So you’ve sent your invite out in plenty of time, but now the RSVP date has passed … and to be honest, you’re getting antsy about who’s coming to your party. When friends don’t reply to an invitation – whether they have a reasonable excuse or not – it can make it very hard to complete your party planning. So how do you prompt a definite response?

Setting a date for your wedding is one of the most exciting moments in the days of preparation for your big day. So many things need to line up – venue availability, your personal calendars, public holidays, even large public events can sometimes interfere with your plans, and there’s always the availability of special guests and performers to take into consideration. It’s little surprise then, that getting a date isn’t always easy.

So you’ve scored the job of organising a hen’s party and you’re feeling a little pressure. You want to make the event fun and memorable, and cater to the bride-to-be as well as her guests… not always easy! Here are some helpful resources that will no doubt get your planning started.

Q. How much should I spend on a wedding present when the couple is ‘keeping it casual’? My friends are being married on the balcony of their favourite local restaurant, with dinner to follow afterwards.