Wedding planning tips: ten things we have learned

We see a lot of weddings come together — from the first draft of the guest list to the last guest checked in at the door. Here are ten things we have learned along the way that make the planning calmer and the day smoother.

1. Settle the guest list early

Almost every other decision depends on how many people are coming: the venue, the catering, the budget. Agree on the list with both families first, and keep one shared copy rather than several versions in different chats.

2. Decide who is invited to what

If some guests are invited to the church but not the reception, decide that before anything goes out, and give each group its own invitation. With us, an additional version of your invitation has its own link and its own guest list, so nobody receives details meant for someone else.

3. Choose a reply-by date and keep to it

Your caterer and venue will want final numbers, usually a week or two before the day. Set your reply-by date a little before that. On a Cordially Invited invitation, the reply form closes once that date passes, so late replies do not quietly change your numbers.

4. Put the programme on the invitation

Guests plan better when they know the times: when to be at the church, when the reception starts, when it ends. A clear programme also saves you answering the same question many times in the week of the wedding.

5. Give directions, not just a venue name

Not every guest knows every venue. A map link for each place — the ceremony and the reception — means fewer calls asking for directions on the day.

6. Name the people to call

Choose one or two people your guests can contact with questions, and put their numbers on the invitation. It keeps those calls away from the couple, who will have enough to think about.

7. Share the work

A family member, your planner or a trusted friend can help manage the replies. On your dashboard you can add them as helpers, each with their own sign-in and only the access they need — viewing the list, approving replies, or checking guests in.

8. Plan the door

Decide who will stand at the entrance and how they will know who was invited. Every approved guest receives a unique reference number on WhatsApp; your door person checks it on their phone and marks each guest in, so the list stays accurate as people arrive.

9. Send a reminder

Weeks pass between the invitation and the day. A short reminder a few days before helps guests arrive on time and at the right place. Our reminder add-on sends one to your confirmed guests on WhatsApp, on the date you choose.

10. Collect the photos your guests take

Your guests will take hundreds of photographs that you may never see. With guest photo sharing, they share them on your invitation on the day, and you download them all afterwards.

Every wedding is different, and if you have a question about yours, message us. We are always happy to help.