Exotic foreign locations, stately homes, castles — the world of weddings is wider than ever before. There was a time when the choice of a bride and groom was simple: church or registry office. In recent years there has been a relaxation of the venues where couples can tie the knot. Some people are choosing romantic foreign locations with the added bonus that a holiday is part of the wedding experience; other people want the glamour of a castle or a country hotel. And the traditional church wedding remains popular too. But whatever a couple’s choice, planning is essential. Just think of what there is to consider: location, wedding dress, cake, reception, video or photographs, evening party, and honeymoon. ‘Wedding planners’ don’t just exist in Hollywood films, they can smooth your arrangements. But there’s a cost to them and it is advisable people first think hard about what their budget is going to be. It’s a case of working out whether the cost is worth relieving a couple of all the hassle. The internet is a goldmine of information on every sort of wedding option or advice you could possibly need. If people are getting married at a home location there is the usual dilemma over numbers of people to invite, something that is avoided if choosing somewhere abroad! Most people tend to invite a select number to their wedding and reception, and then have a party in the evening which is open to all their friends and work colleagues. If people want to introduce some extra fun, a fancy dress or themed evening is the best route to take. The best advice — and friends who have got married recently will offer sensible tips — is plan early. It is no good running round with a couple of months to go only to find your preferred church, romantic location or party spot has been pre-booked for a year.