IF you’re planning to get married this year, our A to Z Wedding Guide could be a big help!

A is for ALBUM

Your wedding day is unique and pictures of this special day are unique too, because as the memory fades away they’ll be a vivid reminder of your happiest moment.

B is for BRIDE & BRIDESMAIDS

Once the wedding date is set, the bride will have a full diary right up to the big day. One of your first tasks is to choose your bridesmaids. Whether they are friends or relatives, they will be an invaluable help to you on your busy day.

C is for CHURCH

See the church minister as soon as possible to ensure that you get the day and time you want. Once you have booked the church the minister will offer you advice on the form of service, choice of hymns and wedding music, the reading of the banns and other aspects.

D is for DATE

Whether it is booking the church or reception venue, selecting your photographer or choosing flowers, remember to book early to avoid disappointment.

E is for ENTERTAINMENT

If you have decided to have an evening reception you need to think about the type of entertainment you require – whether you want a live band or disco. Make sure whoever you book can meet all your requirements. Can the band play your first dance? Does the DJ have a mix of chart tracks and golden oldies?

F is for FLOWERS

The wedding bouquet must complement both your dress and the bridesmaids’. There is a choice between fresh and silk flowers for bouquets, garlands and corsages. Silk will last forever and are a good idea for hay fever sufferers.

G is for GROOM

The groom chooses the best man and ushers, pays for the ring, fees and gifts for the bridesmaids and ushers, flowers, transport and, traditionally, the honeymoon.

H is for HONEYMOON

Put yourself in the hands of a reputable travel company, who will look after your needs, whether you are honeymooning in this country or abroad. Book early to make sure you get the right dates and destination.

I is for INVITATIONS

For anything other than a very small wedding, printed or engraved invitations are the most convenient. It is a good idea to post invitations at least six weeks ahead to give people a chance to plan and note down your numbers for the caterers.

J is for JEWELLERY

The most important jewellery at any wedding is the ring. It is a good idea to start looking at least three months ahead in case your rings need altering. Very often the groom will buy the bridesmaids an item of jewellery.

K is for KISS

When the minister or registrar utters those famous words ‘you may kiss the bride’, you know your wedding day worries were unfounded – everything has gone well!

L is for LOVE

Your wedding day is the start of a lifetime of love and sharing together, so ensure everything is well planned and organised in advance so you won’t miss a minute of this unique day.

M is for MORTGAGE

Most newlyweds wish to start off married life in their own home and plans for house buying must start as soon as possible.

N is for NEWSPAPER ANNOUNCEMENTS

If you wish, news of your engagement and forthcoming marriage can be placed in your local newspaper.

O is for OUTFITS

As well as choosing your wedding dress you must also decide what other outfits you will require. If you are having an evening reception, are you going to wear your wedding dress, or have a separate outfit?

P is for PRESENTS

One ideal way of coping with wedding presents is to compile a list which you can give to all your guests to give them ideas of what you need. Include the complete range of gifts so no one feels obliged to spend a fortune.

Q is for QUEST FOR THE BEST

Obviously, you want everything to be perfect for your wedding day, so it is always a good idea to allow yourself time to shop around and compare services and prices.

R is for RECEPTION

When organising your reception it is important to book your reception venue and outside caterer, if required, as early as possible. If you are booking a hotel, try and sample a meal there before finally booking and try two or three venues to compare the costs.

S is for SPEECHES

Speeches should be brief, sincere and humorous if possible. The bride’s father, or an old family friend proposes a toast to the bride and groom’s health; the bridegroom replies and should thank those who have given the wedding. He then thanks guests for their presents and finishes with a toast to the attendants. The best man replies on their behalf and may conclude by reading any cards.

T is for TRANSPORT

As most people have their own cars today, sometimes the only cars required are for their attendants, immediate family and you and your father.

U is for USHERS

Formal church weddings require a minimum of three ushers. They hand out service sheets to guests at the church and show them to their seats. One usher should wait for the bride’s mother to escort her to her seat and also the groom’s parents.

V is for VIDEO

Having a professional video made of your wedding day is the ideal way of keeping cherished memories alive. It also helps you to watch all those little humorous incidents which perhaps you were too busy to see at the time.

W is for WEDDING CAKE

Your wedding cake should be moist, rich and beautiful and it should photograph well for your treasured reception photographs. It should be ordered at least six weeks in advance.

XYZ X is for the kiss that started it all. Y is for why worry? If you have followed our guide, everything will be well organised and go without a hitch.

Zzz... is for sleeping peacefully knowing you have a splendid day ahead!