Now is the time to get started

Argyll and Bute and Lochaber are such popular places to get married that it is important to start planning early.

If you want a spring wedding you need to be booking 12 months in advance – so start looking now.

Churches and venues, especially the popular ones, are starting to fill up with bookings, not just for the ceremonies themselves but for receptions and parties as well.

If your wedding is going to be planned around work or school holidays it is important that you act fast – especially if guests are coming from away and need to book accommodation. There will also be tourists on holiday as well and you want to make sure you get your first choice.

It is also wise to get your bookings sorted out as soon as possible for photographers, for stills and video, hair and beauty and cars. Make sure you book your florist now as well.

Parking can be a problem, so it often makes sense to hire a minibus or coach, depending on the number of guests you have because space can be very limited around some village churches.

It is also a good time to start working on your draft guest list.

It is never too soon to start looking for your wedding dress.

Once you are sure you have the vital framework of your special day in place you can start to relax – slightly – and get down to the fun of choosing your invitations, theme, colours, menu the all important cake (traditional, chocolate, cupcakes or all three).

There is the hen night, stag do, the final guest list, wedding present list and all the little fun touches of accessories table decorations and favours.