Make your guests feel welcome

Whether you are having a traditional wedding or something a bit more alternative, you should aim to make your guests feel as much a part of your special day as possible.  There are several ways in which to do this, so here’s our little guide to helping both you and your guests have a hassle-free wedding day.

Send out your save the date cards and invitations in good time, giving everyone the chance the make plans to attend your wedding day.  Include detailed timings, maps, and options for accommodation and travel.  Include a gift list if you are having one, making sure that you include a note to say that purchasing a gift is optional.  You may want to ask for a donation to a charity of your choosing instead, or perhaps a contribution to your honeymoon or something that you need for your home.  Include an RSVP card to make it easy for your guests to reply – this will also encourage people to reply sooner as half the work is done for them!

Think about who you are inviting.  Consider your guest’s children and whether they will be included in the day.  Think about whether you wish to add a ‘plus-1′ to any single guest’s invitation.

Is is very useful to have wedding table plans as well as place cards at the reception venue so that people can clearly see where they are meant to be seated.  Have several wedding table plans dotted around – or even give them out with the order of service or hand them round during the photo shoot so people know in advance where they need to be.