A WEDDING is about making a lifelong commitment to the one you love. While it's true, everyone knows it takes so much more than the vows alone to ensure that bride and bridegroom both look back on that day with fond memories, and not 'don't-remind-me' frowns.

An embarrassing shortage of food, a best man's speech that goes too far, or a guest who steals the bride's thunder are all mercifully rare disasters.

But for examples of more realistic pitfalls, look no further than two of this year's celebrity weddings. Expense couldn't spare Coleen McLoughlin and Wayne Rooney from heavy rain on their big day in Italy, and Peaches Geldof faced a race against time when she married singer Max Drummey in haste.

Wedding planner Maxine Bates of Maruba Events, based in Langley Mill, gives us her top tips to avoid repeating such mistakes.

Select a venue that holds a wedding licence, such as a hotel or stately home, so that the ceremony and reception can be held on the same premises and guests do not have to go outside. A venue with a grand sweeping staircase makes a wonderful backdrop for photographs.

Buy plain umbrellas in bulk and decorate them with ribbons in your wedding colour theme. Give them out to guests if it's raining; group photos will then still be possible and the brollies will make the shots colourful.

If you're hosting the reception in a large garden buy one large marquee or several gazebos in case of emergency.

If you want guaranteed sunshine book an overseas wedding combined with honeymoon.

Keep things simple by only booking the essential items – venue, catering, cake, photographer and florist.

Get as much help as possible from family and friends. Delegate one job to each person, maybe asking them to do this in lieu of buying a wedding present.

If you are really short on time and can't bear the stress – hire a wedding planner!

www.maruba-events.com Tel: 01773 715330