The Ultimate Guide to Being a Good Wedding Guest in Minnesota
Wedding Guest Etiquette Tips from Adler Ranch—A Farm Wedding Venue Alexandria, MN
A friendly guide to not being “that guest.”
There’s something special about Minnesota weddings—especially out here in the Alexandria area. Whether you’re driving in from Minneapolis or Moorhead (yep, we’re about two hours from both), chances are you’re headed to a wedding that’s more bonfire and open sky than ballroom and chandeliers. If you’ve ever typed “wedding location near me” or “rustic wedding venues near me” into your search bar, chances are you’re heading to a Minnesota wedding at a countryside gem like Adler Ranch and here’s the truth: being a good wedding guest isn’t just polite—it’s essential.
From not ghosting the RSVP for the wedding couple, to wearing the right shoes (trust us, stilettos and farm weddings are not besties), we’re covering the unspoken rules that make you a guest everyone’s glad showed up.
Here at Adler Ranch Wedding Venue, we’ve hosted a lot of celebrations. And we’ve seen a lot of guests. Some absolutely nailed it—respectful, fun, helpful, on time. Others… well, let’s just say there are stories. So if you want to be a guest who gets remembered for all the right reasons, here’s what you need to know. Enjoy this Ultimate guide to being a good wedding guest at your Minnesota wedding!
Being a Good Wedding Guest Matters
The Ultimate Guide to Being a Good Wedding Guest in Minnesota
Why Being a Good Guest Actually Matters
Weddings today aren’t one-size-fits-all. Couples are putting personal touches on everything—from custom neon signs to outdoor bars built from grain bins (yes, we have one, and it’s sooo cool). But that means the expectations on guests have evolved too. At Adler Ranch, we’ve seen it all—from the guests who nailed it, to the ones who… well, didn’t.
So, whether you’re heading to a farm wedding surrounded by vintage signs and open skies, or simply want to make a solid impression at a loved one’s big day, this guide is your new best friend. Weddings are a big deal. They take months (sometimes years!) to plan. And when couples choose places like ours—a farm wedding venue full of vintage signs, handmade touches, and wide-open spaces—they’re not just inviting you to watch them say “I do.” They’re inviting you into an experience they planned from the ground up.
Which means… showing up on time, in the right shoes, with the right attitude and that actually means a lot to the wedding couple!
Vintage lighting at Adler Ranch Wedding Venue The Ultimate Guide to Being a Good Wedding Guest in Minnesota
Real Talk: If You're Coming to a Farm Wedding Near Alexandria…
1. Respect the RSVP.
Even for local weddings, like those at Adler Ranch just five miles from Alexandria, couples are making headcounts and layout decisions based on who’s coming. Be on time with your “yes” or “no,” and mean it. If you decline the RSVP, please don’t change your mind and still attend, as there won’t be a chair for you! If you don’t reply at all, please don’t come to the wedding, as there won’t be a chair for you.
RSVP means ASAP.
Please don’t ghost your invite. Even if you’re just five miles away, the couple still needs a headcount. That one click (or phone call) really helps.
2. Dress for the setting.
A rustic wedding venue near me means “barn glam” or “boho chic,” not beachwear or a black tie gown. Think breathable fabrics and stylish, sensible shoes. And always check the dress code! Think boots over heels.
This is a rustic wedding venue, not a country club. Stilettos and soft ground do not mix. Go for cute and practical—you’ll thank us.
3. Respect the vibe.
Some venues have chandeliers. We’ve got a grain bin bar, vintage gas pumps, and 40+ glowing neon signs. It’s not a playground, and it’s definitely not a dodgeball court (seriously—no balls near the signs). So be polite, the couple choose the wedding venue, please don’t complain, or whine, or sigh. Relax and have fun!
The Ultimate Guide to Being a Good Wedding Guest in Minnesota
3. Stay off your phone (a little) especially during the ceremony!
If the marrying couple has requested an “unplugged ceremony”, meaning, no cell phones out during the ceremony, please respect their request. Unless you’ve been asked to capture candids, don’t hover with your phone during the ceremony. Trust the professionals, and enjoy being in the moment. Never post the first wedding photo on social media, wait for the couple to do that!
4. Don’t assume a plus-one.
If your name is the only one on the envelope, that’s who’s invited. Farm wedding venues like ours, as well as many other venues often have limited space. It’s not personal—it’s logistics. Please don’t show up with someone the couple has never met and grab a chair from another table, (then someone else doesn’t have a place to sit!) No wedding couple wants to be introduced to strangers on their wedding day! Respect the invitation and only bring who is invited.
A classic photo op—just a reminder to head to the designated smoking area after your selfie!
Weddings are full of great moments to snap photos and raise a glass. If you’re lighting up, though, please be respectful of the venue (and the couple’s photos) by using the designated smoking area. At Adler Ranch, we’ve even made it easy to find—right next to the vintage gas pumps.
Trust us, it’s got just as much aesthetic, and when have you been able to smoke next to vintage gas pumps?
The Ultimate Guide to Being a Good Wedding Guest in Minnesota
Check your invite.
If it doesn’t say “and guest,” don’t assume you can bring one. It’s not about being stingy—it’s about space, food, and seating. If the invitation doesn’t say “and family,” that means children are not invited. Simple as that.
Please don’t call the couple to complain or try to change their minds—it puts them in an awkward position and adds stress to a day that’s already full of decisions.
