Most couples want to marry in the most gorgeous surroundings possible. In terms of both importance and expense it's one of the biggest decision you'll make - but there has never been such a varied and spectacular choice available. And it seems to get bigger by the day.

Hotels, stately homes, castles, National Trust properties and even football clubs are vying for your event - it's all a question of location and funds, plus special considerations like cuisine and capacity.

While tradition is for a cast of hundreds, if not thousands, there's a growing move towards smaller, more select, affairs where the money goes further.

Equally, more venues offering both 1,000-plus capacities and stylish surrounds, are becoming available - but there are restrictions.

With hotels and venues, food is again going to be a factor - will they allow outside caterers to handle your event and use their kitchens? How will a stately home react to the havan (small sacred fire) - centrepoint of a hindu wedding ceremony? Is there enough height for the style of mandap you might have promised yourself?

Once again an experienced wedding planner with knowledge of a range of venues can help enormously - and save a heck of a lot of travelling time to check out sites.

Whatever the venue, check out carefully exactly what you're getting and what you're paying for it. Can you supply your own drink? If so, what's the corkage rate? Does the price include any staff or wine waiters?