You just recieved the beautiful wedding invitation and look forward to a beautifil and fun-filled day ahead of you. You already know weddings are a perfect mix of yummy food, great wines and dancing. They are also a great way to connect with old friends, meet new ones and make potentially important social contacts. So its still important that you enjoy yourself but make sure you do it with style and good graces. Who knows, you just might be impressing your future boss or husband

1. Do send out your RSVP early: Don’t assume that a verbal “I’m coming, I wouldn’t miss it for the world!” is enough. No matter how close you think you are to the bride, a formal RSVP is always necessary when it has been requested on the invitation. Why? Most brides will probably have a master list or folder where she keeps all her returned RSVPs. It’s this file that she will refer back to when she plans the seating, the meal selection etc… Even if she knows, you, her best friend, is coming, its always easier to have everything in a neat little place where she can refer to. So don’t make her life even more difficult by neglecting to RSVP. Another note is, if a formal card is requested to be sent back, then do so. Don’t make up your own method of replying (ex. email, phone etc. ) along the way.

2. Don’t bring an uninvited date: This is when reading “between the lines” is necessary but literally, you should read EXACTLY what is on the address line. If the envelope and card is addressed to you with your name only, then you must accept that you are invited as a solo guest. If your host is giving you the option of bringing a date, then your invitation will be addressed to you “plus one” or you “and guest”. Having said that, if you are bringing a guest, then RSVP accordingly. Don’t RSVP for one and then bring a date on the day of the wedding!

3. Don’t wear white (or black): You’d think this one was a no brainer. But it is still one of the most obvious and embarassing faux pas being committed. Only the bride should be in white on her wedding day. Wearing this color will make you appear completely inconsiderate in the eyes of the bride, her family and all of the other wedding guests. Another color to avoid is ALL black. In some cultures this color is associated with mourning and is shunned at festive events. Wearing all black in the daytime is to be avoided, but that doesn’t mean you have to nix it altogether. Adding a dash of color with a colorful scarf or cardigan will make a big difference. You can take those items off as you head into the evening event where all black for cocktail hour and dinner is acceptable.

4. Don’t upstage the couple: This is the bridal couple’s special day to shine and have all the attention on them. After months of planning and hard work, this is their once in a lifetime chance to have a day all their own. Avoid wearing ostentatious getups that will draw the spotlight away from them. Don’t wear cleavage bearing or short, sexy hemlines. Don’t complain about what you have been asked to wear. Whether the couple requested guests to be in black tie or even costumes, don’t make a fuss. Sure you might not look great sporting a fascinator but if it has been requested and would make the couple happy, then do it. Just remember, its not about you! In general, just be respectful, dress up in a festive outfit that shows you took time to look good but also leaving the spotlight for the bride.

5. Don’t Skip the ceremony and go to the reception: Sure we all know that wedding receptions are parties and parties are a lot of fun! However, don’t treat the wedding ceremony and the reception as two separate events. Although some guests get antsy sitting through an hour long ceremony full of rituals that they’ve never heard of and sometimes even conducted in other languages, it’s still important to your hosts that you are physically present to witness the special bond they are making with each other. Don’t forget, thats why you were invited in the first place. Next time, (that’s only if you lack the basic decency to really muster up some excitement for the wedding couple) try using the visualization of a booming party and open bar later on in the evening as your motivation.