Perfect Weddings

With these 52 ideas you could take the stress out of planning what should be the most exciting and memorable day of your life.

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Lisa Helmanis is a freelance writer and journalist and has written for The Sunday Times and Daily Mail. She was health and fitness editor of Zest and former editor of Brides magazine.

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Introduction 1. Who are you? Big fluffy meringues? A dozen under-fives dressed as fairies? Or a pint and a pork pie at your local? Remember, there are two of you involved so deciding what kind of wedding to start planning is your first big hitch in getting hitched. 2. When: date and time Sounds simple, but there's a lot to think about. What kind of mood do you want to set? Where are the guests coming from? Have you elderly relatives or small children who will be restless if you have a long afternoon break? And will that long break find all the groomsmen in the pub? 3. The world and its mother The issue of other people's expectations is possibly the most contentious factor in any wedding, and it will need nerves of steel and the good grace of Mother Teresa to keep all concerned happy. 4. And so the vicar said Everyone is so happy that they all want to say their piece. If only you could stop them. There is a convention, so you need to know who does the speeches and how you handle them. 5. The blushing bride But are the blushes for the right reasons? Yes, you've dreamed about this day since you were a little girl, but remember you had the figure of a twelve year old back then. It's a must to be realistic when searching for the right dress. 6. Getting readings right Readings can be a wonderful way to express what's in your heart without having to emotionally put yourself on the line (especially if you're a blubberer). And the best thing is, someone has already done the work for you. 7. Ring the changes Tradition has it that you are supposed to hand over two months' salary for an engagement ring, and spend whatever you want on the wedding rings, which are cheaper because they are usually more simple. It's a big outlay so be sure you make the right choices. 8. How to be the best best man So what's this best man lark all about? There's more to it than ensuring the groom is never left with an empty glass at his stag do. Traditionally, it was the best man's duty to protect the groom from bad luck, and ensure that once he had begun his journey to the church he actually got there (no matter how substantial the bribe). 9. Ladies in waiting Once you've charted the shark-infested waters of choosing your bridesmaids, the real work begins. You need to get them looking great, feeling great, and even being great to each other. 10. The outlaws The old adage that you can choose your friends but not your family will never ring so true as in the run up to your wedding - especially when it's other people's family. With the right balance of honesty and firmness, you can cope. 11. Coming up roses Your florist could be your saviour! They may be able to help with more than you think, so learn to ask for what you want and get the best from your blooms. 12. The bouquets The bouquet needs considering almost as soon as your dress, and choosing the right one will be essential to the success of the overall effect of your wedding day look. 13. Something old No, not your gran, but a guide to wedding traditions and their origination. Just why do you need to wear something blue, and why shouldn't the bride walk over the threshold? 14. How to say 'I don't' and 'you do' The key to a happy wedding, a sane bride and a wedding that won't be annulled is mastering two ancient and rare arts: saying 'no' and delegation. 15. Smile! One thing is for sure, your big day will pass in a complete blur and seem to last four minutes rather than twenty-four hours. So, you will be relying heavily on your photographs and video to remind you that you didn't just dream the whole thing. 16. Make an entrance How do you imagine your big entrance? Helicopter or horse and carriage? Or are you so in love you are just going to sprint to the church? Get there in style, and on time. 17. Where: choosing a location A location must be more than a pretty backdrop for the photos. It will have a direct influence on how many guests you can invite, the kind of enterta

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