* Fifteen months to six months: See the minister, priest or rabbi to book the big day. Register office weddings can also be booked well in advance. Book reception venue and caterers/ band/disco. Start deciding what you are going to wear and plan well ahead if your dress, shoes, bridesmaids' dresses etc are being made. Decide upon and book your honeymoon to avoid disappointment. Consider taking out insurance against possible disaster, such as your dress being damaged or the pictures not coming out. Compile guest list and decide upon best man, ushers, bridesmaids and pageboys.

* Five months: Book cars. Book professional photographer or video company. Consider ideas for gift list.

* Four months: Confirm arrangements with the person performing the ceremony and decide what service you will have and how to decorate the church, synagogue or register office. Order wedding stationery (invitations/service sheets/printed serviettes/place cards). Organise flowers with the advice of florist. Buy wedding ring(s). Decide upon menu with the help of caterers. Order cake.

* Three months: Finalise honeymoon and book hotel, if needed, for wedding night. Shop for going-away outfit, lingerie etc.

* Two months: Send out invitations and gift lists at least six weeks before wedding. As gifts arrive, send out thank-you letters. Make sure guests have details of hotel accommodation etc. Buy presents for attendants, best man, bridesmaids.

* One month: Chase-up late invitation replies and finalise guest list. Work out seating plan. Check wedding clothes are near completion. Visit hairdresser and book final appointment. Check all transport is organised.

* One week: Rehearsals, final checks on clothing, wearing-in wedding shoes at home, final check on honeymoon, stag and hen nights (not advisable the night before the wedding!).

* The big day: Ushers should arrive 40 minutes before ceremony, with service sheets. Groom and best man arrive 20 minutes before, the best man will pay fees and then they take their places in the front right-hand pew. Guests expected to arrive 15 minutes before ceremony. Bridesmaids arrive 10 minutes before bride. The bride's mother takes her seat last.