Here comes the...clueless

Despite having been a bridesmaid eight times (Yes - EIGHT), I have to confess I actually know very little about the art of organising weddings. Many of my friends have got married over the last decade and yet I've not taken much notice of the preparations going on around me. When mates first started tying the knot, I felt I was too young to even think about it, and then as time went on, I began to feel like I'd missed the boat and it would never happen. I now realise this lack of attention was an error - but more of that later.

My switch from long-term singleton to bride-in-waiting took place in the early hours of Christmas day. I went home to Herefordshire, to see my family with my boyfriend Damian in tow, and we decided to up the festive feeling by going to Midnight Mass. After the service we made our way to the Christmas tree and he ended up on one knee proposing to me while holding open a box which contained the most glittery ring I've ever seen. I accepted, but was completely in shock. Dazed, I made my way home and my mum cracked open some champagne to toast the moment. My dad was poorly in bed with flu and congratulated me with exactly the same words that he's used for everything from passing my Cycling Proficiency test to getting my degree: 'Well done.'

I spent Christmas day gazing at my left hand, and feeling like an imposter in fiancee world. It would not sink in that my boyfriend had decided he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me. Gradually as time's gone on, it's started to hit home that it's real and not a joke - and it's a great feeling. However, people seem to think I must have been thinking about this for some time, and want to know times, dates, themes, locations and all kinds of stuff that has never crossed my mind before.

So welcome to a wedding blog which features a bride-to-be who hasn't much of a clue about what's going on, but is looking forward to finding out all about how to plan the big day.