When it comes to good wedding guest etiquette, the very best gift you can give the newlyweds is an excellent, memorable day. And the simplest way to do that? By being a great wedding guest.

A card (at minimum) is essential for guests, even when you’ve flown across the nation to attend the marriage.

Tip: acquire one well in advance from the big day, so there’s no leaving it to chance (or hoping the gas station moving toward the ceremony venue has something suitable—it won’t).Go

This is neither time nor the area to turn up late. You might miss the ceremony itself, or worse, result in a disruption behind when most people are meant to be gazing at the couple in advance. Good wedding guest etiquette dictates that you simply arrive at the venue 30 minutes before the time on the invite.

This should apt to be wedding guest etiquette rule #1, because there’s nothing worse than gorgeous wedding photos with blue ball gowns having a guest without anyone's knowledge texting or, worse, talking on the cell phone—except for any phone ringing within the middle of the ceremony.

That means the photographer, musicians, caterers, minister: anyone who’s there to guarantee the couple’s special day runs smoothly. Don’t enter their way or do anything whatsoever that makes their job impossible, whether that’s jumping within the aisle to capture Instagram Stories on your iPhone or stealing a chair that’s meant for someone by having an instrument.

Good wedding guest etiquette means you’ll sit in which you’re told—not in which you feel like it. If you don’t be aware of people who are around you, introduce yourself making conversation. The couple probably sat you there, with those individuals, simply because they thought you’d be excellent tablemates. Now’s not time to prove them wrong.

We’ve all witnessed someone enjoy a wide-open bar a tad too much. Don’t be that individual. Follow good wedding guest etiquette by staying hydrated, pacing yourself, and don’t get too caught up.

A good wedding guest doesn’t just sit there, texting the nighttime away. No—they participate. Is everyone forming a receiving line in the reception? Take part. Time for that bride to toss her bouquet? Even should you’re not a fan of the tradition, participate—just stand within the back should you despise it. Remember those politeness and guest etiquette means not complaining or criticizing the couple’s choices. This is their day, not yours.