1. No, you don’t have to attend: If you don’t want to go, don’t. But, you do have to RSVP: Get it done as soon as possible and no later than two weeks before the wedding. If you aren’t coming, the happy couple wants to give your spot to someone they left off the list.
2. No, you can’t bring a date: Unless you’ve been invited “+ guest” or your kids’ names appear on the envelope, you’re the only one who may take a seat at the reception.
3. Get me to the church on time: If the wedding is supposed to start at high noon, get there 15 minutes early to make sure you’re settled before the wedding procession starts.
4. Please! No pictures! If you must snap during the ceremony, turn the flash off. Otherwise, just keep your camera to yourself until the reception.
5. Don’t get drunk: A little tipsy, maybe. But you’re there to toast the bride and groom, not get torched. And easy does it: You are not the only one in the buffet line. Don’t pile your plate sky high.
6. Elbows! Don’t elbow another guest to get to the tossed bouquet or garter. No one wants to get married that badly.
7. Wait for cake: Unless something horrible has gone wrong at home, you need to stick around until the cake is cut.
