It used to be that wedding planners were considered an extravagance of celebrities or the wealthy. Today, nothing could be more incorrect. If you fairly recently got engaged, or even a month away from your marriage ceremony, and wish for a little help, this is a knowledgable, practical and useful guideline to locating that special person who will enable you to get successfully down the aisle to meet your significant other with style and panache.

They are the crucial, quick bullet points that you need right away: how quickly do they reply to communications, how long have they been operational, do they make you feel like you are special, do you admire their style and manner, how much do they charge, are they using a range of planning techniques, do you get on with them, will they schedule desirable appointments, are there extra charges for rehearsals?

A fantastic wedding planner can be a real lifesaver. Do you wish to be left standing right there in your wedding dress and wonder if the wedding cake arrived or whether the DJ is double booked?

An exceptional wedding coordinator will have a massive bag loaded with virtually every little thing to ward off dress tragedies, bad hair days, broken nails and hangovers. They'll supply umbrellas if a storm arrives. They will produce heaters if a cold snap occurs. Indeed they will make your special day truly awesome.

To search for an outstanding wedding coordinator, visit wedding magazine websites, study online guides, look at blogs, ask family and friends, ask at receptions venues .

If you keep hearing the exact same companies again and again these are the people to add to your shortlist.

Have a great wedding!