A Save the Date Card is a great way to make sure that your guests keep your wedding date free, before you've had chance to finalise all the details. They are a simple card that gets posted out, or sent digitally.

IS IT ESSENTIAL? No. You might decide to send out a Save the Date if:

Your Wedding is Abroad: If you're having a destination wedding then let your guests know as far in as advance as you can. They need time to book work holiday or save money for the trip

Your Wedding is on a special day: If you have chosen a Bank Holiday, a National holiday date, or even mid summer, then a save the date might be useful. Think to yourself Is it likely that people will be pre-booking other things on our wedding day? If the answer is yes, than send out a save the date.

Your Wedding is a long way away: If you aren't planning on getting married for a while, but you have managed to secure a venue and a date, then send out a save the date to make everyone aware, it also helps to keep the excitement alive before you get down to the planning.

WHEN SHOULD I SEND THEM OUT? Over a year before your wedding.

WHAT DETAILS DO I INCLUDE?: Save the Dates are quite simple and only include a small amount of detail (because you haven't planned everything yet). Include the words Save the Date, your names and a date. You can add additional lines like formal invitation to follow.

DIGITAL OR HARD COPY?: This is your personal preference, but also do consider your budget. Sending out Save the Date cards can end up being quite expensive once you factor in design, printing and postage. If you want to save a little bit of money consider sending out a digital save the date that can be sent via WhatsApp.

Your Wedding Invitation is the most important part of your wedding planning as it lets everyone you want to be there know the important details of the day.

IS IT ESSENTIAL: Yes

WHEN DO I SEND THEM OUT?: Between 6 - 12 months before your wedding date.

WHAT DETAILS DO I INCLUDE?: Your wedding invitations should include all the important details of your day - your names, your wedding date and time, the location and RSVP details. Take a look at my post Wedding Invitation Tips: 5 Details for in a depth look at what to include on your Invitations.

If you have split your wedding into two separate parts then you will need an additional Reception Invitation to let your evening guests know details specific to them.

IS IT ESSENTIAL: No. Unless you have a separate reception event.

WHEN DO I SEND THEM OUT?: Between 6 - 12 months before your wedding date. Some couples decide to send these out later than the main Wedding Invitation. That way, if someone can't attend they can 'bump up' some guests.

WHAT DETAILS DO I INCLUDE?: Your reception invitations should include all the important details of your day - your names, your reception date and time and the location. RSVP details aren't always essential for reception guests, but you might want to know who is and isn't coming. Take a look at my post Wedding Invitation Tips: 5 Details for in a depth look at what to include on your Invitations.

RSVPs are needed so that you know who is and who isn't able to attend your special day. If you have restricted numbers at your venue, or a sit down wedding breakfast, than an RSVP is a must.

IS IT ESSENTIAL: Yes, you need to know your numbers

WHEN DO I SEND THEM OUT?: With your wedding invitations

WHAT DETAILS DO I INCLUDE?:

RSVP Return Date: When do you need to know final numbers for your wedding venue? Make the RSVP date a few weeks before this date - this will give you a buffer of time to chase any last minute stragglers.

Contact Details: Include your return address, your telephone number or your email address. Make it clear who your guests are replying to. I always recommend have one person only who all of the RSVPs get sent to, this puts one person in charge and reduces confusion and crossed wires.

Acceptance/Decline: If sending out a physical RSVP Postcard then add a line that says We would love to come to your wedding with a tick box next to it, and a line that says We're so sorry we can't make it with a tick box next to it. This makes it a lot easier for you to see at a glance who is and isn't able to attend.

POSTAL OR DIGITAL?: This is a personal choice. If you want a keepsake of who will be attending, or if you find it easier to have a tangible item to process, then opt for a hard copy that you receive in the post. Do remember though that this will add extra expense to your invitation costs. If you are on a budget, or find it easier to collate messages or emails then add a line to your invitation with details of where your guests can reply to.

You might want to let your guests know some additional details of your big day, and it prevents constant contact from guests with multiple questions. You can add additional cards to your wedding invitation, that slot behind in the envelope, or some couples even have a wedding website with all the details their guests will need available with one click.

IS IT ESSENTIAL: No, but it can be helpful.

WHEN DO I SEND THEM OUT?: With your wedding invitations.

WHAT DETAILS DO I INCLUDE?:

• Local Accommodation

• Local Taxi and Transport Details

• Additional Venue Details

• Dress Code

• Gift Registry and Details

• A Map of the Venue

• An Itinerary

• Details on Children at the Wedding

• Meal Choices/Menu

Take a look at my post Wedding Invitation Tips: 5 Details for in a depth look at what to include on your Invitations.

Flat wedding invitations are a one page card that is printed on one or both sides. You can choose a variety or card stocks from a smooth silk card to something more dramatic like a pearlescent card. The price is dependent on the elements that you choose, but this is an affordable options if you decide to send out postal invitations.

If you have a lot of details to include you might decide to add additional cards behind your wedding invitation, these can then be placed loose into an envelope or held together with a decorative wedding band or ribbon.

Think of these like a Wedding Invitation Greeting Card. On the front you can add your wedding announcement with your names and then include the finer details inside. These are great if you have extra details you need to include.

Again the price of these can vary dependent on the card stock that you decide on.

Pocket fold wedding invitations used to be extremely popular and traditional. A coloured card envelope with your invitation on one side and on the other a pocket to include all your additional details.

I used to produce a lot of these, but I have removed them now because they were far too pricey for my clients. The cost of a pocket fold starts at around £4.50 each.

If you have an elaborate wedding spanning over a few days, or guests coming from abroad who need a lot of details, then a booklet might be perfect for you. It's a little magazine full of details of your special event.

If you are short on budget, or just prefer the digital world, then a digital wedding invitation is perfect for you. These are usually a one page image the size of a standard smart phone. Perfect for sending out via Whatsapp.