A friend of mine who is getting married in August forced me into a whirlwind of conversations about linens, invitations and rules of etiquette. I’m sure I’m not alone here. It’s summer, which means it’s primetime for weddings.

It doesn’t hurt to be mindful of summer wedding etiquette. Even if you’re not attending a wedding this summer, take a look at some tips I’ve come across.

Accommodations and travel

This is their day, not yours. You are responsible for your travel and overnight accommodations, if necessary. Even if you are a bridesmaid or groomsman (called a wedding attendee), don’t expect the bridal party to accommodate you.

Arrange for your own transportation. This may mean that you take a cab from the airport to your hotel or wherever you’re staying. Just because you flew in from North Dakota for your cousin’s wedding doesn’t mean the bride and groom have time to catch up with you. Be respectful that they have a million things on their minds, and you can catch up after the ceremony.

Gift-giving

You should send a gift whether you are attending the wedding ceremony or not. Sometimes there is more than one shower or party and gift-giving etiquette gets complicated.

Engagement parties aren’t overly common, but if you are invited to one, you aren’t expected to bring a gift. Think of it as a “celebrating-the-announcement” party.

Bridal showers typically involve games, food and watching the bride-to-be open presents, so it’s customary to bring a gift. It’s common for the bride to open her gifts in front of the guests, so it could be an awkward situation if you decide not to bring one to the shower.

Bachelorette party gifts are generally more humorous. Don’t stress about this one. It’s not required that you bring one, and it’s supposed to be fun.

Finally, even if you brought a gift to the bridal shower, you are still expected to give a wedding present.

Dress Code

It’s summer and understandably hot outside. Ladies, it’s OK to wear a sleeveless dress and show off your tan.

Wedding Abbreviations

MOH: Maid/Matron of Honor (Maids are single, Matrons are married)

FOB: Father of the Bride

MOB: Mother of the Bride

FOG: Father of the Groom

MOG: Mother of the Groom

FI: Future In-Law or Fianceé

BTB: Bride-to-be

SO: Significant other

STD: Save the date

FIL: Father-In-Law

MIL: Mother-In-Law

OOT: Out-of-Towners