Whats the modern rule on congratulating bride?
Dear Miss Manners: I don’t have an embarrassing story to accompany my question. I just want clarification of current proper etiquette as I don’t want to be rude or perpetuate a rule if it is not a rule anymore. I am in my 30s and grew up in a conservative area. Boys asked girls out, not vice versa. Men asked women to marry them. However, the marriage ceremony did not say to honor and obey the husband or “man and wife.” I was always taught that when addressing a bride and groom, the appropriate things to say to each were the following: To the bride: “Best wishes.” To the groom: “Congratulations.” It was made clear to me that it was offensive to say “Congratulations” to the bride, as that conveyed “Congratulations — you found a guy.” I have found over the years that I am about the only person that is aware of this element of proper etiquette. Was I instructed incorrectly as a child on this matter? Has etiquette changed? Should I continue to try to help people (my husband and child, for
