Etiquette is such a tricky subject to address. Particularly as often several parties are involved in paying for and hosting the wedding - it can be difficult to please everyone. We've compiled our Etiquette SOS to fill you in on some of the more common dos and don'ts.

Do send invitations at least six weeks before your wedding.

Six to eight weeks before your wedding is traditionally when you should send your invitations. However some couples choose to send them earlier than this if their wedding is abroad, or if their guests need to reserve accommodation early. If your guests will need to book very far in advance consider sending out a save the date card up to a year early, and include information about travel and accommodation.

Don't forget to invite the wedding party!

You should send invitations to all members of the wedding party including both sets of parents', even know it may be obvious that they will attend.

Do send invitations to guests you would invite even if you know they can't make it.

If you have an aunt in Australia who you know is unable to attend your wedding, you should still send her an invitation out of courtesy.

Don't forget to send a written thank you card or note.

You should always send a written thank you to all your guests. This can be a cute little thank you card that matches your stationery, or a simple notelet. Remember to thank guests for any gifts they have given you so make a note of who sent what!

Do put the Bride's name before the Groom's on your stationery.

The Bride's name is always written before the Groom's on wedding stationery. For civil partnerships often both names will be written on the same line, in alphabetical order or in the order that reads best. If you are sending more than one invitation to a civil partnership for example a ceremony and reception then some couples choose to take it in turns as to who's name appears first.

Do address replies to the hostess.

Traditionally this would be the Bride's mother, and guests would be expected to write a letter in the third person and to respond by return of post. However these days often the couple and both sets of parents will be hosting the wedding in which case it is best to nominate a person to receive and collate the replies. This is still usually the Bride and Groom or the Bride's parents. Whoever you choose to receive the replies, enclosing a reply card with your invitations is very common and will encourage guests to respond quickly and make collating the replies easier.

Don't expect all guests to give you money even if you have asked for it.

It's common these days for couples to prefer donations towards a house or honeymoon and it is perfectly acceptable to request this as long as it is done tactfully. A carefully worded note on your information cards will not offend. However some guests will still want to buy you a present, especially family or those who have watched you grow up. You should expect this and it's a good idea to have a small gift list for guests who would prefer to give you a present.

Do choose a stationery design that reflects your day.

Traditional wedding stationery is hand engraved in a beautiful copperplate script and die stamped in black ink. It is usually on a heavy white or ivory card, which is folded with the invitation on the front. However you shouldn't be afraid to choose a modern design, there are no set rules and even traditional etiquette guides will advise you to choose an invitation that reflects your wedding and sets the tone for the day. All Chartula stationery is professionally printed and we honour traditional printing methods such as engraving, as well as exploring exciting new techniques like laser cutting. A bold silk screen printed pattern, beautiful laser cut design, rich coloured and tactile card, all make wonderful contemporary wedding stationery. However if it is important to you and your family that your stationery pays tribute to a traditional invitation but you would like to add a subtle contemporary twist, a dash of coloured ink, a contemporary coloured card or a block typeface will instantly update a traditional invitation.