Guides

Answers to the questions that come up while you plan, with the exact wording, numbers and dates.

Ceremony and paperwork

How to get a marriage license, and what it costsWhat a marriage license is, how to apply, and the fee, waiting period and validity in the 10 most populous US states, checked on official sites.
Giving notice of marriage in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern IrelandWhen and where to give notice of marriage, the fees after the April 2026 rise, the documents to bring and the extra steps for partners from abroad.

Guests and RSVPs

How to chase wedding RSVPs without sounding rudeWhen to send an RSVP reminder, ready-to-copy texts and emails for guests who have not replied, and what to do when someone never answers.

Witnesses, speeches and helpers

Wedding speech order: who speaks first, and for how longThe traditional wedding speech order in the US, the UK and Ireland, when the speeches happen, how long each should run, and how to adapt it.