Do: RSVP

The very first thing a guest should do when being invited to a wedding is RSVP as soon as possible. The amount of RSVPs a couple receives is important to determine the budget for food, beverages and other guest accommodations.

Don’t: Bring guest(s) that weren’t included on the RSVP

Just as it’s important to send in your RSVP, it’s also important that the only guests who attend the wedding are listed on the invitation — unless you were given a plus one to bring someone with you. The couple may not have planned for additional guests or specifically chose not to invite someone.

Do: Bring a gift

Unless specified on the invitation, it is tradition for guests to bring a gift for the newlyweds. Typically when preparing for a wedding, the couple will register for presents they would like to receive, so you won’t have to put a lot of time and effort into thinking of what to get them. However, a thoughtful and creative gift might be one they cherish forever if you don’t want to give something off their registry.

Don’t: Wear white

There are many fashion faux pas that you could make at a wedding, but the worst of them all is to wear the color white. Use your best judgement on what to wear — you don’t want to go too over the top — but the bride should be the only one in all white.

Do: Congratulate the newlyweds

You were important enough to the couple for them to invite you to celebrate a milestone in their lives, so make sure you take the time to tell them congratulations. If you want to go above and beyond, remind them of a memory you have of them, or, if you are married, give them a piece of advice. If “happy talk” isn’t really your thing, a simple congratulations and best wishes will do.

Don’t: Ruin the moment

During weddings and wedding receptions, there are a lot of special moments from the bridal party walking down the aisle to cutting to the cake to the first dance. Pay attention to what is going on because you don’t want to ruin any special moments or create an awkward photo bomb.

Do: Join in the festivities

To many couples, a wedding reception is only successful if the guests are having a good time. Form a conga line, talk to other friends you know and enjoy the food and entertainment they’ve provided you. Kick back and have a little fun.

Don’t: Hit on the bridesmaids and groomsmen

Yes, the bridesmaids and groomsmen all look dashing in their formal wear, but they’re off limits for the “single mingle.” The wedding party has multiple responsibilities throughout the day and night. In addition, they should be spending time with the couple on their special night.

Do: Make overnight accommodations for an out-of-town wedding

It’s important to the couple that guests arrive home safely, so make sure to set overnight accommodations so you’re not in a pickle if you’ve had too much to drink or are sleepy from being up late. Even if the wedding isn’t too far from home, it’s not a bad idea to make a plan to stay near the reception location, so you can enjoy the night without having to worry about getting home safely.

Don’t: Get a little too tipsy

Many times drinking is an option at a wedding, but that doesn’t mean you need to get drunk. A wedding is a special occasion, and you don’t want to end up embarrassing the couple or yourself. Know your limit and have a game plan going in.