Planning Your Dress: Don’t Start in Bridal Shops

“Start the search for your perfect bridal gown by trying on some party dresses,” says Rachel Attwell from Luella’s Boudoir. “This allows you to work out the parts of your body that you are happy with and the parts you would rather disguise. It also lets you experiment with different fabrics and gives you the confidence to work out what you really like.”

Planning Your Shoes: Try Them Out

“It’s wise to wear your wedding shoes before the big day to make sure they’re comfy — and avoid getting blisters,” says Rachel. “If you’re worried about keeping them pristine, only wear them inside the house and tell your future hubby what you’re up to so he doesn’t peek!”

Planning Your Diet: Don’t Let Dieting Take Over Your Day

“All brides want to look amazing, but keep your goals realistic and sensible,” says Amanda Sherlock from Giles Sherlock Event Design. If you starve yourself, or spend every waking moment in the gym, you’ll be exhausted and hungry by the time the wedding arrives and in no mood to party. Remember that your fiancé loves you just the way you are, so don’t set a weight goal. Then, whatever the outcome you’ll be happy with yourself.”

Planning Your Gift List: Seek Inspiration for Your Gift List

“Many couples already have functional items for their home,” says Amanda. “For gift ideas with the ‘wow factor’, buy interior design and home décor magazines and tear out pictures of the styles and looks you love. Decide on a style for each room at home and build your gift list around the items you’ll need to make it happen.”

Planning the Budget: Budget for Everything

“When setting your wedding budget, don’t forget to factor in the cost of the honeymoon,” says Ruth Hunter from Finesse Planning. “If you can’t afford your dream holiday, use a site like www.honeymoney.co.uk as an alternative to a gift list. Guests can contribute towards flights, accommodation or even excursions.”

Planning for the Weather: Prepare for Every Eventuality

“Don’t ignore the forecast,” says Ruth. “A little planning averts any soggy disasters. For example, ask your ushers to take old towels with them to the church. Then, when the last of the guests are seated, they can dry the floor so your dress doesn’t end up covered in muddy water. And don’t forget to pop a couple of umbrellas in the car, just in case it starts to pour down on the way to the church.”

Planning the Venue: Think About Space

“Although some venues will appear on paper to perfectly accommodate the number of guests in your wedding party, it is space for other elements of your celebration that need to be factored in,” says Lucinda George, Wedding and Event Design specialist. “Your catering plans vastly alter how much room is needed for your guests and a live band or DJ will require additional setting up space.”

Planning the Décor: Double-up on Design

“Multipurpose design features save precious pounds if budgets are tight,” Lucinda says. “You could write each guest’s name on a piece of card and put them in little photo frames that serve as place settings — and the frames can be taken away as favours. Or you could dress your wedding cake table with wedding party bouquets, and serve wedding cake as a dessert which can also save you money on catering costs.”

Planning for Your Guests: Get Your Guests Together

“A fantastic way to help guests get to know each other is to place a one line fact about each person on the back of their place card, and ask them to share it with the rest of the table,” says Ruth. “It could be the football team they support or the job they do, but making it amusing is the best way to get them socialising.”

Planning the ‘Thank Yous’: Get Personal

“Personalised gifts really mean something to your parents and bridesmaids,” says Amanda. “Flowers die and jewellery just isn’t that personal. My favourite thank you gifts are customised playlists from Audio Sushi, or framed engagement photographs taken by the wedding photographer. These gifts are personal and will always remind your loved ones of your wedding.”