So you’re planning your wedding and starting a wonderful new phase of your life. As you plan the cake, dress design, invitation list and venue decorations, also plan your lives so that your happy day is the beginning of happily ever after.

Got a picnic to plan? You can make a picnic as fancy as you please, but if you want to keep things super simple, use our checklist below and enjoy the outdoors.

Looking for a venue to host a hen's party, birthday bash or just a fantastic girls’ day out? We think a day at the races is the answer. There's nothing like frocking up, sipping a glass of your favourite tipple and taking in the action - both on and off the field! Send out one of our racy invites created especially for you.

The weather may be cooling down, but that doesn’t mean you should sit at home in your trackies every night from now until spring arrives in September. Making an effort to go out with your partner for a regular date night ensures you don’t slip into the humdrum of spending every night on the couch – co-ordinate diaries to pick a free night, then book the babysitter ASAP! Here are some fun date-night options which don’t cost a lot but are sure to inject a little romance into your day-to-day lives:

There is nothing more stunning at a wedding than an abundance of fresh flowers, and if they have a beautiful scent, it adds to the ambience of the occasion too.

If you have a children's special occasion to attend and you're required to bring a plate, we have some great ideas to ensure your contribution is a hit on the day.

Here are some ways to entertain at home without breaking the budget or looking like a cheapskate:

Here are the answers to common cocktail food questions – from what type of canapés to serve, how to serve them, and the number of bites required to satisfy each guest’s hunger …

Those four crazy gals from NYC are back in the next installment of their fabulous lives – yes, the wait for Sex and the City 2 is finally over! We all love fantasising about living the high life like Carrie, Sam, Charlotte and Miranda, so invite your own posse of girls to see the flick in style together. Here’s how:

The cupcake craze has been in full swing for a few years now, and thankfully it’s showing no signs of letting up!

For most of us, our wedding day will be the biggest event that you need to organise in your lifetime, so it pays to be organised!

The doona is coming out and we’re experiencing crisper mornings and cooler afternoons once the sun disappears behind the clouds … yes, we’re in the last weeks of autumn before the big winter chill arrives with a vengeance.

Whether you have an office party to plan, a Christmas dinner to host, or a New Year’s celebration to organise, why not create your own invitation?

Whether you’ve just embarked upon a new relationship or actively dating in the quest for the perfect partner, taking note of a little dating etiquette is certain to impress your potential life mate. Here are some classic do’s and don’ts of the dating world:

Having a kitchen tea? What a fun way to celebrate before you or your friend tie the knot! Whether you’re hosting your own party or it’s being put on by your beloved bridesmaids or favourite aunt, there’s one thing you can’t do without on this occasion – presents!

If you’ve been tasked with feeding the hungry footy fans on finals day, some simple preparation and planning can go a long way to making the day a success.

Let’s face it, squeezing your party planning in around work, friends, family and the rest of your life is stressful. Drowning in party paperwork and e-mails and losing track of your to do list? Follow five super simple tips to Paper Flow your Party, from Brigitte Hinneberg, author of Paper Flow, your ultimate guide to making paperwork easy! The end result? An organised, fabulous event and a relaxed and confident host.

These days, clever brides are planning their weddings on the Net - it's the easiest starting point for researching venues, choosing a cake decorator, tracking down waltz classes, and more. You can do it all from your living room after work, saving hours of trekking around town to visit endless suppliers and shops.

We all love presents, and happily, your wedding is one occasion when you are going to receive more presents than you could ever imagine! There are engagement and wedding gifts, presents for the bridal party, and sometimes even an exchange of gifts between the bride and groom!

Banish the blokes this Friday night – it’s high time you had a girly get-together at home! Simply gather the ingredients for the perfect girls’ night-in: you, the girls, some bubbly, a box of Raffaello, a couple of comfy couches, and a session of gossip and secret-telling.

Overdue for a catch-up with the girls? Then organise a Girls Night In (GNI). During the month of October each year, women are encouraged to spend a night in with their girlfriends, and then donate the money they would've spent on a night out to the Cancer Council. The event raises vital funds to fight women's cancers.

Kick your husband or boyfriend out of the house for the night, and send the kids to their grandparents. It’s time to host a girls’ pamper session at your place! Invite half a dozen of your closest girlfriends to share in the fun with one of our girls’ night in invites.

