It goes without saying that a wedding is about the two people you’re celebrating. As a wedding guest, you represent the happy couple, so make sure to maximize your guest etiquette by following these simple (but important) tips.

Always RSVP

When you receive a wedding invitation, don’t just skim it quickly and toss it aside to read more in-depth later. Pay close attention to the RSVP deadline and respond ASAP to let the soon-to-be married couple know if you'll be attending the wedding. This helps prevent a shortage of seats, food and unnecessary headaches for the soon-to-be-married couple.

Don’t Bring Extra Guests

The invitation you received should state whether you are welcome to bring a plus one (and you should reply accordingly). Unless it says you can bring a guest, never bring anyone with you. This includes your adorable children, as many weddings these days are kids-free. If the bride and groom wanted more people there, they would have extended that in their invitation.

Pay Attention to the Dress Code

Nothing feels more awkward than showing up super underdressed to a formal wedding where everyone else is in Black Tie attire. Always dress for the venue and follow the instructions given by the bride and groom. And please, if you’re wanting to wear a dress, skirt and blouse or even a nice pantsuit, make sure it’s not white, ivory or any shade of “bride”. It’s her day to sparkle in white, so choose another color for your attire.

Be on Time

Even if you know the groom is habitually late, plan to be at the ceremony at least 20 minutes before its scheduled to begin. Sneaking in isn’t a thing—especially if there are doors to open and aisles to walk down.

Give a Gift

Even if you can’t make it, always send a token of appreciation for being invited to their special day. Most couples will have a registry that you can look up. Just make sure not to bring anything too large to the wedding. The last thing the bride, groom or their families will want to deal with after a long day, is how to fit your gift in their vehicle. When in doubt, cash is always a nice option. And don’t forget to include a card.

Turn Off Your Phone

If you want to take pics of the bride on your phone as she walks down the aisle, go for it. But make sure your ringer and any other sound notifications are turned off, so you don’t disrupt the happy couple while they’re exchanging their “I Dos”.

Avoid Talking During the Ceremony

It’s one thing to whisper to the person next to you how gorgeous the couple looks. It’s another to do a play-by-play commentary through the entire ceremony. Voices travel, so refrain from chatting so everyone around you can enjoy the nuptials.

Sign the Guestbook

Sure, it might seem lame, but a wedding day tends to go by really fast for the bride and groom. By signing your name and a short sentiment, they’ll be able to remember everyone who attended.

Respect Social Media Requests

Nowadays, it’s more common for couples to request a social-media blackout until they can post their own wedding photos on their social media pages. After all, they did just spend months and months planning their special day, so it’s fair they break the story first. On the other hand, if the bride and groom encourage posting, use any requested hashtags and keep your sentiments positive and focused on them to remind them that you’re the #bestguestever.

Don’t Get Wasted

An open bar isn’t an invitation to see how many drinks you can swing back in an hour. Not only does it look like you’re abusing the bride and groom’s thoughtful gesture for their guests to have a great time, but it usually leads to someone ending up way too wobbly, way too early. Make sure to pace yourself and eat so you’re not drinking on an empty stomach. And if you drove, take a cab or car service home.

Keep Your Opinions to Yourself

At least for now. The newlyweds spent a lot of time and money trying to make their day everything they envisioned. Don’t ruin it by sharing your negative thoughts on the dry chicken, shoddy centerpieces, bridesmaid’s dresses or anything else that doesn’t warrant an opinion. Unless of course it’s a positive one, then you may proceed.