The budget

Well, take a deep breath - and don't panic, even though an engagement announcement is enough to send the family into a frenzy of activity.

The wedding night might be many months away but you can never start planning too early.

Remember, you and your partner are the people who matter most, but the next few months of organisation can place a considerable strain on the whole family, so set aside some time to sit down and plan everything down to the last detail - starting with paying for it!

There's only one real rule when it comes to budgeting for your wedding: plan only for what you can realistically afford.

Online website confetti.co.uk estimates that today's average wedding costs about £14,000 - so careful thought, lots of planning and some pretty nifty book-keeping is going to be required.

Traditionally, it falls to the father of the bride to pick up the tab for the main event, with the groom chipping in for the church or registry fees and honeymoon. Nowadays more couples choose to pay for the bulk of their wedding themselves, or costs may be split between the couple and the two sets of parents.

It's important to decide from the start who is paying for what and whether there are any financial constraints.

You really need to know how much money you have to spend, and how many guests you plan to invite before you can start planning anything.

Spreadsheets help to keep things on track and there are also online interactive budget planners available.

It's essential to set a limit, no matter who's holding the purse strings.

It's a good idea to open a wedding account and start paying in a regular sum each month by standing order or direct debit. All bills can be paid from this account.

Make sure you shop around for your venue, dress, photographer and ask for quotations in writing and ensure you know exactly what the price agreed covers. Remember you may need to add VAT to some prices, so always ask.

Here's some further money-saving tips from online wedding site Confetti.co.uk.

l Consider a week day wedding - venues generally charge less. Bear in mind that venues often charge more during the summer.

l Check if you can supply your own Champagne and wine and look out for savings in supermarkets. You'll probably have to pay corkage.

l Ask your mum or her friends to do the church flowers. At the reception, you could have balloon decorations and bowls of favours instead of floral centrepieces.

l Find out when and where your nearest wedding exhibition is and go along to find a bargain dress. If there isn't a show near you, visit your local bridal shops and find out when the next sale is. Look at the bridal collections in high street stores - they're often reasonably priced.

l Look out for wedding dress sales, or buy a second-hand gown.

l Use a good photographer, but only for a few crucial hours.

l Ask friends with posh cars to take you to the ceremony and/or reception.

l Invite more casual friends to an evening drinks or separate drinks party rather than the wedding with all its catering costs.

l Ask a relative or friend with culinary talents to make the cake as their wedding gift to you.

l Have a great honeymoon closer to home. That trip to Mauritius can always wait until next year when you've had a chance to save up again!

l The groom's and best man's outfits can be hired.

l Have your reception in a village hall and decorate the walls and ceiling with a marquee lining.

Planning your wedding? Visit the Bridal Show at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern, on Sunday, February 19.

The event, from 10:30 am and 4pm. Entry is £4 per person and every visitor who pre registers on the website will be entered into a competition to win an On The Day Co-ordination package worth £300. Details at www.thebridalshow.co.uk.

If you can't make that one, the Left Bank Village, in Hereford, is also holding a wedding fair on Sunday, February 26, beginning at 11.am. Admission is free.

"It's important to decide from the start who is paying for what and whether there are any financial constraints."