1. To help keep track of your guests and ensure no one gets forgotten, devise a spreadsheet with columns including invitation sent, RSVP received, details of gift received and date of thank you note sent (bride and groom magazine issue 50)

2. In America and the UK it is popular to send out save-the-date-cards, this gives your guests advance warning to avoid clashes especially over the holiday periods. (nz weddings magazine issue 22)

3. Invitations should tell guests the date, the time, the full address of the venue and where the reception will be held. If marrying on a week day it helps to spell out as people automatically assume weddings happen on a Saturday. If the reception is for a fixed length of time include this information on the invitation. (nz weddings magazine issue 22)

4. Use an additional information sheet that contains information about transport and accommodation options for out-of-town guests.

5. Order of Service cards are vital for the guests on the day itself. These are normally folded white or cream cards or heavy paper. The names of the bride and groom plus the venue and date appear on the cover, inside are the names of the officiant, bridal party and musicians, the order of the ceremony, the words of any hymns, songs or prayers. (nz weddings magazine issue 22)

6. Order 5-10 extra invitations to allow for mistakes if you are hand writing the guests names yourself or for extra guests that you may want to invite due to original guests not being able to make it. Remove your rsvp date so you can send these invitations once you know who has declined

7. There is no need to put your rsvp address on your invitations if your rsvp envelopes have been pre-addressed back to you.

8. Tie all your order of service together with a co-ordinating ribbon, great presentation prior to the ushers handing them out.

9.  There are a variey of DIY packs out there, Jeannie Mae Stationery does all the cutting and printing for you so you don't have to purchases special equipment.