"Which Side to Sit: Surprising Table Manners Knowledge for Guests"

2020.11.25 published

Manners for Guests Attending a Wedding

There are various manners to consider when invited to a wedding.

Such as not wearing a white dress or a highly revealing dress,

not wearing fur or animal skins,

and not wearing open-toe sandals.

These are common sense that anyone knows, but do you know about **table manners**...??

There are also proper etiquette for how to sit down and how to fold your napkin.

While it may be true that not many people pay close attention to these details, it is still very important as an adult to know formal table manners and behave appropriately for the occasion.

Here, I will explain the knowledge related to table manners that you want to read before attending a wedding.

① When Sitting Down

When you enter the reception hall and sit at your assigned seat.

The correct manner is to **sit from the left side of the chair**.

This is because the right side of the chair is generally considered the honored seat, while the left side is the lower seat. You sit and stand from the lower left side.

This is the same whether you pull the chair yourself or have staff escort you.

Standing up and sitting down is a brief moment, but it is a key point to be conscious of.

② Where to Place Your Bag

Do you always struggle with where to put your bag?

Sometimes, there are people who hang their bags on the back of the chair or place them on their laps like they would in a cafe or restaurant, but that is unacceptable at a wedding.

The best place to put your bag is in the **space between your back and the backrest**.

If your bag is too large to fit in that gap, since the food will come from the left side, place it at your **feet on the right side** so it doesn’t get in the way.

③ Handling the Napkin

A napkin should not just be casually placed on your lap.

First, the best time to unfold the napkin is after the toast, when the meal begins. (Do not unfold it as soon as you sit down!)

Next, regarding how to fold the napkin.

You unfold the napkin and fold it into a rectangle before placing it on your lap.

At this time, the crease that is folded upwards should be facing your stomach. (In other words, the flappy side should be on the outside!)

When you leave your seat for the restroom or to take photos, place the napkin on the chair or drape it over the back of the chair.

When wiping your mouth, always use the inside of the napkin.

Using your own handkerchief or tissue is considered a statement of "this napkin is dirty," so keep that in mind.

Finally, when the reception is over and you leave, place the napkin on the table in the upper right area.

It is said that folding it neatly can imply "the food was bad or didn’t suit my taste," so leave it slightly crumpled.

④ Cutlery Manners

While cutlery manners are generally known:

- Use the items set on the outside first.

- When placing cutlery on the plate during a meal, form an "X."

- Once finished eating, align the used cutlery to the lower right of the plate.

Keeping these points in mind is sufficient.

@nagisa_marry

⑤ Manners During the Meal

When drinks are being poured, do not hold the glass but leave it on the table.

Since it’s a course meal, it’s also important to try to match your eating pace with those around you. Be careful not to eat too fast or too slowly.

It’s polite to stop eating during speeches, performances, or other presentations to create a good impression.

If there are things you dislike or if you find yourself too full to finish, let the staff know and ask them to take your plate away.

Perfect Table Manners

The table manners introduced this time.

Many people may have thought, "I didn't know such detailed points...!"

or "I never paid attention to that, so I'll be more careful...!"

This knowledge is useful not only for weddings but also for dining at restaurants, so I will also make an effort to practice from now on.