Top Tips

Why not share your thoughts and experiences with other Brides and Grooms. E-mail us with you tips and advice and we will post them on the site.

At your evening reception it is so easy to concentrate on saying hello to all your guests as they arrive at the expense of having a good time with your new partner! At the end of the night you will have had the same conversation 100 times (yes it went well, wasn't the weather great, etc.) and not spent any time together or enjoyed the entertainment. Relax, and don't worry about everyone else - they will come and chat to you, or thankyou afterwards. Remember it is your day.

Rob Stephens, Coventry.

Choose your hymns carefully and make sure the organist knows the same versions you do. There's nothing worse than no-one singing in the ceremony. Check if the church has hymn books available and ask the ushers to dish them out. If not, have order of services with the words in or print the words out on sheets of paper and give them to the ushers instead.

Maureen Crow, Stechford

I took the best advice from my best man, he put me in touch with Merrymakers and they were full of useful information and only too happy to help - what's more it didn't cost me a penny! Thanks Dave and Deb, you were Brill!

Tim Jones, Birmingham

If you are providing wine at the wedding breakfast (whether your own or the venues) ask for it to be put on the tables rather than bought out as and when. It is easier to make sure all the guests have wine and prevents the venue overcharging you (heaven forbid!).

Sue Garbett, Streetly

Make a list of photographs you would like from your photographer in advance, and give a copy to your best man to call up the next group each time - then you will be sure to have those friends and family shots you want, you'll keep time to a minimum and avoid the traditional groups most photographers will provide.

Nellie Jones, Sheldon