Etiquette changes with the wind By Cathy-Dee

- posting an invitation for your staff in the staff lounge is fine if your staff is a small staff and you know everyone more than just seeing their faces in the halls. If it's a large staff and you don't really know most of them then it probably wouldn't be appropriate. From the sounds of your post it would be fine for you to post an invitation that way.

- just inviting a few is also fine especially if you have a budget you need to work with. Most people understand this and you can even let the others know that you would have loved to invite them but you just can't because of budget or reception room size, etc.,

- Another option is to let everyone know that you are not able to invite the whole staff because of space, etc., but that you will have an open house when you get back just to celebrate your wedding and to share your pictures, etc., If you go this route on those invitations be clear to state no gifts please - just join us in celebrating our new lives together.

- It is also fine to invite "colleagues" and or "acquaintances" to just the wedding ceremony. This actually happens more often than one might think. Some people cannot afford huge receptions or hold their receptions in locations with limited seating but still want to share their day with as many people as possible. If you are invited to the ceremony only then a gift is not expected. What some couples do is a "light lunch" following the ceremony at the church and a short time to chat before they head out for pictures and the evening reception. It means a longer day for the wedding party, but it is nice to be able to include more people in your day.

- As well the rule on gift giving is if you are invited to the reception and say you are coming then you are expected to bring a gift. Of course family members and close friends usually would give gifts regardless. But if you are just invited and cannot attend then a gift is not expected. Most people should know this.

Meanwhile have fun planning your special day!