It’s an honor to be invited to a wedding. It means that the new couple cares enough about you to want you to be included in their special day. The last thing that you want to do is put a damper on the occasion. Here are four things to remember about proper wedding etiquette.

Think About What You’re Wearing

You want to look your best, but because the ceremony and reception are long, you want to be comfortable too. Remember that on this day the bride gets to stand out as the most beautiful woman in the room.

So if the bride is wearing a white wedding dress, the wedding guest dresses should not also be white. This is another one of those traditions that matter for many brides.

Wearing white can also be perceived as being rude or trying to make a negative statement about the bride.

No Pre-Wedding Pics

If you have the honor of being in the wedding party or are with the bride or groom during the wedding planning journey before the ceremony, maintaining the sanctity of the event is paramount.

Some traditions are special and should be kept private. Likely, everyone will be taking pictures—perhaps even a professional photographer—but wedding etiquette suggests you should not post anything then.

Many brides and grooms still follow the tradition that the groom shouldn’t see the bride in her dress before the wedding, so you don’t want him to find the pictures.

There are also likely a lot of nerves running, and neither the bride nor the groom want pictures of them looking less than composed on social media. Don’t be that person who posts pictures online before the ceremony, and don’t post anything without the subjects’ permission.

Arrive on Time

A wedding is not the place to try to sneak in without being noticed. Wedding etiquette also suggests that you don’t get there too early. You’ll only get in the way. It’s best to plan on arriving a few minutes before the ceremony, giving you plenty of time to mingle before being seated.

Also, don’t forget to RSVP. Weddings take a lot of planning, and changing their plans is rude.

Unplanned guests at weddings will generate added stress for the bride and groom.

However, if you want to surprise the happy couple, you still can as long as you plan it. Contact someone else working on the wedding to see if they can slip you in without tipping the couple off. Ensure you follow proper Wedding Etiquette when making such arrangements.

Wedding Gift Ideas for the Bride and Groom

Choosing the perfect wedding gift for the bride and groom is a thoughtful way to celebrate their union and complement your wedding wishes. Consider personalized items like engraved champagne flutes or custom-made artwork that commemorates their special day.

Practical gifts such as kitchen appliances or luxurious bedding sets are also appreciated. If you’re unsure, gift cards to their favorite stores or experiences like a cooking class or spa day can be excellent choices.

Whatever you choose, wedding gift ideas that are personal and meaningful will surely be cherished by the happy couple.

Turn Your Phone Off

Guests at the wedding ceremony should be quiet and entirely focused on the couple. You don’t want to draw attention to yourself because your phone is making sounds during the ceremony.

You also shouldn’t be recording the ceremony. The quality of the video won’t be great, and if there are any professional pictures or videos, you might be in them with a phone glued to your face. You can snap a few photos with other guests, but you should save that for the reception.

Respect Wedding Etiquette

By attending their wedding, you’re helping the bride and groom celebrate their new union. Enjoy the memory that you are a part of creating. Be on time, dress appropriately, and turn your phone off for a while.

And if you want to be cute, ask the bride or the event planner what colors the wedding is using so you can match the wedding linens direct.