You’ll want to tell your good news to as many relatives and friends as soon as possible. This list of people can be the starting point for deciding and compiling your Guest List. Decide whether you want to tell them by letter, phone, e-mail, in person or at an engagement party.

An informal meal is the perfect way of introducing both sets of parents. Then, if your budget can stand it, you could throw a surprise party with all the trimmings for all your unsuspecting extended family, friends and colleagues. For those on a budget, why not a barbeque in the garden?

Whichever you choose, it will be a great opportunity to find out, and decide on, who will be the key players in your wedding: best man, chief bridesmaid, ushers, etc. It will also give an opportunity for those who wish to help with your wedding arrangements to volunteer. Importantly, this is a good opportunity to discover those who wish to offer financial support, for example, Auntie Joan may prefer to contribute £50 to your honeymoon fund rather than struggle to decide on a present knowing you already live together and have many of your household items.

Keep a note of who would like to do what and who wants to make money contributions.

Of course, most people get married on a Saturday, or in some religions, Sunday, primarily because guests can attend without taking a day off work. However, increasingly people are deciding to marry on a week day or “out of wedding season” either because costs are reduced or the chosen venue(s) are already booked.

The summer months are still the most popular time. If you choose dates such as Valentine's Day, Mother's Day or Easter weekend, be aware that florists are at their busiest and therefore flowers are in high demand and so prices rise.

For those marrying abroad, in order to avoid the crowds and cut travel and hotel expenses, out of season is sensible.

Once you have decided on your wedding date, check that your preferred venue(s), ceremony and reception, are available.