Whether you’re the kind of person who does a lot of planning in their head, or a super-organised type who has a to-do list for every day of the year, when it comes to entertaining, everyone can benefit from a checklist.

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.

It’s fair to say that in most cases, the bride-to-be puts in the majority of the elbow grease when it comes to planning the big day. So what does the Groom actually need to do in preparation for the wedding? The truth is, there’s no hard and fast rules when it comes to who is responsible for what, but if you use our handy guide below as a starting point, delegating some of the tasks to your other half can become a lot easier (and you can get on with your list of things to do!).

Can you remember the last time you received a hand written card or invitation in the mail? There’s something special about receiving a handwritten message from a friend or loved one, because they’ve taken the time to put pen to paper for you!

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?

Those who've hosted gatherings for little people are well aware of the effects that too much sugar can inflict on a get-together. Hyperactivity, tantrums and tears are all best avoided on this special day, and by serving nutritious food, it's almost certain that some of those negative party experiences can be avoided.

You only have one hen’s night (unless you get married a couple of times, that is!). So if you’ve been given the job of organising the ‘last hurrah’ before your friend gets hitched, you might be feeling the pressure to make it super-fun. Here are a few games and activities to help keep the good times rolling.

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.

Another long weekend is headed our way thanks to the Anzac Day public holiday on Monday 26 April. So take off in the car after work on Friday or early Saturday morning to enjoy the time off!

Need some exercise, but also lacking the motivation to get off the couch? Get a group together for an exercise session …

Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival is upon us with exciting events like Derby Day and the Golden Slipper, so here are five ways to make your girls’ day at the races super-fun:

Hooray! He proposed, you said yes, and you’ve set the date for the big day. If the occasion is a year or less away, you should waste no time in booking the venue for your ceremony and reception. But where do you start? Our step-by-step guide will point you in the right direction. Here’s what to consider before you hand over your deposit cheque …

Spring is a beautiful time to host a garden party. Go all old-worldly and feminine and set up a traditional tea party at your place. Think shabby-chic, romantic, pastel and pretty! This is a great idea for a girls-only event such as a kitchen tea, birthday celebration or baby shower.

You’ve been planning your big do for weeks, and after all that effort, the big day is almost here. Hooray! And while you’ve probably channelled umpteen hours into organising your special occasion – from decorations to food to music and the right mix of guests – you may not have planned your personal ‘party look’ yet. Don’t panic … Here’s a must-do cheat sheet to look your best!

With the divorce rate so high, celebrating marriages that have lasted the distance is even more special than ever! So if your parents (or grandparents) are approaching a significant anniversary, don’t let it go by without a party. They’ll love the thought, and the chance to relive the day they tied the knot many decades ago.

Here’s the dilemma: you sent out party invitations a month ago, and in the last few weeks the replies have rolled in steadily. But now that the RSVP date has lapsed, there are still lots of outstanding responses … and quite frankly, you’re starting to get a bit annoyed. How can you organise the party when you don’t know how many will be attending? It’s a sticky situation - so how can you handle it with style?

Is it a while since you had some real quality time with your partner – just the two of you, alone? If you've got children, ask the grandparents or a babysitter to look after them on Friday night, then catch a flick together (flip to see who gets to choose the movie).

As the temperature rises it's the ideal time to head outdoors one balmy night and watch a great flick. There are outdoor cinema options all over the country - here are our top 5 picks:

Yes… when the weather starts to cool down and we turn our entertaining indoors, what better way to keep warm than with some karaoke action. There is a good splattering of karaoke bars around town, so if you’re keen to get a group together and head out for some time on the microphone and air guitar, here are some great options in your city:

It's important to provide some form of entertainment at any children's party, to ensure the event has structure and momentum. Fortunately, there are many entertainment options to suit every budget, child and age group, so here are a few points of inspiration to help you get it right when hosting your next party.

Spring is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors – not too hot, not too cold! And you don’t even need to leave the house. Why not ask friends over for brunch at your place? You’ll have the rest of the day to linger and enjoy both the weather and quality company.

With the rise of the internet, and the emergence of some wonderful children's, and service-oriented websites, party planning has recently got a while lot easier, with the internet providing a one-stop location for all party planning needs.

You’ve invested in a gorgeous dress, and some don’t-mention-the-price shoes. Make sure you complement your outfit with the right undergarments, to ensure the best possible look on the day.

