• Make sure, before confirming your reception venue, that you ask about other weddings or events on the same day.  Do you have exclusive use or will there be a chance you will bump into another bride?  Forewarned is forearmed.
• Check about any local events, roadworks or refurbishment plans in and around the venue/s you are thinking of.  You may decide to alter dates or at least be aware that car journeys may take longer than usual.
• Ask for basic contracts from yoru most important suppliers.  This protects you and them in the case of cancellation and large reductions in numbers and makes it clear when payments are due and deadlines are to be met.
• Check with your caterer/venue when they need to know final numbers.  Generally estimate on there being a 5-10% drop out on the numbers you have invited.  It is easier to increase your numbers slightly than to decrease, saving you money.
• When booking entertainment ensure that you ask for a demo CD to be sent to you and, if possible, go along to see the entertainers perform at another function.
• Don't forget to check any orders of service with the marriage celebrant before printing.  They do have the overall say concerning the marriage service and can offer a professional eye on the order of service before costing printing mistakes.
• Ask your caterer/venue if they offer food and wine tastings.  Even if they charge for this the fee should be small and it will give you an idea of the quality of food and service.
• Keep your seating plan to yourselves.  If you share your seating plan with your guests in advance you will invariably have somebody complaining.  If you keep it secret, they will likely just accept it on the big day!
• Ensure that you reconfirm all bookings a few days before the day.  Make sure that suppliers know delivery details.  Who are they delivering to, where and at what time?
• Learn to delegate; your wedding is, for most people, the largest event they will ever organise.  You will need to delegate, giving family and trusted friends specific tasks to undertake so that you can relax and enjoy the day.  Alternatively, why not hire a wedding planner who will be there to ensure everything runs smoothly?!

Written by Kelly Chandler, The Bespoke Wedding Company