There are four main things to think about when planning a wedding. Who, where, when and how.

Hopefully, if you’re reading this, you’ve already picked the "who".

The "where" is the next big question. Securing the perfect wedding reception venue is the first step in deciding the date of your wedding.

So, after popping the big question, booking the venue is one of the first things to do when your organising your special day.The "how" is a little more involved. Locking down a wedding venue, reception centre, celebrant or priest, dressmaker or tailor, car hire, florists and photographers can be as convoluted as doing your own tax return.

In your dreams, your wedding takes place in an idyllic location, with the perfect number of guests, the perfect car to drive you there, and the best photographer to snap happy snaps at the perfect wedding reception venue.

But sometimes, things don’t always end up the way we want.

Decide on what you are willing to compromise on. Is it the wedding chapel or reception venue, the photographer or the flowers? Knowing your budget, and what you’re willing to compromise on can reduce any heated conversations down the track.

Then, to secure your magic date, find out the availability of all of your preferred suppliers and locations to see if and when the planets align. If you can get everything apart from the florist, are you willing to find another? What if the musician is booked for that date? Would you be happy dancing to a different band?

So answering the question "when" is not simple. It’s no wonder engagements last for ages. Unless you are willing to compromise, you could be looking at a date well into the future. 

Unless of course, you elope and head to Vegas.