Its been almost a month since my engagement party and as I was chatting to my friends, I realised I learnt so many tips that can prove useful for my wedding day. I know some of my comments may be a tad too bridezilla-esque but Im hoping that you can avoid my embarrassing mistakes:

1. Eat before the ceremony. My fiance and I were the last to eat at the engagement party as we had to meet and greet everyone. We hardly got to eat anything because we wanted to speak to everyone. Eating beforehand also helps so you dont have nasty pieces of food stuck in your teeth as you greet your guests or worse – pose for photos. 

2. Remember that guests that dont RSVP will turn up! My parents invited everyone at their work place – around 100 people but on the actual day, 200 people showed up and we were charged for 165. My parents had a bonfire and buffet. Its imperative to know exactly how many people are attending if you have a sit down meal. One way is to make sure people send of RSVP cards. I wouldnt suggest something like getting a guard to tick off people or make them show invitations but you need to make sure guests know they are supposed to RSVP. I only met one friend who said she didnt attend our party as she forgot to RSVP. 

3. If children are not allowed to the party, make sure the invitation says so and remind your friends. At our wedding, we have to pay 50% per head for children and we are afraid children will cry at the ceremony and run around. So we’re not inviting children. Unfortunately, people at the engagement party turned up with 3 or 4 children even when the invitation said they were not allowed. I couldnt believe the cheap ass people who said they couldnt find a babysitter.

4. Clearly write a dress code. I met someone who turned up in Jeans and his back pack. I sarcastically said to him “Thanks for dressing up for my party” Im getting the body guard at our wedding to ask anyone dressed inappropriately to leave the party and come back in proper attire. I once went a wedding with some friends and when my friend saw how well everyone was dressed, he had to return to get his nice suit on. Luckily for him, his house was only 15 minutes away.

5. Ask people to turn off cell phones/mobiles during the ceremony. The phone rang twice during the speeches at my engagement party! I think most people remember but its important to just remind people.

6. If you’re giving gifts to guests, remember to have one or two extra as there will be some unexpected people who help you. At the engagement party, a lovely lady offered to play the piano and luckily I had an extra bonquet of flowers for her.

7. Get two photographers or ask your friends to take pictures in addition to the professional photographer. My father’s colleague recommended a ‘professional photographer’ for our event and when he turned up, I was so dissappointed because his camera looked like it came from a museum. Luckily, my sister in law has a great camera and took some great pictures for us.

8. Ask the videographer to give you his an unedited version of the footage. Our videographer put in really funny graphics and we prefer to edit it ourselves.

9. Dont forget to hire a cab and bring big bags for the presents. I didnt expect any presents and had to haul back about 200 gifts after the party.

10. Most importantly, ENJOY YOURSELF AND SMILE because there will be loads of people taking pictures when you least expect them to! 

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