Who doesn’t love Italian food? It’s a real crowd pleaser. This is a great menu plan for novice chefs – the dishes aren’t complicated but still taste yummy!

There’s nothing like a good Indian takeaway on a Friday night, but what’s to stop you from creating your own Indian dining experience at home? These classic favourites will have your guests coming back for seconds.

Transport your dinner guests to the laid-back lifestyle of the Mediterranean – here’s a delicious selection of food to serve outdoors on a balmy evening. Chill the white wine and relax!

Asian food is always tasty and it’s often good for you, too, with its clean, fresh flavours. Treat your guests to a tastebud explosion with these Oriental-inspired dishes.

We may live in modern times, but this doesn’t mean that good manners and proper etiquette don’t matter any more. Here’s a check list of the do’s and don’ts when attending and hosting a party in 2010.

There is definitely a baby boom on at myinvites.com.au! A huge thanks to all the members who sent through their brilliant baby shower tips.

Mr & Mrs Passport Holders

Help your hubby-to-be to plan your honeymoon in style!

View/buy this product

It’s never been easier to find ideas and inspiration on myinvites.com.au. We’ve just upgraded our content section that includes hundreds of original articles with a new search function, so you can find what you want faster, a new easy to navigate layout and social media sharing tools so you can easily share information that you’ve found useful with your friends.

Did you know that you can now purchase last minute tickets at myinvites? Whether it’s tickets to the hottest concert in town, a virtually sold-out play, or a breathtaking performance of modern dance, we’ve got the tickets you want at prices you won’t believe.

Are you heading off on a winter mini-break? Whether you’re headed to coast, country or city, cool-month getaways inevitably mean you have to pack much more gear than for summer trips.

So your child's birthday is fast looming, and the questions are coming thick and fast regarding what the day will hold. Depending on your child's age and personality, and your capacity to pull off this much-anticipated event, a few considerations and simple steps can help ensure a fun-filled event for the kids that's as stress-free as possible for you.

Let’s face it, with most of us having to watch our pennies at the moment, now isn’t the time to be spending frivolously.

Mums and Dads have been hosting children's parties for decades, and while fads and themes will come and go, there are some key elements to ensuring successful parties, which are best not kept secret.

Whether you're hosting a gaggle of toddlers or a gang of school kids, easy finger food always proves a popular party staple.

If you have an event to plan but you're not ready to reveal all of the details just yet, why not send a groovy Save The Date e-invite?

Lawn bowls is one of those activities that used to be seen as a little daggy – that is, until everything retro became cool again, and taking up your grandfather's favourite past time was suddenly an acceptable way to spend your Saturday!

Cruising your local night market is a fabulous way to spend a balmy summer evening with friends. Packed with great food stalls and interesting gift ideas, night markets offer great alternative shopping ideas. Enjoy the energy and entertainment of buskers, bands and bustling stall holders.

On Thursday 25th August 2011, as the sun sets over Sydney Harbour, the picturesque Opera Point Marquee will once again be transformed into a fairytale playground for soon-to-be brides and grooms, for The Ultimate Wedding Planning Party. Sydney's premiere wedding venue at the Sydney Opera House will house one GALA event, starting at 6:00pm.

This spectacular event allows brides and grooms to mingle with Sydney’s wedding industry elite and listen as they share their wisdom. Guests will be treated like stars, with champagne and canapés, whilst strolling through the interactive and visually stunning booths, guests will come face-to-face with the industry's leading experts and the forefront of both Australian and International Bridal Fashion - including Colette Dinnigan, Lisa Gowing, Camilla, VELANI by Nicky and UK designer, Sarah Janks, as they chat one on one about their upcoming nuptials.

Want to enjoy the racing festivities, without sounding like a complete novice? We’ll ensure you’re a little better informed with some simple equine terminology…

Or so they tell us… the recipe below has been forwarded to us by a fabulous foodie friend. Known as “Scout’s Cupcakes”, in keeping with this week’s theme it would be cruel not to forward this sure fire wining recipe onto you. Enjoy! Perfect for tea time at home, baby showers or a hen’s afternoon tea party:

Here are some ways to ensure a bride-to-be with a wild and crazy streak has the time of her life on her hen’s celebration. These ideas are not for the faint-hearted or shy!

