There is no right or wrong way to planning a wedding. But it can be stressful and time-consuming when it doesn’t have to be. Few couples have had to organize an event on the scale of a wedding until it is their turn. Weddings are complex social occasions and knowing where to start can be a daunting prospect. Every wedding, large or small, lavish or simple needs organization, planning and attention to detail. But always remember that the things that will define your day when it comes will not be the things you have planned for. Fantastic food and spectacular flowers will contribute the ‘wow’ factor, but the most enjoyable celebrations are about people. All you can do is create the perfect backdrop. I hope that my wedding planning checklist here will help you create it.

Happy Wedding Planning

MONEY MANAGEMENT Plan only for the type of wedding you can afford. Accept what you’ve got to spend and always shop with this in mind. Create your perfect wedding, not Posh Spice’s.

BE ORGANIZED It’s the key to successful and stress free wedding planning.

PRIORITIZE Don’t waste time getting carried away with the detail of your day until you have put in place the key elements: where and when you’ll be married and how much you can spend.

PRESENT A UNITED FRONT Create your day together and present a united front to your families. Leave some room for family input – especially if they are contributing financially.

RESPECT & COMPROMISE When drawing up your guest list, be sensitive to the desires and expectations of each other and your families. Respect the point of view of others and listen, even if you eventually reject their ideas. Be prepared to negotiate and compromise.

DELEGATE Behind every blooming bride and gorgeous groom is a fabulous and efficient team, so delegate what you can to friends and family who have skills in areas you need help with.

BRIDESMAIDS & BEST MAN Have a reliable best man and chief bridesmaid. If your closest friends are not reliable and/or competent, give them something else to do!

HIRING & FIRING Do not hire anyone or anything until you have seen or sampled their wares. Get every detail in writing. Before signing a contract ask: “is this your best price?”

KEEP COOL, CALM & COLLECTED- especially with your nearest and dearest. Don’t alienate anyone you’ll need later on.

WEDDING FREE ZONES Have wedding free zones in your home(s) and wedding freeevenings with your intended. Then you’ll remember why you are doing this!

Sarah Haywood’s top selling Wedding Bible and Wedding Bible Planner can be purchased on line with a £5 discount off each at www.weddingbible.co.uk