HERE is an ideal countdown list if you are planning your wedding. Use it as a checklist.

15 MONTHS TO SIX MONTHS

See the minister, priest or rabbi to book the big day. Register office weddings can also be booked well in advance.

Book your reception venue and caterers/band/ disco.

Start deciding what you are going to wear and plan well ahead if your dress, shoes, bridesmaids' dresses etc. are being made.

Decide upon and book your honeymoon.

Consider taking out an insurance policy against possible disaster.

Compile your guest list and decide upon your best man, ushers, bridesmaids and pageboys.

FIVE MONTHS

Book cars, especially if you want something unusual.

Book professional photographer or video company.

Have fun window shopping getting lots of ideas for your gift list.

FOUR MONTHS

Confirm arrangements with the person who is performing your ceremony and decide what service you will have and how you will decorate the venue.

Order your wedding stationery. You will need invitations/service sheets/printed serviettes/ place cards etc.

Organise your flowers and buy the ring(s).

Decide upon your menu with the help of your caterers.

Order your cake.

THREE MONTHS

Finalise your honeymoon plans and book a hotel if needed for your wedding night.

Shop for your going-away outfit, lingerie etc.

See your doctor/family planning clinic if necessary.

TWO MONTHS

Send your invitations and gift lists out at least six weeks before the wedding. As your wedding gifts arrive, send out thank you letters.

Make sure that your guests have details of hotel accommodation etc.

Buy presents for attendants, best man, bridesmaids etc.

ONE MONTH

Chase up late invitation replies and finalise guest list. Work out seating plan.

Check that all the wedding clothes are near completion. Visit your hairdresser and book your final appointment.

Check that all transport is organised.

If you want your wedding to appear in the local newspaper now is the time to organise it.

ONE WEEK

Now is the time to get involved with: rehearsals, final checks on clothing, wearing in your wedding shoes at home, final checks on honeymoon arrangements, stag and hen nights (not advisable the night before the wedding!).

THE BIG DAY AT THE CHURCH

Ushers should arrive 40 minutes before the ceremony, armed with service sheets. Groom and best man arrive 20 minutes before the ceremony, the best man will pay the fees and then they take their places in the front right-hand pew.

Guests expected to arrive 15 minutes before the ceremony. Bridesmaids arrive ten minutes before the bride.

The bride's mother takes her seat last of all with only a few minutes to spare.