Planning a wedding can be a head-spinning experience. Below is an invitation checklist, which will help the couple stay on track and in control.

„ - Start the process 4 –5 months in advance of the wedding, by gathering information e.g. date of the wedding, time and place of ceremony, reception hall, time of dinner and reception. Maps of how to travel to these places (in case of ordering map cards.) Menu cards are optional.

„ - Tally up total number of guests invited to determine number of invitations required. It is usually one per family, one per couple. Add on a couple of extras in case some become damaged and one for scrapbook.

„ - Select a theme or colour for the invitations. Check invitation catalogues, paper shops, bridal magazines and websites for great ideas.

„ - Order your invitations and enclosures 3 to 4 months before the wedding.

„ - Obtain proof from the printer before invitations are actually produced. Proof it yourself. Give it to your fiancé, mother and a friend to ensure that all the information and spelling is correct.

„ - Arrange for a calligrapher or enlist a couple of friends e.g. bridesmaids, mother and future mother-in-law to help you hand address the envelopes.

„ - Make certain there is a stamp on the return envelope for the convenience of the guests.

„ - Mail invitations 6 –8 weeks in advance of the wedding.

„ - Compile a list of guest who sent their reply cards back and are attending the wedding and whether single guests are bringing a guest to the wedding.

Once this is done, you are ready to move onto the next step, letting the caterers know how many people will be attending the dinner. Being organized will ensure a smooth flow to this process and help the couple with stress-free planning.