LA PLATICA — The Do’s and Don’ts of Being a Wedding Guest

Hosts: Sebastian Robles and Josh Leyva
Date: September 15, 2025

Episode Overview

In this lively and candid episode, Sebas and Josh dive deep into the unwritten rules and essential etiquette of being a wedding guest. Drawing from personal experience as both guests and grooms, the duo breaks down everything from RSVPs to dance floor dynamics, offering real talk and humorous insights rooted in their Latino upbringing and respect for tradition. Whether you’re new to weddings or a seasoned partygoer, this “plática” packs practical tips, personal anecdotes, and the duo’s signature banter to help you show up as the ideal guest.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Importance of Wedding Guest Etiquette

(Timestamp: 06:20 – 07:37)

• Sebas sets the stage: “I believe that, like, if you want to get married, you can do whatever you want… But for a guest, there’s etiquette to this.”
• The conversation is strictly about guest etiquette, not what’s expected of the wedding couple.

2. RSVP Responsibly

(08:00 – 09:55)

• RSVP promptly and by the deadline.
  • Sebas: “If you don’t, that’s rude. And a lot of people don’t take that into consideration.” (08:10)
  • Many people, especially in Latino culture, are used to informal invitations and may skip RSVPing. The hosts stress how important this is for planning and catering.

3. Respecting the Invitation

(12:31 – 17:35)

• Don’t bring uninvited guests or children unless specified.
  • Josh: “First of all, that's crazy that people do that.” (12:53)
  • Stories about guests wanting to bring kids to “no kids” weddings, and how uncomfortable or inconvenient this is for the couple.
• Don’t ask why certain people weren’t invited.
  • “Everything has been discussed, pre-planned. They talked about every single possible person they want… just don’t bring those things up.” (13:42 – Josh)

4. Dress Code Matters

(19:13 – 22:59)

• Don’t wear white or attention-grabbing outfits (unless told to).
  • Sebas: “There’s still that tía…wearing a very whitish, creamy color dress, and that’s a big no no.” (19:47)
• Respect the specified dress code.
  • Josh: “It’s a privilege to be at somebody’s wedding and to be invited. You always have to take that as like, wow, I’m blessed and I’m grateful to be here.” (21:01)
  • The guys poke fun at the classic “blue suit and brown shoes” combo (22:10 – 23:05), and urge guests to make the effort since it’s the couple’s big day.

5. Show Up, Celebrate, Support

(24:30 – 26:12)

• Thank the couple for including you.
  • “The first thing…‘Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your beautiful day. Honestly, it means a lot to me.’” (24:30 – Sebas)
• Check in on the bride and groom, especially if you’re part of the wedding.
  • “Call them, see how they’re doing…offer your service, encourage them.” (25:12 – Josh)

6. Arrive On Time — Don’t Distract

(26:37 – 29:00)

• Give yourself plenty of time, especially at destination weddings.
  • Showing up late draws attention and stresses everyone out.
• Silence your phone and limit recording.
  • Josh: “First of all…the fact that people still have ringtones… is so completely detached from reality.” (27:48)
  • Sebas shares how a sea of phone screens ruins professional photos and authentic vibes (29:09).

7. Be Present, Enjoy the Moment

(30:10 – 32:50)

• The hosts discuss the value of truly experiencing the day instead of being glued to your phone.
  • “Be in the moment…you’ll get the photo eventually from somewhere.” (30:14 – Sebas quoting Josh)
  • Sebas on candid pics: “I much rather prefer a photo somebody takes of me that I look ugly in the moment. Very candid.”

8. Don’t Block the Professionals

(32:54 – 33:00)

• “Don’t block photographers. That’s annoying.” (32:54 – Sebas)

9. Be a Vibe, Not a Downer

(33:11 – 34:00)

• Don’t bring bad energy or personal drama.
  • “For the three to six hours that you’re there, that needs to go out the window. People can feel your energy.” (33:09 – Josh)
  • “Try to be a vibe, bro. Your vibe button should be fully blasted.” (33:59 – Josh)

10. Food and Seating Etiquette

(34:13 – 35:54)

• Wait your turn for food and respect seating arrangements.
  • Sebas: “Wherever you’re sitting was thought out. Curated.” (34:57)
  • Good energy at your table matters — don’t be the anti-social guest.