Here are some stripper-free ways to make sure that a bride-to-be with a low-key approach has a fantastic time celebrating her hen’s day or night.

Valentine’s Day usually sparks a whole heap of proposals around the country so we thought we’d share some beautiful styling inspiration that would be perfect for a hen’s party or kitchen tea/bridal shower. We were inspired by these gorgeous little party favours, put together by Stylist Andrea Fraga of Dolce Drive. With a little creativity you can create this feminine and glamorous little number at home!

Q. I’ve been invited to two events being held on the same night. Should I go to both? If not, which one should I choose?

Q. We’re going to a 25th wedding anniversary party for some family friends. Should we take a gift, and if so, what is appropriate?

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.

Q. Should I answer my mobile phone at a party?

Q. We are attending the post-wedding party of 40-something friends who are tying the knot for the second time. They have children from previous marriages and have already lived together for a few years. They eloped to an island for their official ceremony, but now that they are back, they are hosting a party to celebrate with family and friends. What gift is appropriate?

Hosting a hen's party that your bride-to-be friend will love is sometimes a tall order! So where do you begin? The best way to ensure she gets the day she’s always wanted is to have an initial chat to find out what she’s envisaging.

Popping in for a cup of tea is an age-old tradition between friends that has been all but lost with younger generations. While meeting for lunch or dinner can become a big, hectic (and expensive) affair, a simple cuppa with a good mate can be the perfect catch-up opportunity and is often easier to co-ordinate with busy calendars.

ADVERTORIAL

One moment of the wedding which can be overlooked, but is one of the most important, significant and meaningful parts of the day, is the wedding toast.

If you cover off this checklist, you’re in for a memorable time, ladies! Bridesmaids, read on …

So, you’re all moved in to your new abode and now it’s time to show off the pad to your inquisitive family and friends. How exciting!

No doubt there are a million jobs on your wedding to-do list, including sorting out the invitations. Here’s the modern bride’s guide to wedding invites – Part 1 covers types of invites; the guest list; and when to send out them out. (Check out Part 2, covering invite wording; the ‘A list’ and ‘B list’ dilemma; and RSVP follow-up.)

Previously, we brought you the low-down on who to invite; types of invites; and when to send them out. Now, let's look at wording; the ‘A list’ and ‘B list’ dilemma; and RSVP follow-up.

Finding the perfect words for your wedding invitations can be tricky. There are traditionally a few different ways of inviting guests and this depends on who you decide that the invite will come from – parents of the bride, parents of the groom, the bride and groom along with their parents, or just the bride and groom. Once that (sometimes tough!) decision is made, you can start creating the words.

The dress: Be a storybook bride with a structured bodice that’s either strapless or features a sweetheart neckline, worn with a stunning full skirt in satin or tulle. A long veil is a must for the classic bride! Princess for a day? You bet.

The dress: Throw out the rule book – who says you have to get married in ivory? Wear a dress in whatever colour and style you think best reflects your personality – wow your guests in red, or choose a dress by a funky designer with an amazing print.

The dress: Be an A-list star for the day in a sexy, show-stopper gown in a slinky fabric – a low back, plunging neckline or bias-cut style will dazzle your groom and guests. Details such as an amazing jewelled brooch at the bust or on the waist will add to the glam factor.

The dress: Retro brides might consider a 1920s flapper-style dress in a fabric such as georgette, featuring stunning beading; a short 1950s frock with a high waist and circle skirt; or be inspired by Bianca Jagger who married Mick in a broad-brimmed hat and sexy white suit with plunging neckline in 1971.

The dress: Be a romantic bride with features such as lace, scalloped edges, or a long train, and details like ribbons or exquisite beading. A soft, flowing fabric and style will complete your look – soft and oh so pretty.

Weddings are a minefield when it comes to social etiquette. So if you’ve got a case of ‘bridal brain’ and need help with deciphering the dos and don’ts of your big day, read on … here are three common queries sorted. Stand by for more wediquette Q&As coming soon too.

It’s tempting in winter to cover up your body and forget about what’s underneath ... but lurking beneath those jumper layers, there’s bound to be some dry skin waiting to be pampered. We think it might be time to head to a day spa for some skin TLC.

If you’ve got a party etiquette dilemma (whether it relates to a wedding, birthday party, baby shower or any other event) we can help! We’ll answer one of your etiquette queries each week. Submit your question here.