Almost every couple has wedding rules in place to ensure their big day goes off without a hitch.
No kids, no phones during the ceremony, no talking about yourself…the list of possible rules is endless.
But one couple's extensive list of expectations from their wedding guests has sparked a huge debate online, with some wondering why the guests even bothered to attend.
Newlyweds Emerson and John Schiavone from New Jersey, who married in 2023, shared several clips on TikTok detailing their big day.
Among the selected content is a series of videos titled “Controversial Things We Did for Our 2023 Wedding,” the latest of which caused an uproar.
The viral clip, which has been viewed 2.9 million times, shared the strict rules he imposed on his guests.
TikTok/@emersonschiavone_
Rule #1: No music requests.
The bride added, “This isn't a prom, it's a wedding.”
Another surprising rule was the couple's refusal to set up memorial tables and chairs for deceased family members, a move they called “sick.”
“Instead, we played their favorite songs while they were seated and exited the ceremony,” they said.
Other rules included allowing couples to cut their wedding cake in private, denying entry to guests who were late for the ceremony, and banning shots (though the latter was also a venue rule).
TikTok/@emersonschiavone_
But the most controversial rule was that guests were only given two choices for their wedding main course: filet mignon or salmon with pesto.
Many users pointed out that this was not vegetarian-friendly, so Emerson later clarified that there would be vegetarian options for guests who don't eat meat.
Other videos in the series show the couple not going from table to table to greet guests at the reception, refusing a plus-one to a single friend, and hiring a security guard for their big day. I made it clear.
They also banned Apple Watches and declared they wanted no physical gifts, only cash instead. looks fun.
TikTok/@emersonschiavone_
Unsurprisingly, TikTok users were left divided by the couple's extensive rules.
One person called them “the fun police,” while another joked, “That sounds like buckets of fun. Were we allowed to laugh? Or is it too much?”
A third said: “I'm all for having rules at weddings, but sometimes I wonder why guests go to the trouble of setting them up.''
But others were more sympathetic, with one saying: “People writing comments forget it's your wedding.
“You have the right to do what you want with it.”
Featured image credit: Facebook/emerson.klein.77
Topics: Sex and Relationships, US News, TikTok