now the countdown begins.
The months leading up to your wedding are a whirlwind of plans and organisation.
There's so much to think about, from venues and menus to cakes and flowers, and of course, the dress.
It can feel overwhelming at times so with the Scottish Wedding Show returning to the SECC on September 15 and 16, we asked three experts to share their top tips, while Aimi Laing gives a brides-eye-view.
AIMI Laing, 30 will marry fiance Ben Pentland, in Troon next March. "There are so many things to organise," says Aimi, a primary school teacher in Glasgow.
"We got engaged at Christmas and, during the holidays, started researching venues. Straight away we could see that it was chock-a-block for the next year.
"As soon as you get engaged, get your venue booked – I didn't realise they were so busy. We had to be quick with our band too."
Aimi found buying her wedding dress "really overwhelming".
She said: "I love clothes and wanted to try them all on. I could have kept going but I had to be sternly talked to by my sister and mum.
"Research online – I looked at wedding photographers' websites to see photos of real-life brides and what dresses looked like on normal people instead of size six models. It's also a good way to research things such as table decorations and favours.
"I also spent a fortune on wedding magazines so it's worth getting a subscription at the start."
Aimi believes it's wise to keep an open mind about finding the dream dress.
She said: "I was advised to try on a range of styles and I was pleasantly surprised. Some of them I thought 'no way' when I saw them on the hanger, but then really liked them when they were on."
Aimi has also been working out more ahead of her wedding day.
She said: "A lot of brides I know said that it wasn't just the wedding they wanted to lose weight for, it was to look good on the honeymoon too.
"I've been going to the gym a lot more. I had a personal trainer before who gave me tons of tips."
www.thescottishweddingshow.com
FITNESS: DAVID THOMPSON
THERE'S nothing quite like a wedding to boost motivation on the fitness and nutrition front.
"One of the things we say to brides-to-be is that it's all very well having you look good on your wedding day, but we want you to look just as good on your first anniversary," says David Thompson, co-founder and trainer at Kaizen Active.
He says it's important to give yourself plenty time to get in shape.
"The longer you have, the more you can change and achieve the results you want.
"For most brides, the arms, back and shoulder area are a priority," he says. "There are a number of exercises that work these areas, such as push ups, tricep dips, shoulder presses, bent over rows and bicep curls.
"Along with high intensity training sessions and a sound nutrition plan, strength training will get you closer to that toned, slender physique you want on your wedding day."
It's crucial to find something you love – that way exercise will never feel like a chore. If it's not fun then your motivation and willpower will only last so long," says David. "And be prepared to work ... hard."
"High intensity interval training sessions are what your body needs. Do something most days. Have at least three to four more challenging sessions and on a rest day go for a walk, a swim or a bike ride."
BEAUTY: LAURA GRAY
EVERY woman wants to look her best on her wedding day. When all eyes – and cameras – will be on you it's crucial to create a perfect finish.
Having your hair and make up done is one less stress on the morning of the wedding.
"I'm there to enhance and to bring out a bride's best features," says Glasgow-based bridal hair and make-up specialist, Laura Gray.
"The common statement is 'I want to look like myself, only better'. On the day it's about radiance and dewy skin and most brides want to accentuate the eyes and have nude and glossy lips. Then what I suggest for the evening is to switch to a dark or red lipstick and apply more eyeliner.
"Most brides want to grow their hair however split and dry ends do not make long bridal hair look good.
"When considering a bridal hairstyle look at your neck line, shape and style of your dress.
"Email examples of hair you love and what your hair is like prior to having a trial.
"It'll give your stylist time to create a picture of your taste and style."
Laura also advises brides to book a hair and make-up artist as soon as the date is set: "I have bookings up to 2014 but I also get 'are you available in October' and my answer is 'this year?'"
THE DRESS: LYNSAY SPEIRS
HOW can you settle for just one dress – the one – when there are so many gowns out there?
Most brides-to-be will have an image of their perfect gown in their imagination, whether its the fairy-tale gown or something more low-key.
"Start looking for your dress a year before your wedding and if you've got less time, start as soon as possible," says Lynsay Speirs, owner of The Wedding Store in Motherwell.
"Start trying on as soon as you can as it narrows things down and be open about different styles as your consultant will have seen the dresses on all types of body shapes and will know what will suit you.
"It's not necessarily the dress that looks amazing on the hanger but the one that gives you the best fit."
Lynsay, who is exhibiting at the Scottish Wedding Show, says an A-line gown can be most flattering. She adds: "It will nip you in at the waist and skim everything.
"Some girls say they want sleeves because they want to cover up but that can add extra fabric. Go for a nice clean neckline and a soft jacket or a lace or chiffon see-through."
It's so important to find the dream dress but Lynsay says: "Go with your instinct. If it ticks your boxes, matches the venue and you love it, then buy it. It can be as simple as that."