If your kids are specifically invited, teach them how to be respectful guests. That means no digging holes in the venue yard, no picking all the flowers from the landscaping (really—next week’s bride might want to enjoy those too), and no causing damage to the venue.
Because here’s the thing: when something gets broken or destroyed, it’s the couple—not the kids or their parents—who ends up paying for it. Let’s help make their day beautiful, not stressful.
5. Be aware of the venue vibe.
Farm weddings are beautiful, but also outdoor-friendly, pet-sensitive (Couple’s only pets and no unleashed pups unless asked), and ball-free zones—especially near collectible vintage signs like ours. We appreciate wedding guests that follow the simple rules, leave your firearms at home, smoke in the smoking area only, don’t bring in any alcohol, utilize the bar provided by the wedding couple! (Yes, we have to follow the laws.) At Adler Ranch, our smoking area is right next to our vintage gas pumps! If you’re not sure, just ask.
6. Being a good wedding guest means respecting the couple, the venue, and everyone around you—and that includes where you smoke or vape. If you need to light up, please use the designated smoking area. At Adler Ranch, it’s located conveniently near the vintage gas pumps (and yes, it’s photo-worthy too). Keeping smoke and vape clouds away from the main celebration helps everyone breathe easier and keeps the vibe clean and comfortable.
7. Don’t make it about you.
Don’t wear white, sit where you’re told, don’t give a surprise speech, and don’t post the first photo of the bride. Don’t complain. Don’t bring in your own alcohol, don’t yell at the venue staff when they won’t let you bring in your flask with your Yeti cup! Please don’t overindulge and make a scene, trash the bathroom, or leave garbage in the parking lot. Just... be cool.
For even more tips on how to navigate modern wedding etiquette like a pro, check out this guide from Vogue, Wedding Guest Etiquette: Rules to Stick to and Faux Pas to Avoid
Wedding Guests Enjoy the S’more Bar at Adler Ranch, an interactive wedding guest experience, The Ultimate Guide to Being a Good Wedding Guest in Minnesota
The S’more bar is an actual propane fireplace mounted on the side of a 1950’s Studebaker Gas Truck. See more of the S’more bar here.
Final Thoughts Show Up With Good Energy
The best guests are the ones who show up with a good attitude, a timely RSVP, and an understanding that this day is about the couple—not their TikTok followers. So whether you’re traveling across the state or just Googled “wedding location near me,” remember: how you show up matters.
At the end of the day, weddings are about love. And being invited to one—especially at a place like Adler Ranch—is kind of a big deal. So bring your best self, follow the unspoken rules, and help make the day unforgettable (for the right reasons).
We’ll take care of the twinkle lights, the music, and the vibe. We also take care of the clean up, the table bussing and the trash! (Your mom didn’t wear that fancy dress to sort garbage….) You just show up and be a good human.
And if your next invite brings you to the glowing lights of Adler Ranch? We’ll be here, making Minnesota weddings unforgettable—one well-behaved guest at a time.
Adler Ranch Wedding Venue, vintage lighted sign collection, the Ultimate Guide to Being a Good Wedding Guest in Minnesota
The Ultimate Guest to Being a Good Wedding Guest in Minnesota
Ready to Say 'I Do' at Adler Ranch?
Contact us today to schedule a tour and see why Adler Ranch is one of the best wedding venues in Minnesota for couples who want a seamless, beautiful, affordable and budget-friendly wedding day.
At Adler Ranch, we take pride in being an independently owned and operated wedding venue, nestled in the picturesque lakes area of Alexandria, MN. When you celebrate your wedding with us, you’ll experience the care, dedication, and attention to detail that only a family-run venue can offer. Every detail of your day is handled with the intention to make it as extraordinary as your love story. Hosting only a limited number of weddings each season allows us to provide the personalized attention and intentional moments that make your celebration unforgettable.
The Grain Bin Bar at Adler Ranch Wedding Venue
Looking for a fun time? Our couples and their wedding guests have been loving our Grain Bin Bar! Learn more about The Grain Bin Bar at Adler Ranch.
What truly sets Adler Ranch apart is our unparalleled collection of vintage signs—treasures we’ve lovingly gathered over 35 years. This carefully curated collection adds a unique charm, character and history to your wedding day, offering a backdrop like no other venue in the area. The signs tell their own story, creating the perfect setting for capturing memories that will last a lifetime and offering a setting for wedding photography like none other.
For more wedding inspiration, planning tips, and engagement advice, be sure to follow Adler Ranch on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok. Let’s make your dream day a reality! 💕Thanks for visiting! ~Marlys
Fireplace seating area at Adler Ranch Wedding Venue, part of the ‘smoking area’ at Adler Ranch, The Ultimate Guide to Being a Good Wedding Guest in Minnesota
Adler Ranch is a locally owned and wedding venue. We sincerely hope to encourage couples to learn more about the value and importance of choosing a locally owned business when it’s time to book your wedding venue & vendors. With locally owned venues you will often see a higher level of hospitality, better communication and a greater desire to truly ensure your wedding exceeds expectations. We are thrilled to support wedding venue owners from around the country with a weekly shout out in our blog. you can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.
A shout out to these independently owned wedding venues located around the country that offer their support and encouragement: Lavender on the Lake Contact, The Admiral Room Contact, Willow Sky Ranch Contact, Celebrations Event Center Contact, The Hillcrest Estate Contact, The Hidden Abbey Contact, Ellas Garden Contact, Round Barn Farm Contact, The Glade Venue Contact, Stone Ridge Estate Contact
