I’ve recently joined a group called The wedding Collection which is a collection of independent businesses related to weddings (as you might have guessed from the title!).  The aim is to provide excellent quality services to those getting married.  We want to make planning your wedding enjoyable rather than stressful by offering a friendly and personable service.  Just some of the exciting services include edible fruit bouquets, dove releases, japenese florestry, wedding planners that genuinely don’t cost the earth, and many more.  We had a great meeting today at The Welcombe Hotel in Stratford with some great ideas discussed (and some lovely cupcakes sampled!).  We are planning a wedding fayre in October 2011, but let me tell you its no ordinary wedding fayre!  I’ll let you know more as I do so definitely look out for more news from me.  You can also follow The Wedding Collection on facebook which will keep you updated on our progress and bring you some great offers.  I have included the individual businesses on my links page so you can go directly to their websites.

 I have been looking at different articles on wedding etiquette and compiled some of the key points in relation to your wedding stationery.   I hope you find them helpful.

Save the date cards

These should be sent out 6-12months in advance

Invitations

These are sent out 6 weeks prior to the wedding

Invitation wording should be written according to who’s hosting the wedding. Traditionally the Bride’s parents are the hosts but it may be you the couple, both sets of parents etc.  Check how the hosts want their names to appear.

One invitation is sufficient for couples and/or families.  However, you may wish to send a separate invitation for children over the age of 18.

Key information to be included on the invitation:
State if invitation extends to the ceremony, reception or evening party
If children are invited include their names
The name of the person the recipient should to reply to
RSVP address
Telephone number
Dress code (leave off if no dress code)

You may wish to include a map and directions or information on accommodation

Traditionally guests are asked to contact the bride’s mother for the gift list or you could include details on a separate piece of paper

Address the envelope to the female on the invitation (if applicable)

Thank You cards

These should be handwritten for the personal touch

Table Plan

The traditional seating arrangements for the top table are (from left to right): Chief Bridesmaid, Groom’s Father, Bride’s Mother, Groom, Bride, Bride’s Father, Groom’s Mother, Best Man

Favours

These are an important way of expressing your thanks to your guests who may have travelled a long way or given you expensive gifts.

You should allow one per guest

They do not need to be expensive

They do not replace gifts for the wedding party who may have contributed to planing and organising your wedding

This is a link for a more detailed article on all aspects of wedding etiquette:

http://www.countybride.co.uk/bristol/wedding_etiquette/roles_duties/