For most couples a long engagement is best. This will give you time to book the reception. Whether your choice is an hotel, hall, marquee or restaurant the best places are usually booked up at least a year in advance. So deciding early will help reduce the number of problems that can arise.

As a guide Saturday is the most popular day and the Summer the most popular time. So if you want least hassle get married mid-week and before July or after September.

With many long-haul popular destinations available for your honeymoon a United Kingdom or Ireland off-peak holiday date could save you money and allow you to make your honeymoon extra special.

Decide what is more important the time of year or the honeymoon. You could marry in the snow in Scotland in January and honeymoon on the Equator in 30 degree heat the very next day. You could plan and be married in 30 days and with so many holiday opportunites on WeddingSight have your choice of a hundred destinations. Or plan your wedding to take place in a years time and enjoy the experience of having everything the way you want it no compromises and only the weather to worry about.

The following rhyme might help you decide on the best month:

Married when the year is new, he’ll be loving, kind and true
When February birds do mate, you wed nor dread your fate.
If you wed when March winds blow,joy and sorry both you’ll know.
Marry in April when you can, joy for the maiden and for the man.
Marry in the month of May and you will surely rue the day.
Marry when June roses grow, over land and sea you’ll go.
Those who in July must wed, will labour for their daily bread.
Whoever wed in August be, many a change is sure to see.
Marry in Septembers shrine, your living will be rich and fine
If in October you do marry, love will come, but riches tarry
If you wed in bleak November, only joys will come, remember
When December snows fall fast, marry then true love will last.

And if you are not sure of the day well you have six choices;

Monday for Wealth
Tuesday for Health
Wednesday the Best day of all
Thursday for Losses
Friday for Crosses
Saturday for no luck at all.

But considering that most weddings take place on a Saturday this is one old wives tale that is probably just that - a tale!!

Remember:

• Book early to have the best choice and least expense for your venue. Leave it too late and you will be charged more and have to take what‘s left.

• Get married on a weekday. Most reception venues are cheaper during the week and remember to give your guests as much notice as possible to allow them to arrange time off work.

• Time your wedding to take advantage of off-peak holiday rates. Spend the same amount but travel further and definitely avoid school holidays.

Feng Shui

It is an old Chinese custom for couples to marry on the half hour. This way they begin their married lives together on “ the up ” not when the hands of the clock are moving down.