10 Top Tips - Wedding Planning

1. The first thing to do is set a budget. Your perfect day will not necessarily be dictated by your spending parameters. However, as you start planning, you may discover expenses that you had not considered. Create a spreadsheet of all your 'items' and their estimated costs - this will help you to create a more realistic budget.

2. Look at the season. The time of year can inspire many ideas for your wedding, from what you wear to your table decorations. Your wedding month will also offer a variety of seasonal flowers, which can inspire your colour scheme.

3. Be realistic with your expectations. If you are set on an outdoor ceremony, choose a reliable month for fine weather but have a wet weather contingency plan.

4. Decide on a theme. Flowers, stationery, table linen and even the wedding cake can all be designed to complement one another and co-ordinate your wedding look. Take inspiration from your venue's décor, your favourite flowers or the colours you would like your wedding party to wear.

5. Decide who will do the organising. This can be a crucial and political decision! In the event of a possible permanent family rift, a wedding co-ordinator is an essential option!

6. Do your research. Prices and quality of service can vary hugely and the selection can be overwhelming. Go on referrals or friends' experiences - these provide the safest choices.

7. Think about the pace of the day. Although you would like it to last as long as possible, this does not work in practice. A successful wedding is one that flows and where your guests never get bored, hungry or thirsty.

8. Consider different venues. If your chosen reception venue is a long drive through narrow country lanes, your guests may struggle to find it and arrive late. Review reception venues within a sensible proximity to the ceremony location before you confirm your booking.

9. Give yourself time. A wedding takes time to organise, a dress can take up to nine months to be made, venues often have to be booked a year in advance and invitations should ideally go out six to eight weeks prior to the big day.

10. Enjoy yourself. It's important that you relish the preparation of this big day, as well as the end result.

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