As a traveling wedding guest, you've a longer to-do list: plane tickets, hotel reservations, pressing clothes upon arrival. Make your trip more enjoyable with these tips.

Selecting a Wedding Gift

Depending on your travel and accommodation costs, a gift's price may take more importance than usual. Try a gift certificate, which fit any budget and ship inexpensively, or a wedding gift basket, which you can order online or by phone and have sent directly to the couple. You may also have more fun giving the couple a special object they can treasure. Gifts.com's Gift Finder can help you find thoughtful and unique gifts that match the happy couple's personalities and interests. You can search for wedding gift baskets and other gifts here.

For out of town weddings, consider giving a gift certificate or a wedding gift basket, which you can order online or by phone and have sent directly to the couple.

Delivering the Wedding Gift

Ease logistical worries by shipping your present to the couple; this solution works especially well for wedding gift baskets, as they're already designed to be delivered. You won't have to manage the package while traveling, nor struggle to fit it into your suitcase. If you choose to send something other than a wedding gift basket, select an item that ships well, or use a trusted store to handle the packing and shipping when sending something breakable. If you'd rather transport the gift yourself, make sure it qualifies as carry-on luggage to prevent the heartbreak of losing a packed gift in transit. Also, pack your gift unwrapped and wrap it after your arrival to accommodate airport security regulations and prevent the decorative packaging from getting rumpled.

General Etiquette

Another common challenge for out-of-town guests is punctuality. If possible, arrive the day before the wedding. Learn in advance the route and time required to reach the wedding from your hotel. (Your concierge can help.)

If you're able, offer to help with preparations. From chauffeuring grandparents to placing bouquets, your assistance will create more opportunities to spend time with the family and make acquaintances before the reception.

Refrain from dropping in at the home of the bride, groom and their families, unless you've been expressly invited to do so -- even if you've known them many years. They are busy making all ready. Instead, make plans to meet up with old friends, and find entertainment by consulting guidebooks, your concierge and the local newspaper (rather than the couple).

Now just pack your dancing shoes, and you're ready to go.