In today's day and age, weddings are becoming more and more stressful. And one of the most stressful aspects is the "etiquette" issue and how to keep everyone happy. Thus, more and more people are resorting to the "A to Z". A relatively new concept in recent years, it is becoming more and more popular as a way of giving people information in relation to the wedding day, particular with regard to broaching difficult subjects like gifts......and children. If you've already made up your mind that a wedding is not a suitable occasion for people to bring their children along to, then you'll know how difficult this can be to relay to easily offended parents.

Hopefully the few ideas that I have set out below will give you some inspiration on how to relay general (and sensitive) information and requests to your wedding guests.

A is for
Anne - our bridesmaid.
Accommodation - we have attached a list which we hope is of assistance to you.

B is for
Brenda - our flowergirl
Bridesmaids - Anne, Shirley and Tanya

C is for
Children - The hotel will provide an on-site babysitter from 8pm
Children - Due to the hotel's limit on numbers, it has not been possible to invite children, unless specifically named on your invite. We apologise if this offends, and hope that you will be able to arrange childminders on the day.
Celebrant - Fr. John, who we thank for all his help with our preparations, will perform the ceremony.

D is for
Directions - We've included directions both to the church, and to the hotel. These are mainly for our male guests as the bride knows from experience that they won't stop to ask anyone.
Drink! - Wine will be provided with the meal.
Dancing - A band will play from 8pm to 10pm when a DJ will take us into the early hours of the morning.

E is for
Etiquette - We'd like everyone to enjoy themselves rather than worry about the "done" thing.

F is for
Family and Friends - This is what weddings are all about and we look forward to seeing you all there.

G is for
Gift List - We want you to know that it is your presence and not your presents that is worth more to us. For those that have asked, we have a small list at ***** of *****.

H is for
Honeymoon - We will be departing the next day for Jamaica

I is for
Invitations........handmade by the bride. Please reply by the 23rd *****
J is for
Joy! - This is what we both feel now that the day is near.

K is for
Kenneth - our pageboy

L is for
Love - the reason we're getting married
Laughter - which we hope the day will be filled with

M is for
Messages - There will be a guest book at the church. We'd love you to sign it, and feel free to add your comments.

N is for
Night Johnboy! - There will be a bar extension until the early hours of the morning. We will be staying at the hotel, so please feel free to forego etiquette that says you must wait for the bride and groom to leave. O is for
Order of the Day - The Ceremony will be at 1.45pm sharp. The bride will not be late! The Hotel will serve dinner at 6.00pm. Live music will start at 8pm and continue until 10. The DJ will take us into the early hours of the morning.

P is for
Pat - the best man.
Parents - to who we owe so much for their love and support throughout the years. The brides parents are *** and ***** ***. The grooms parents are **** and ****** *******. Photographs - We will have a professional photographer there on the day, so.......say cheese!

Q is for
Quiet Please! - We would request that you turn off mobile phones during the ceremony and speeches.

R is for
Reply Cards - Please complete and return the reply cards included with your invitations (by 2nd July as we have to let the venue know final numbers).

S is for
Speeches - These will follow dinner. They will be informal, and there will be an opportunity for guests to speak.

T is for
Tables - You will find the seating plan at the entrance to the reception room. The tables will be named after Walt Disney characters!

U is for
United - We will be united in marriage for U to see.

V is for
Vegetarian - Please let us know, by use of the reply card, if you require a vegetarian meal. Please also let us know if you suffer from any food allergies or have any other special requirements.

W is for
Weather - We are hoping for a sunny day but don't forget your brolly, just in case.
Wine - There will be wine served at the meal.

X is for
Xtra - If you need any more information, please let us know and we'll do our best to help.

Y is for
You - As our guest we'd like to thank you for making our wedding day very special.

Z is for
Zodiac - The Groom is a Gemini and the Bride is an Aries- we're not sure what this means but its worked well so far.