Dos and don'ts

Before you get too overwhelmed by it all, read this simple checklist

Don't assume that because the venue is available on a certain date that your church, synagogue or registrar will be. Check out the availability of BOTH before confirming a booking.

Do ask the advice of friends or relatives who have recently married. They will be able to give you reliable recommendations and steer you away from any disasters!

Do set a budget. It is so easy to overspend and as most payments are due 14 days before the wedding, you do not want to find yourselves with bills you cannot pay.

Don't feel pressured into booking any particular supplier because they offer a discount for booking there and then. Any professional wedding supplier will realise that you want to shop around for anything to do with the most important day of your life.

Do allow lots of time if planning your own wedding. It does take time and you do not want to find it a fraught process, you must enjoy the planning as much as the day itself.

Don't feel pressured to comply to all your family's requests. You can't please all the people all the time and it is your day.

Do sit down with your family when commencing the planning to see if anyone has any strong feelings about any aspect of your wedding. It is better to iron out any hiccups and clashes of ideas at the outset than fall out 2 weeks before the big day.

Don't rely on it being a fine day. Make a contingency plan for photos and drinks reception in case the gardens are out of bounds due to torrential rain.

Do check if your suppliers charge VAT or service. An extra 17.5% or 10% on any of your bills makes quite a difference to your budget.

Don't assume that your venue cost is all inclusive some charge for hire of linen, licence extension and extra tea and coffee if requested! Ensure you have received a realistic costing from them before you confirm.

Do work out a realistic time scale for your wedding day. Everyone dreams of it starting at 9am and finishing around the same time the following day! You don't want it to end, and this in understandable but not fair on your guests who will not have the stamina. The drinks reception should last no longer than 1½ hours, dinner no more than 2½ hours and dancing no more than 3½ hours.