1. Decide on a budget

Ok, this isn't the most fun way to start your wedding planning but it is very important. Have the discussion sooner, rather than later, then you know what you're working with and can get onto the more exciting parts.

Having this chat straight away will make sure you're both on the same page and will also give you time to save up if you're working towards your dream wedding. Your budget will affect everything from choice of venue, how many guests you'll invite down to what sort of method you'll use to invite those guests.

2. Work out what your priorities are

This follows on nicely from budgeting. When you have a rough figure in mind you'll have a better idea about whether or not you may have to make some compromises. Have a think about what is most important to the two of you on the day. What are you actually going to care about and remember?

For example, do you really want a classic three tier wedding cake or would you and your guests be just as happy with a donut display? Do you really want a live band or would a DIY playlist work better? See what feels right for you. Of course your priorities may change throughout the process, but at least you'll have a starting point. When you've discussed this, make a list of everything that you're going to need to spend money on so you can tick things off as you go.

3. Talk guest lists

Right so now you've ticked off a couple of the less fun tasks, you can move onto something a little more exciting. Get that preliminary guest list made! It's important to have a think about this early on as you'll need to send out invites well in advance and when you're venue shopping you need to look for a space appropriate to the number of guests you would like to include.

Remember guests lists are often fluid to start with, and that's ok. You'll also want to think about whether everyone is invited for the whole day or whether some are just evening guests and factor that into your meal planning and venue numbers.

4. Choose your ideal dates

Before you can secure your all important date you need to have an idea of the kind of time you're hoping to get married, It could be that you're set on a summer wedding. If this is the case you may find that you have to wait a little longer if you're hoping to get married at a popular venue. The average length of engagement before marriage is 12-24 months and giving yourselves extra time not only eases the stress but will also give you a wider choice of vendors.

It's typical for couples to book their main suppliers this far in advance, so it pays to think about things early.

It's also worth noting that most (if not all) venues have different fees for different times of year and days of the week. Off season dates (winter) and mid-week days are usually cheaper as venues are less in demand. If Christmas vibes are your thing you might strike lucky here and get a good deal.

5. Go venue hunting

That's right, you finally get to book something! Choosing your venue can be one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning and there are some really incredible venues out there. Now that you know how much you want to spend on a venue, how many guests are invited and approximately when you'd like to get married you can go out and view some spaces.

This is also the first creative decision you get to make. Choose your venue based on the kind of vibe you want your whole wedding to have (perhaps refer back to that Pinterest board).

Venues come in all shapes and sizes whether you want a rustic barn, sleek city hotel or elegant country house there'll be something to tick that box. A lot of venues will hold open days or fairs where you can go along and get a taste for how they will look once they're dressed for the occasion.

Once you've booked your venue, you open to door to being able to book a whole load of other suppliers. Most suppliers will require you to have a secure date before finalising a booking with themselves, so this step makes the others much easier!

6. Try a wedding show

As just mentioned, venues often hold wedding showcases or fairs so you can meet some local suppliers and have a look at the setting. These fairs are usually quite small and only host a select number of exhibitors. You'll also be able to find larger shows held in 'neutral' spaces which generally showcase more suppliers and a variety of venues. There are pros and cons to attending each kind of fair. The larger events introduce you to a wider range of suppliers but can be overwhelming and don't cater to a specific taste. However they can be good for giving you a flavour of lots of different options if you're just starting your planning.

If you know what kind of venue you're looking for (or have even booked one) then attending a smaller show held at that sort of venue can let you have a snoop around and also meet photographers, venue stylists, cake designers and more, many of whom will have worked at your chosen venue before.

In the North East Belle Bridal host some great larger shows and Loved Up North host loads at some of the beautiful venues in the area.