With SMS texting, high speed boradband internet and in our world of emailing, an engagement is no longer announced in the national or regional newspapers.

As you begin to accept the fact that you are soon to be wedded, you will also start to realise the things you have to do legally and the things you might choose to do. Your close family members and relatives will probably try to convince you that you must invite your second cousin or have sugared almonds on your tables. However, there are very few legal requirements that you have to meet.

The legal requirements in UK weddings and marriages are:

- Both of you must of course be free to marry of your own consent. Divorcees must have a decree absolute). You must not be close blood relatives. There are also restrictions on certain relationships between in-laws and adoptive families. If you have any doubt, please check with your wedding official.

- The wedding party must comprise a minimum of 5 people; the official, the bride and groom and two adult witnesses.

- You must give notice of your intention to marry, either via an entry into the marriage book at your register office (for civil and non-Anglican weddings) or via the publication of marriage bans for a Church of England ceremony.

- You must marry in a recognised place of worship or in premises licensed for civil ceremonies (e.g. a register office or approved venue such as hotel or stately home). Scottish law allows more flexibility, including weddings at home, because in Scotland it is the celebrant rather than the venue which is licensed.

- Weddings in UK must be conducted between the hours of 8am and 6pm (with the exception of Jewish weddings, where evening ceremonies are permitted).

Before you try on any wedding dresses or race off to menu tastings in hip hotels, you need to decide How, When and Where? of your wedding. Until you have decided whether it is going to be traditional, contemporary, lavish or intimate, summer or winter, you are not really in a position to fill in any details.

Religious or Civil?

Since the 1994 Marriage Act gave couples the option to be married in a civil ceremony at approved premises from castles to racetracks, civil ceremonies have overtaken religious ceremonies in poularity in the UK, especially in London. However, a quarter of all couples who say 'I will' still do so in a traditional Church of England ceremony. Many couples, especially those of mixed faiths or where one or both has been divorced, choose to exchange vows in a civil ceremony and then enjoy a religious blessing afterwards to reflect their cultural background. When it comes to practicalities, with a civil ceremony you will invariably have to search for a separate reception venue, whereas with a civil ceremony at many approved premises (such as hotels) the same location can double for both.

Home or away?

One in 10 couples in Britain now chooses to marry abroad, either because one partner has roots overseas or simply because they don't want to chance the British weather. Whatever the reason, take expert advice. All countries require some paperwork (decree absolute or death certificate for those previously married). Residency requirements vary widely. In Las Vegas, you can get married rightaway, in Jamaica in two working days, and in France 40 days. The Government's Births, Marriages and Death recommends you contact the embassy or high commission of the country concerned in case you require a Cerificate of Non-Impediment. If booking through a wedding planner or coordinator, ask how many other weddings will be held at the same place on the same day, to avoid the conveyor belt scenario.

Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter?

For an English summer wedding, you take a chance on the weather and may have to compete for certain venuesand suppliers on premium weekends between May and September. By choosing a weekday wedding, you can get around this and still obtain the best venues and wedding suppliers.

Spring and autumn weddings offer the best light for wedding photography and it will also be easier to book key locations and wedding suppliers. Winter weddings can look gorgeous by candlelight. they look great for photos too. In the Anglican and Roman Catholic churches, some may not allow you to celebrate weddings in the Advent season. Please check with the relvant Anglican or Catholic churches to ensure there are no restrictions on flowers and hymns.

To view our real life weddings, please go to our gallery and be inspired from recent weddings that we have photographed. As our wedding photography is sorted by venues, you will get a good feel for the approved premises and venues too.

GALLERY