They say that with events, it’s the “little things” that matter, and somehow I couldn’t agree more. With wedding planning, it might actually be in your best interest to “sweat the small stuff,” since it is truly the attention to detail that separates an “amazing” wedding from a merely “good” one.

Here are some details that matter:
• Toasting
Always ensure that whoever is moving the toast at the lectern has a glass of wine or champagne in hand. Many people move a toast and then realise at the end of their toast or speech that they have no glass to raise! The same goes for wedding guests—ensure that each guest has your beverage of choice before the formal part of your ceremony begins, so that they too can raise their glasses in celebration!

• Invitations
Avoid abbreviating names or addresses, or using nicknames on the invitation when addressing envelopes. Another etiquette rule is that wording on an invitation should only be done by a printery or printer. An exception to this rule might be more casual invitations which may take the form of handwritten notes or calligraphed scrolls. Nothing should be written or corrected by hand onto the invitation itself. This not only detracts from the look of the invitation but is also considered socially incorrect.

• Meet and greet
This is important because every guest wants to see you up close and have a small chit-chat with you on your wedding day. They may feel awkward to approach you amongst your relatives and new spouse, so it is a good idea to move around your reception venue and try to meet as many of the guests as possible and accommodate them with photos. If your wedding is very large, try appointing some “guest ambassadors”, perhaps trusted friends or relatives or even your wedding co-ordinator to circulate amongst the guests, greet them on your behalf or even introduce them to others.

• Saying “Thank you”
Proper etiquette indicates that even if you have thanked guests in person, you are still expected to send out a formal note or card. Thank you cards should always be handwritten and should contain a personalised message to your guest. You could start by thanking the guest for coming to celebrate your marriage, then you could mention how much you like the gift, how you plan to use it, or where you will place it in your new home. If you have received a gift from a group, perhaps co-workers or another association, you are required to send a thank you card to each person in the group.

Should the group’s members be in excess of ten people, you can do a general thank you card to the entire organisation. Thank you cards need not be limited to guests alone. They can also be sent to wedding suppliers who did exceptional jobs, your officiant, people who organised the bridal shower and bachelor party and parents. Foreign guests at your wedding should never be overlooked. Be sure to write and thank them for making the journey to attend.