Here are 3 tips to help put your mind at ease.

Tip 1: don’t presume that all the suppliers have every detail you requested correct from your first meeting. Get details in writing, contact them all 1 month prior and check every detail with them.  Specify day and date -don’t presume that they know the 29th is a Friday. Make a friendly call to all Suppliers the week prior to the wedding. 

Tip 2 :If you can’t afford a planner for the day, delegate one of your bridesmaids to keep track of the day’s events. Let them know in advance your wishes, then if something does happen, they can advise suppliers on your behalf.

Tip 3: Your guests came to see how happy you are, not to pass judgement on you, it’s not a test. If something goes wrong, remember you are the only one who knows what was originally planned. Keep smiling and go with the flow of the day. On the day, what will be, will be.  It’s not always about the plan but how you deal with it that matters!

To have 6 small bridesmaids is going to be hard work for you on the day. I would suggest no more than 2 flower girls below the age of 7.  Remember the duty of a bridesmaids  is to support you before your big moment. So you don’t upset relations why not consider not having any of them as bridesmaids but give them an alternative role. Request the parents select an ivory dress for your cousins to wear and give each a basket filled with miniature bubbles. Have them skip between the guests and hand out the favours to all.

Guests do sometimes forget to reply to the invitation believing that you will know that they will attend. I would always suggest chasing up guests that have not sent replies 2-3 weeks prior to the wedding. Also if there is a question mark as to whether a relative will be able to make it. Make sure you have extra place cards and favours and make the caterer aware of the possibility; a good caterer would usually have a few extra plates just in case.
if you or your parents do spot guests that you thought were not attending, tell your wedding planner or get your best man to speak with the cater ASAP so that a place can be set for them.
Whatever happens don’t worry with a little advance notice your suppliers  will keep your wedding running smoothly, And  remember ,Keep smiling and your guests will see how happy  you are, remember that’s why they came after all.

When sending your invitations include a menu card for your chosen meal. make a request that they send any meal requirements along with their reply, this way you will be able to advise the caterer of the guests needs. Also check with the caterer their policy on changes in the menu on the day if required.

The traditional seating order does separate the parents so this would work for you if the parents are happy to all be seated on the top table.

If having the new partners on the top table is still causing friction, you could opt for each couple to host a table, and have yourselves on with the bridesmaids and best man.  This style works well with all round tables.