When it comes to planning your wedding, there’s one golden rule: do it your way. Have a bloody good party to celebrate LOVE and your busy, beautiful life together – not anyone else’s idea of what a wedding ought to be.

Most of the couples I work with are pretty laid back, but even the most horizontal of them faces a few headaches along the way. So, to help make things as stress-free as possible, here are a few wedding planning tips I’ve picked up from my lovely nearly newlyweds…

Rosie and Andy kissing on a grass field at Usk Castle in South Wales

1.Listen to your heart

There’s something about wedding planning that invites a lot of opinions – from who’s on the guest list to what’s on the menu. And if you’re planning something a bit quirky, you’ll probably get a few raised eyebrows too. Ride it out. It’s your wedding and doing it your way, rather than keeping your parents or your Auntie Marge happy will make it all the more special in the end.

2.Get organised

Sit down together and make a list of what’s important to you – and what’s not. Then geek out and get serious with a nice big spreadsheet. List out everything you need, give it a budget and get researching on Pinterest or by asking your married friends how they did it.

Adam and Abbey Engagement in Nottingham City Centre

3.Keep it meaningful

The wedding industry is full of expensive must-haves and it’s easy to get lost in the maze of ideas. Take a step back. You know what you like and what you can afford. Asking creative friends to help rather than spending a fortune can make the day much more meaningful. So, if you know someone who’s great with flowers, decorations or music, see if they’d like to be part of your day.

4.Stick to your budget

Let’s face it, it’s easy to get carried away. But saying ‘oh go on then’ too many times might just leave you feeling stressed out about money later. Remember what the two of you budgeted at the start and try to stick to it. You’ll be happier for it on the first day of your married life and you might even have more money for that big honeymoon or house deposit.

5.Make time together

Everyone tells you your wedding day will fly by. And it’s true. So, in all the excitement, among all your guests, don’t forget to make time for each other. A great time to slip away is just after your wedding photographer finishes your portraits, when you’re already away from the crowd. Steal a few minutes just for the two of you – drinking bubbly, making memories and soaking up the magic.

6.Invest in your memories

Unless he’s a professional wedding photographer, don’t let your best mate take your wedding photos. Working with a photographer you trust is an investment in making lifelong memories – the kind you’ll look back on again and again, and maybe even share with your children one day. So take a quick look at my tips for picking your wedding photographer and find someone who’ll get you looking and feeling gorgeous.

What else? Planning your wedding is like having a full-time job, so take breaks, delegate and don’t forget to have fun!

Groom and groom enjoy they drinks during their relaxed tipi wedding celebrations