
“Mosquitos...in one word that sums up what I witnessed at a friend's wedding. Mosquitos were everywhere. They decided to have an outdoor wedding in the heat of the summer. It was hot and humid and the guests were like candy for the mosquitos. Bug candles were glowing and the wedding party seemed to be glowing even more with red bites.”
3. Do NOT forget the names of the host and hostess!
It’s tough to remember all of the people you meet, but you should know who is throwing the party. According to justme0419, definitely learn the groom’s name, especially if you are the bride…
“Okay, craziest wedding mishap would have to go to my friend who I'll leave anonymous for her pride’s sake. Lol. When it came time to read her vows, she started her off with a heartfelt "Kevin...." not her groom's name. Not. Even. Close.”
4. Do NOT expect children to be quiet!
It’s common for bored or unhappy children to get antsy and make a scene. So make sure to come with toys, snacks and a pacifier so that they won't make themselves heard at moments when silence is preferred, as sammosam witnessed…
“As the minister said..."speak now or forever hold your peace"...the church went silent...except for the high-pitched & everlasting SCREAM of a toddler in attendance. Lol. That shriek echoed off the walls and everyone erupted in laughter!”
5. Do NOT skimp on dessert!
Everyone knows that dessert is the best part of any meal. So make sure you are prepared with extra in case any unfortunate accidents happen to the cake, as was the case with both GeekySweetie and lauraB24…
“I attended a wedding reception once in a rustic barn setting (those seem popular these days) - but this one was perhaps a bit more rustic than most - It began to rain outside, and part of the roof caved in and landed right on the cake!”
“We didn't have a wedding ceremony. We had a small outdoor lunch in the great smoky mountains. A bird flew into our cake. It literally flew straight through it.”
Not that you’ve learned tips about what NOT to do at a party, we want to know what you should do. What is your best party tip? Tell us and you could win an Amazon Echo (valued at $179.99)!
There are two ways to enter:
Simply comment below and tell us something you always do (or do NOT do) at parties.
AND/OR
Tweet about the giveaway!
Click here to Tweet: "I entered the @SheSpeaksUp #PartyTips giveaway to win an Amazon Echo! bit.ly/288K3dW
*One lucky commenter or Tweeter will be chosen at random to receive an Amazon Echo, valued at $179.99. Giveaway is open through June 19th, 2016 to U.S. residents at least 18 years of age. Entrants must be a member of SheSpeaks. If you are not a member, click here to join. Winner will be notified by email.
Update: Thanks to all for entering! Congratulations to our winner: SheSpeaks member Angela811.
I always make sure to have a pair of flats I can change into. Or be sure my shoes aren't going to kill my feet!
Be sociable, but don't gossip. Especially about people at the party. (You never know if they might be just around the corner)
Do not run out of toilet paper!
Do Not Insult Any of the guest or any aspect of the party. You were invited because you are liked but one negative comment can leave you off the list for future parties. If you don't have anything nice to say Don't say anything at all!
Stay friendly and do not get drunk to the point it makes you stupid. Nothing is worse than having to deal with a drunk that thinks their every action is amusing.
My Do is to always bring the Host/Hostess a gift. It such an easy way to thank them. It's a must in my book.
Entertain everyone I love to do.
Always take care of yourself and those around you. Real friends do not allow others to get in bad situations.
Always thank the hostess!
When I go to parties, I always make sure to thank the hosts. So many people leave without saying, "Good-bye." Being polite and showing gratitude only takes a few minutes.
Smile and talk to new people- great way to make some new friends!
If it looks like they are still getting things ready, I always jump in and help.
Tweeted: https://mobile.twitter.com/MdotDrizzi2/status/742846186139340800
I always remember to thank the host for inviting me.
Always have a designated driver