Once the initial shock of your engagement has worn off, the rose tinted glasses soon become blurred with the overwhelming pressure to organise the big day.
Weddings on Female First
After all, this is a moment you've perhaps been planning for your entire life, but the mammoth organisation that's involved is now laid out before you and requiring as much time as your day job.
But before you go into a complete Bridezilla melt down, take some guidance from this quirky timeline that can help you get a grip on the costs involved and the time it's going to take for you to go from a spinster to a Mrs.
Venue & Registrar
You'll no doubt be skimming through the bridal magazines already, but before you buy the dress it's essential that you've got a place to day your 'I Do's'.
Surprisingly you can't get married anywhere and whether at a church or at the local posh hotel, you'll need to put your names down for the venue at least a year before the big day.
And as we've all see Bride Wars, it's safe to say this can be a make or break deal!
Entertainment
Whether you like a little magic, a disco or a full brass band, your entertainment will play a pivotal role in keeping your guests amused whilst you pose for the many photographs before, after and during the event. If you've got a videographer the last thing they want to be filming is a bored bunch of guests, so ensure there's always something to keep them occupied, even if it is for your own amusement.
Transport
Getting to the wedding in style is all about personal preference, but if you're having a summer wedding especially, the last thing you want is a prom stealing your favoured transport.
So book at least 12 months in advance to ensure no-one can steal your thunder, or your horse and carriage.
Invitations
With caterers to keep happy, and parent's friends to secure before their second holiday, invitations should go out as a priority if you want to know numbers.
However quick to send them out, unfortunately they never come back that way, so be prepared to pester people at least 6 months before to ensure your list is up to date. There's nothing worse than late RSVP's so put a precautionary tale on the back of the invite not to upset the bride-to-be!
The Dress
You always hear that once you put it on you'll know it's 'The One', but how a girl can pick one dress for her big day we'll never know!
With so much fun to be had trying on dresses and pretending to be a princess, why wait? Because as soon as you find that dress you'll be put off trying any others in case you start to feel confused.
Don't put yourself through the stress, and choose a time that's right for you.
Photographer
Not booking your wedding photographer in advance may leave you with an untrained amateur who ends up getting their fingers in your photos and unknown shadows all over the images.
These photos are going to be treasured memories, so don't delay in checking out the talent. It's a competitive industry, so keep your eyes peeled for the pros that can do your day justice!
The Rings
With so much pressure to fit in that dream dress, you'd better be careful not to loose too much wedding weight as the rings you've spent hours picking out together won't stay put on the big day. And the last thing you want when throwing the bouquet is for your precious piece to fly off and land in the cake!
Too loose a wedding disaster could arise, too tight and you might have an awkward ring exchange at the altar. Check your ring fits well a month before the ceremony, and if needed perhaps get it taken in a little.
Men Suits
Leave them to their own devices and who knows what the men would end up wearing, superhero t-shirts under their suits, or heaven forbidden the wrong colour cravat!
If you can't trust your other half to make a sensible decision when he's surrounded by his fellow gentleman, it's best to go along to avoid the bridezilla breakdown on the big day.
The Bouquet
Wilting half dead flowers ca make weddings feel like a miserable affair, and there's nothing worse than the stench of rotting bouquets as your wafting down the aisle.
As flowers are such a delicate subject it's best to consult with the professionals at least 3 months before the wedding. Don't leave it to family member or a family friend as you may not know what state they arrive in.
Cake Tasting
If there's one time in your life where you can taste as many cakes as you want and feel guilt free, this is the moment. Cake is an important part of the ceremony and when shared out you need to know that it's a 'star bake'.
Don't let a dry base or a chewy sponge leave a bad taste in your guests' mouths.
Hen & Stag Party
A fun and frivolous affair but one that can lead to lost passports, shaven eyebrows and many embarrassing moments displayed on facebook for the world to see. Choose your maid of honour wisely!
Accessories
Just when you thought the only bling required for the day would be your own ring!
Jewellery that will compliment your dress is probably way down on your list of things to pick and choose, but on your big day you don't want to dash out to the nearest jewellery store you can find, so best to get these items when picking out your dress.
Marriage License
Believe it or not you can't just get hitched at any old place, with any old person running the show!
Making it legal with a marriage licence will ensure that it's the real thing and won't leave you red faced when it comes to signing your soul away with the registrar.
Can you imagine planning such a day and then forgetting such a simple item, you wouldn't forgive yourself for the hiccup, so put it in your diary 8 weeks before the big day.
Write Vows
You may have thought it was romantic to write your own vows, but when it comes to the crunch it can be hard to sum up the words to express your love without quoting a chick flick.
Say it from the heart and not with the help of Bridget Jones or Julia Roberts.
Tagged in Engagement