11. The Couple Are the Main Characters

(36:28 – 37:13)

• The hosts reflect on being the “main character” at their own weddings, but the real star is usually the bride.

12. Alcohol: Mindfulness over Fadedness

(38:00 – 42:41)

• Have fun, but don’t ruin the party.
  • Josh: “Be mindful. I think that’s the perfect word…when I get too faded the next day, my anxiety is through the roof because I’m like, how did I behave? What did I say?” (40:44)
  • Sebas: “If you want to remember the day… keep it a 7, scratch the 8 at the end.” (42:06)

13. Respect Culture and Traditions

(42:49 – 43:48)

• If you don’t know the customs, participate respectfully: “Respect the traditions, respect the dances…if you get invited, have fun with them.” (43:48 – Sebas)

14. Hit the Dance Floor

(43:51 – 45:41)

• “Don’t be sitting at the table the whole… wedding, bro.” (43:58 – Josh)
• “Everybody likes to dance. People just don’t like to be seen dancing.” (44:31 – Josh)
• If you’re not bringing energy, you’re making it about yourself.

15. Make Connections

(45:46 – 46:13)

• Use the wedding to meet new people and learn their stories. “This is when you get to know everybody, bro. It’s such a beautiful thing…” (46:46 – Sebas)

16. Leave Graciously

(46:27 – 47:27)

• Thank the couple or their family before leaving—no “Irish goodbyes” at weddings.
  • “Say goodbye if possible and thank the couple or their family or their host. If you can’t get to them, say goodbye to the family.” (47:07 – Sebas)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On RSVPing:

  • “There’s always a deadline that they give you… if you don’t, that’s rude.” (08:10 – Sebas)

• On Dress Code:

  • “It’s a privilege to be at somebody’s wedding and to be invited. You always have to take that as like, wow, I’m blessed and I’m grateful to be here…” (21:01 – Josh)

• On Phone Use:

  • “We don’t want the crowd like this in the picture. It kills the vibe, you know, it kills the photo.” (29:09 – Sebas)

• On Vibes:

  • “Try to be a vibe, bro. Your vibe button should be fully blasted.” (33:59 — Josh)

• On Alcohol:

  • “Keep it a 7. Scratch the 8 at the end, you know, put it in your back pocket.” (42:16 – Sebas)

• On Dance Floor:

  • “Don’t be the guy or girl that’s just at the… table just twiddling your thumbs. Don’t do that. That’s really important, bro. Be lively.” (44:41 – Sebas)

• On Farewells:

  • “Say your goodbyes…especially at a wedding…Leave graciously.” (46:29 – 47:07 — Sebas)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Wedding Etiquette Introduction – 06:20
• RSVP Culture and Importance – 08:00
• Dress Codes & Outfit Sins – 19:13
• Thanking and Supporting the Couple – 24:30
• Showing Up and Being Present – 26:37
• Phone Etiquette & Enjoying the Moment – 29:09
• Alcohol & Conduct – 38:00
• Dance Floor Dynamics – 43:51
• How to Leave a Wedding – 46:27

Conclusion

Sebas and Josh keep it real and relatable, making a case that being a thoughtful, fun, and respectful wedding guest is an act of love and gratitude. From sustainable tips (“keep it a 7, scratch the 8 at the end”) to real talk on family, culture, and party vibes, they prove that etiquette isn’t about rules—it’s about respect.

Brought to you by La Plática. If you’re heading to a wedding anytime soon, consider this your survival guide—Mehh Behh!

(Listen to the full episode for more stories, laughs, and the hosts’ signature chemistry.)