Effective wedding planning is the keystone to any wedding, so if you need some help to get started then take a look through this simple A to Z checklist.

A is for Alcohol – If your budget allows then treat your guests to champagne for the toasts & wine for the wedding breakfast. Don’t forget those guests who don’t drink alcohol & make sure you have a nice alternative for them.

B is for Breakfast – Never skip breakfast on your wedding day. You will go a long time before you eat again so make sure you have something nutritious to keep you going & to calm your nerves.

C is for Cosmetics – Choose the best cosmetics for your outfit & which make you feel comfortable. Don’t wear more make up then you would do usually & don’t be pushed into buying expensive products by the consultants on the beauty counters in your local store.

D is for Dress – Your wedding dress is the bit you will be most excited about & the bit that your guests will be eager to see. Stick to a style that is flattering to you & do not be tempted to go over the top to impress.

E is for Entertainment – The majority of wedding receptions are followed by an evening party, so keep your guests entertained with a great DJ, live band or some other act.

F is for Family – If you have family members joining you for your big day that you haven’t seen in a while, make sure you make time to talk to them during the wedding day.

G is for Gifts – Put together a gift registry with a wide choice of items & a wide price range to fit every guest’s budget.

H is for Honeymoon – Make sure you look out for special deals with travel agents & book it early to avoid any disappointment, particularly in the high season.

I is for Invites – Get these sent out at least six weeks before the wedding day so your guests have time to respond. Don’t forget to put on them the basic information about your wedding including location, date & time!

J is for Jewellery –Choose simple pieces that will compliment & not compete with your wedding dress.

K is for Kind Advice – Take on board any advice family members may try to give you, but keep in mind that is your wedding & you should have what you want.

L is for Laughter – Stay relaxed & remember to smile & laugh. If you are happy then your guests are happy too!

M is for Money – Your wedding budget is vital to the success of your wedding planning, so decide on what you can realistically afford to spend & stick to it. You do not want to start married life in debt.

N is for Nails – You will showing off your new wedding ring a lot over the course of the day & no doubt will have to pose for photographs. So make sure your nails & hands are looking in the best shape possible.

O is for Organization – Proper planning & clever organization is the key to a successful wedding.

P is for Photographer – Ask to see previous work when looking at photographers & make sure you get a written quote before you book.

Q is for Qualms – Many people will have a few qualms about the wedding before the day itself. It is quite normal & if you are really worried then talk with a close friend or relative about your fears.

R is for Reception – this is the part of the day that most people will look forward to. Take some time to choose the right venue & wedding breakfast. Ask for a written statement of everything the venue will provide you along with the total cost before you book.

S is for Speech – Is traditional for the male members of the wedding party to make the speeches, but many brides are getting in on the act as well these days. If your feel comfortable making a speech then by all means do so & use notes if you need to.

T is for Transport – Everyone will need to get to the church & then on to the reception, so you will need to make arrangements for this. Again when you approach hire companies get a written quote first.

U is for Underwear – Your wedding lingerie is vital to your comfort & the look & fit of your wedding dress.

V is for Vows – A tradition that hasn’t gone out of fashion is wedding vows. Some will choose traditional ones whilst others will write their own.

W is for Wedding Rings – You can choose from a variety of materials for your wedding rings including the traditional band of gold. If you want something more unique & personal, look for a jeweler who will design & make some for you.

X is for Kisses – Include some lip balm in your bridal handbag as you will be dishing out & receiving a lot of kisses throughout the day!

Y is for Why? – Try to find some time alone together after the ceremony so you can have a few moments of contemplation together.

Z is for Zzzz – Recent reports suggest that nearly a third of all newly weds fall straight to sleep on their wedding nights. Ah well, you've got the rest of your lives...