That said, there's nothing wrong with embracing the spirit of independence this week and allowing yourself to please just you, and the lucky person you're marrying of course, by planning the wedding you really want.

One of the many challenges I enjoy is working with couples who've found their dream venue but, after enquiring about the costs, realise it's exorbitant and resign themselves to having to get married somewhere else and ask me to help them find what will always be a 'second choice' venue.

There's nearly always a way of sorting this out and, whilst it might mean a few compromises along the way, there's surely nothing better than knowing that you can have what you want without breaking the bank. That's been the highlight of my week this week, finding a way for one couple to get married at the venue they'd set their hearts on but thought they couldn't afford - you're going to have a fantastic day, I just know it!

I worked at a small wedding on Thursday this week - there was no less planning involved though! It was a beautiful day with just 30 guests, the atmosphere was fantastic and looked like continuing for quite a long time after I said my goodbyes! That feeling of knowing that everything has gone according to plan with the bride and groom and all their guests free to enjoy every single minute is what makes this job so rewarding - that, and the fact that I know our 'On The Day' wedding co-ordination represents real value for money, especially when you compare it to some of the ridiculous prices charged for things like wedding cakes, favours and other 'must-have' items!

The only thing you 'must-have', as I've said before, is 2 people who want to get married and someone who can officially marry them - everything else is a bonus and I think 'peace of mind' should come fairly close to the top of that list of 'extras'!

So, because Magic Dust doesn't do 'back-to-back' weddings we've got a free weekend. Well, that's not strictly true as on Sunday I'm holding one of our extremely popular Wedding Planners Master Classes and I'm really looking forward to it.

Our commitment to challenging the wedding industry to focus on the couples getting married, rather than just trying make as much money as possible out of them, inspired us to develop this course and show potential wedding planners that this is the way forward - we know that's the case because the couples we work with constantly tell us so!

Letters after your name and thousands of pounds spent on online wedding planning 'degree' courses don't make a good wedding planner. A commitment to the couples you work with, an approach to the business that focuses on each individual couple and their needs rather than the easiest and cheapest way of doing things, and a passion for detail, planning and over-delivery are what really count.

Until next week,