Although a wedding should be the happiest day of a person’s life, it can also be one of the most stressful. With so many things to think about, organise and consider, it can be an extremely daunting and demanding experience. However, with so much emphasise placed on the larger, more expensive items, such as cars, dresses and flowers, it is important to remember essential stationary; commonly forgotten about.

There are so many things to consider when it comes to communicating with your guests. Forward thinking and planning is desirable when it comes to arranging a wedding to avoid disappointment on the big day. Many individuals may need to organise travel, accommodation, child care or time off from work before confirming an invite so ensuring that you are prepared is appropriate for both you and your guests. Nowadays it isn’t enough to simply send friends and family wedding invitations, but also ‘Save the Day’ notes, reply cards, location maps and many more. Ensuring that the main bulk of admin work is completed early on will allow more time to indulge in the fun activities and plan the exciting things, such as wedding dress shopping and the all-important hen night.

To ensure that you have everything covered when it comes to your potential guests, follow this check list:

Save the Day Notes: Well in advance, as soon as you confirm your venue and date, you should compile a list of guests that you wish to attend. By sending a ‘Save the Day’ note, potential guests are able to ensure that arrangements are put in place to make sure they are able to attend. This will not only help them plan ahead but also save you from the disappointment of loved ones not being able to attend.

Wedding Invitations: Once the venue, ceremony and reception is booked, invitations are ready to be sent out to all those people who are on your guest list. It is advisable to purchase invitations that are consistent with your theme or colour scheme. Although, this is not essential, it will help in setting the tone for your wedding and many retailers will allow you to personalise your own invitations, meaning the perfect design is easily obtainable.

Reply Cards: There’s little use in sending invitations without supplying a reply card with them. By doing so, guests can easily get in contact with you and confirm their invite or let you know otherwise. It is important that you are aware very early on about the number of people attending. This way, caterers, venue staff and hotels can all accommodate for them in the best possible manner.

Location Map: Providing guests with up-to-date directions to the venue will benefit both yourself and the guests. A printed version of the map should be inserted into the invitation to ensure that people are aware of the destination and the times. This, again, will avoid a delaying the day and allow for things to run as smoothly as possible.

Menu: Letting people know what food will be served throughout the day will allow them time to make special dietary requirements, if needed. For example, vegetarian options should always be accounted for in advance and anyone with allergies or intolerances will need to be identified and catered for. This will avoid disappointment from guests on the day and reduce the risk of waiting times.

Place Cards: To avoid confusion and disruption during meal time, place cards can be the ideal tool. By sticking to your theme and colour, tables can look pretty, appealing and organised. Accompany these place cards with a large seating plan displayed at the entrance of the dining hall so guests are able to determine their seats upon arrival and find them in a calm and orderly manner.

Thank You cards: Once the wedding is over and everyone is still buzzing about the spectacular event, you would assume your role as organiser is well and truly over. However, it is always advisable to send out thank you cards to those who have contributed to your big day, either by simply being there or purchasing a gift.