During the summer months you'll have a better chance of good weather, but in other times of year, more locations, photographers and DJs are available. Or perhaps you simply want to choose a date that is close to your heart.

• Ask your most important guests whether they can make the big day.
• Be sure to check whether your favourite reception venue is free then.

Book the town hall and the place where you would like your wedding ceremony to be held, for example the church.

• It's always nice to ask the question in an original fashion.
• Do you also want bridesmaids in the wedding procession? If so, run it by the parents first.

Draw up an estimate of the number of guests to help you determine your budget and choose a reception venue.

At this point, it's still too early to think about invitations, but you could send a save-the-date message. Why not send a card or a nice e-mail?

• How much of your savings can you spare?
• Perhaps your parents (or in-laws) can help out?
• Not enough to finance your dream day? Consider a wedding loan.

Taking out a loan for your wedding can make things easier, but you should work out how much you can spend before you start planning, and stick to it.

On average, a wedding in Flanders costs between 15,000 and 20,000 euros. The final cost of your wedding partly depends on how many guests you invite as well as your personal taste.

• An experienced wedding planner can take a great deal of weight off your shoulders.
• A Master of Ceremonies makes sure everything runs smoothly on the day.

At a cost of several thousand euros, hiring a reception venue will leave a big hole in your wedding budget, so it's essential you do your research.

• Is the location big enough for all your guests to sit down as well as dance?
• Do you want the wedding to take place on site, and if so, is that possible?
• Is catering included? Can you choose the caterer yourself?
• How long can the reception last? Do you pay extra from a certain time?
• Is furniture included?
• Is the venue easily accessible for everyone?
• Are there extra facilities, such as music equipment, a cloakroom, a bridal suite to stay the night, etc.?

If there's no caterer based at the reception venue, you'll have to find one yourself.

• Check the caterer's reputation, as not only must the food be excellent, but the service must be too.
• Does the offer match what you would want on the menu?
• The price of food and drink is usually calculated per guest.
• If you fancy something slightly different, think about ordering a few food trucks for the event. 

• Having live music at the reception is always an option.
• Book a DJ or a live band to get the party going in the evening. Be sure to check with the venue how late your DJ will be able to stay.

Many couples decide upon a pre-nuptial agreement before they tie the knot. If you want to do this, you should make an appointment with a notary public. If you decide you don't want to sign a pre-nuptial agreement, you'll automatically be married with joint ownership of property. Read more about the legal marital system in Belgium. 

• Before your big day, you need to enter a notice of marriage. This means that you need to inform the town hall of your intention to marry. You can do so between six months and two weeks in advance. You can even do this online with some town halls.
• If you're getting married in a church, you should make an appointment for your marriage certificate there. 

For professional wedding photos or videos, you'd best put aside around 1,000 euros.

• Check whether the wedding album is included in the price.

Book a trip to a destination of a lifetime.

Check whether you're well insured before you leave. As part of the KBC Holiday Insurance policy, you can take out extensive cancellation insurance or baggage insurance, for example. 

You are entitled to two days' holiday during the week of your wedding or the week after. 

A classic car, carriage, limousine or rickshaw? There are many different ways in which to arrive at the church. How are you going to make an entrance?

Do you want to make an impression with your first dance? If so, book some dance lessons.

Many guests give an envelope, but a wedding list remains a classic.

• It's also useful as you can view the list online.
• Ask in-store if you are obliged to buy any gifts not paid for yourself.
• Other great alternatives are available, such as allowing guests to sponsor parts of your honeymoon. You can easily open a joint account to this end.

Draw up a detailed plan for the big day.

• Fill in any gaps (e.g., between the church and the reception) with a visit to a restaurant or lunch at home.
• But make sure you allow some breathing space so you can put your feet up in between. 

Take a romantic trip out to the jeweller's.

• Take the necessary time to make sure the ring fits perfectly, as you'll be wearing it every day.
• Also think about whether you want the rings to be engraved.

Order your invitations and other printed material, such as name cards and thank-you letters, that you want in the same style.

• You can already start collecting addresses.

Your first meal as a married couple should be exceptional, so sit down together with the caterer and draw up a delicious menu.

• Do any of your guests have certain allergies or preferences (e.g., gluten-free, vegetarian or halal)?
• Have you thought about a separate menu for the children?
• Are you ordering your wedding cake through the caterer, or somewhere else?

Set out the order of the day together with the Master of Ceremonies and the wedding celebrant (such as the priest). 

• Discuss the bridal hairstyle you want with your hairdresser.
• Make an appointment for both of you on your wedding day. And decide whether you're going to take your sister, mother or witness with you.
• Who is doing the make-up? Consider making an appointment with a beautician, who can also give you some tips.

• Are your passports or ID cards valid ahead of your honeymoon?
• Do you need certain vaccinations for your destination?
• Do you already have a credit card so you can pay easily during your travels? Don't forget to activate your card for use in the US if necessary. Read all about making payments abroad here.

You won't find volunteers to stick stamps and write addresses on envelopes hard to come by. 

• Think about a gift for the witnesses, the bridesmaids and your parents.
• Order small gifts for your guests.
• Consider getting a surprise gift for each other. 

• Discuss with the florist which corsages and decorations you want for the room, the church, the car and so on.
• Traditionally, the bridegroom chooses the bridal bouquet, which he then gives to his wife-to-be on the morning of the wedding. On the other hand, many brides choose their bouquets themselves, so that everything fits together perfectly. 

• Find a beautiful guest book or a fun alternative, such as a photo booth.
• Also think about a place to leave your gifts during the celebrations.

Do you want to say something special during the ceremony? If so, put it down on paper first. 

Break your wedding shoes in. 

Check your wedding clothes again. Does everything still fit perfectly? 

Your guest list is gradually falling into place, so you can start allocating the guests to tables. 

Together with the Master of Ceremonies, run through the plan for the day and give the photographer, witnesses and others a copy.

Still need a new swimsuit or hiking boots for the honeymoon? 

Double-check your appointments with the hairdresser, beautician, florist, and so on.

Provide your caterer with the exact number of guests. 

Pack your suitcases for your honeymoon a few days before your wedding day. This will allow you to relax the day before. 

Check what the weatherman says – do you need umbrellas?

Did you know that rain on your wedding day brings you luck? According to the Italian saying Sposa bagnata, sposa fortunata, a wet bride is a lucky bride! 

Your jeweller will keep your rings safe for as long as you want.

Make sure that you have spare tights, make-up, needle and thread, safety pins, hair spray, tissues and more at the ready.