What Should I Say If I'm the Guest? How to Handle When Your Parents Come for "Greeting Visits" and Pouring Drinks.

2020.04.29 published

During the Wedding Reception, Parents Come to Greet Guests *

During the reception, the parents of the invited guests come around to greet at the timing of the chatting time. *

The flow is for the parents to bring a beer bottle and pour drinks while having a short conversation...

"What should I talk about at that moment?"

"I don't know the correct way to respond."

"I'm nervous because it's my first time meeting the parents."

Many people may have felt this way, right??

Basically, it’s okay to handle it this way *

First, the parents will probably say something like, “I am (name)’s father (mother). Thank you for coming today.”

“Congratulations on this occasion.”

“My name is (your name). I have been taken care of by (the couple) at (place).”

In this way,

① Words of congratulations

② Self-introduction

③ Connection to the bride and groom

Are the points to mention while greeting.

At that time, it’s polite to stand up, face the parents directly, look them in the eye, and hold your cup with both hands when they are pouring drinks for you to make it easier for them to serve. *

(Let’s pause eating for a moment!)

No need to force the conversation to continue *

The parents are greeting many guests and therefore cannot dedicate too much time to each individual.

(That’s why, at tables with friends, it’s common to greet everyone at once.*)

If you have had a longstanding relationship with the family or have been taken care of during your student days, it is natural to have small talk while giving updates.

However, if that’s not the case, there’s no need to force the conversation to continue.

The series of actions of greeting, having a drink poured, drinking, and bowing completes the flow. *

@nagisa_marry

How to Decline If You Cannot Drink Alcohol? *

If you cannot or do not drink alcohol, how should you politely decline?

Basically, you can say,

“I’m sorry...! I’m not good with alcohol, so I will just accept your feelings.”

This way, it won’t be seen as rude. It’s also okay to provide a reason.

However, in many cases, people often don’t decline from the beginning but say something like,

“I’ll just have a little.”

This way, they pour a small amount of alcohol into their cup and just take a small sip, which seems to be a common approach. *

Don’t Forget Your Manners *

I have introduced how to respond when the parents of the bride and groom come to greet and serve drinks during the chatting time at the wedding reception.

Remember to keep your manners and aim for a pleasant greeting! *