The Wedding Planner

Congratulations - you're engaged! Enjoy your new status as bride-to-be but, as you've probably already discovered, there's more to it than showing off your glittering new ring. You are about to start planning th ebiggest and probably most expensive party of your life. If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all, don't worry, it's perfectly normal. Weddings on average are nearly £20,000 but your figure may be more or less.

Ensure that you talk to both sets of parents if they're keen to contribute and work out a realistic budget and stick to it. Set up a separate bank account and put all contributions into one fund so that you can easily monitor your costs. Bear in mind that the most memorable weddings are not always the most extravagant. It's often the little touches that guests remember, such as a great first dance or a moving speech, so try and be imaginative rather than just flashing your cash. What wedding guests really want to see is a happy couple who look relaxed and madly in love - and that doesn't cost a penny. Planning your wedding will be challenging, but do try and have some fun along the way. Don't be scared to delegate some of the seemingly endless tasks.

Modern weddings are about teamwork so involve your parents, your best friend and of course, your fiance in your key decisions. Draw up a planning schedule and mark in dates when key decisions are due. That way everything should come together in time, allowing you to relax and really enjoy your special day.