This is Weddings.com

Decide what you both want from the day Draw up a rough budget Tell your parents and discuss possible dates Decide on a guest list Book the church, register office or other venue Book the reception venue Book the DJ or band (after listening to them, of course) Find your wedding dress and order it Find a chief bridesmaid Start going to the gym, having facials. etc...

TO DO WHEN YOU GET THE CHANCE

Decide on food and drink for the reception Order the cake, if you’re having one Go for dress fittings Choose your wedding rings and order them Book your honeymoon, if you’ve got your heart set on somewhere specific Apply for a new passport, driving licence etc if you’re changing your name Buy or make your wedding stationery

TO DO SIX WEEKS BEFORE

Send out invitations, complete with information on where to stay and directions Buy your lingerie, shoes and jewellery Check all transport arrangements Get your hair cut/coloured and try out wedding styles Organise the flowers Have two more wedding dress fittings, including trying on your shoes and underwear with your dress Organise or make your favours, if you’re having them

TO DO IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS

Pick up your wedding dress and store it away from prying eyes Chase up reception venues and caterers and check final numbers with them Pack for your honeymoon Make all your final beauty and hair preparations

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MOST couples in 2003 were together for three years and two months before they decided to get engaged. Then they enjoyed a relatively short engagement of around a year before becoming husband and wife. Previously, the average age of newlyweds increased steadily year by year, but in 2003 it was holding steady at 28 for brides and 31 for grooms. Tradition is also making a comeback, with 60 per cent of 2002 couples opting for a big church wedding.

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