Now that you have established key factors, it’s time to get organised. Here are some points to keep in mind to ensure that everything goes as you wished. To start with, delete any items that don’t concern you and insert any extra items for your particular style of wedding in the space provided, then just tick off you achievements as you go.

• Start a wedding-planner file in which you keep all correspondence, ideas, quotes, contact details, samples etc. If everything is in one place, it’s less likely to get lost.

• It’s a good idea to open a special bank account for wedding expenses. This will help you keep tabs on what you are spending.

• Make arrangements with the priest and decide on a date and time and get your wedding puja list.

• Confirm with the priest who will be bringing what (from the bride's party and groom's party).

• Work out your provisional guest list consulting both families.

• Collect estimates from all wedding professionals.

• Always book early to avoid disappointment. Book your ceremony location.

• Choose the caterers.

• Choose the wording, design of your invitation and wedding programme. Maybe include a map of how to get to the venue.

• Book your photographer and videographer, after deciding whether you want them at home first.

• Consider your colour schemes and themes, and mandap decoration. Check out 0800 Mandap for web specials.

• Choose your master of ceremony.

• Set your dates for pre-wedding celebrations.

• Bride - start looking for your wedding outfit and accessories because once you’ve done that the style and theme of the wedding can start taking shape.

• Groom - decide the style of formal wear you will be wearing (maybe the bride would like some input).

• Buy your wedding ring.

• Choose your outfit, accessories, your going away outfit and your honeymoon wardrobe. Look at them as a whole, not as separate items.

• Order your flowers - petal flowers, garland and decorative arrangements.

• Decide on the menu and drinks if you are having any. Remember also any before and after meal snacks and sweets.

• Decide your ‘official’ cars and work out who is going to need help with transport from friends and relations. Overseas visitors may prefer to be driven, rather than cope with new road rules.

• Make up your mind what type, if any, of music you are having.

• Order the wedding cake.

• Make an appointment at your hairdressers for your wedding day.

• Choose any extras such as monogrammed napkins, tablecloth, candles etc.

• Check out our accommodation guide for out of town guests.

• Notify anyone required to make a speech.

• Compile a gift list and register for gifts.

• Designate someone to do the buttonholes.

• Brides family-buy all gifts for wedding party and get any made-to-measure clothing done.

• Grooms family - buy all clothes, jewellery and gifts for the bride and also buy your suit and not forgetting any accessories, tie, shoes, socks, cufflinks etc.

• Send out your wedding invitations, together with a sketch map showing how to get there and where to park.

• Decide about honeymoon destination.

• Check passports etc if travelling overseas.

• Maintain good contacts with all your wedding professionals.

• Confirm appointments with menhdi wala, hair-dresser, beautician and mala (don’t forget the right length for the mala).

• Bride and Groom - get together and arrange seating plan for the head table and guests. Make sure you consult both families.

• Apply for the marriage licence.

• Collect all wedding clothes and have them all ready to wear.

• Make sure you have all pooja items together.

• Confirm your mandap decorations.

• Bride - do a trial run with your make-up artist and hairdresser if required.

• Groom - finalise your official wedding car and decorations.

• Confirm all your bookings from wedding to honeymoon.

• Start packing for your honeymoon (pack light).

• Give final numbers to your caterer.

• Chase up late invitation replies and finalise guest list.

• Bride - try on your wedding outfit with all your accessories especially shoes. Pack a tote bag - refer wedding planner.

• Groom - get a pre-wedding hair cut if required.

• Confirm all bookings.

• Pick the venue key if required.

• Chase up guest who haven’t RSVP’d.

• Confirm final guest list.

• Check transport time and time the journey.

• Always designate two people (in-case one forgets something), to pack all things to be taken to the venue and to be removed from the venue at the end of the celebration.

• Check someone has a spare house and car keys!!!! Just in case.

• A check-list of things that need to be done while you are away,such as coping with the cake, to caring for your cat.

• Bride's family - decide on the time you want to be at the hall to receive the guests and vendors on the wedding day.

• Groom's family - arrive earlier at the venue if possible, even if you have to kill time at the nearest service station.

• Bride - Treat yourself to a facial, visit a friend for a chat or maybe watch a weepy Hindi movie together to let out those emotions. Eat and sleep well. Don’t forget to pack your overnight bag with all those little essentials.

• Groom - Don’t get too stressed, soak in a hot tub, go for a walk around the neighbourhood, or treat yourself to a massage (don’t go overboard).

Check that everything is going to schedule - IF NOT THEN START DELEGATING

Finally, try to relax and have an early night