'Rules' and guidance for the day

So the numbers are in and there will be 77 of you lovely people joining us for our big day, and another 12 joining us in the evening. With this in mind I thought it was time to make a note of a few things we and the venue would like you to know:

• Contrary to the information previously given on this website, only residents may park at the venue overnight. If you are not staying at Notley Abbey please use a taxi from your hotel if you are not planning to drive after the reception. Apologies for the miscommunication - I was only just made aware of this.

• The dress code is formal as you would expect and we request that gentlemen do not wear black ties (it's not a funeral!). Hats are encouraged but not required!

• The arrival time for day guests is 12:30pm. There will be prosecco (or a soft drink) available on arrival before the ceremony at 1pm but please note that no drinks are permitted (by law) in the ceremony.

We have hired a lovely photographer called Guy who will be taking shots throughout the day up until the first dance. Of course you are welcome to snap some shots through the day (#mushettcole) but please try to keep phone use to a minimum, and not at all during the ceremony. We will be able to share some of Guy's photos after the day.

Smoking is not permitted inside the house or hall and if you smoke please use the bins provided. Drugs are not permitted at all (duh!) and if you are found using or in possession of any drugs you will be asked to leave by the venue staff and the police will be called.

• We request that drinks are not brought onto the dance floor in the evening. I have had too many outfits covered in red wine to want to bring my dress into the firing line! Also, the floor gets really slippery when liquids are spilled and I have helped Rob up off the dance floor too many times... you get the idea!

• The venue managers have re-iterated that it can be tricky to book taxis on the evening and therefore guests should book their taxis well in advance. Recommended taxi companies can be found on the Bijou website here. Feel free to reach out in the comments if you want to share a taxi with someone else staying in or near your hotel.

• Finally, if you need to make any changes to your RSVP information, please let us know asap. No changes can be made after the 5th March.

I know it's not fun to have a whole set of rules and regulations going in but hopefully you understand that these are all pretty important, common sense, and not that hard to achieve!

Comments and complaints on a postcard, addressed to Robert!