So ladies only have to wait a couple of days before they can pop the ‘Big’ question. If the time is right, you’ve discussed marriage at length and are both ready and committed, then why wait any longer for your man to propose?

Wedding planning experts Keep Calm and Marry On offer some perfect proposal tips and advice for those brave brides-to-be.

Owner, Ailish McDonnell, said: “Ladies love the romance of a proposal and spend hours dreaming of the perfect setting, so what better way to meet expectations than to plan it all, exactly as you want.

“But keep in mind that your partner must feel comfortable and relaxed.

“It’s also important to prepare in advance so that you are calm, confident and in control, so you can enjoy the experience too.

“And men, just because the lady in your life is popping the question, it doesn’t mean she won’t want a lovely sparkling diamond ring!”

Perfect Proposal tips to keep in mind:

1. Choosing the date won’t be hard, but the time and place is crucial if you don’t want to give the surprise away! Remember to choose a place that you’ll both enjoy.

2. You really don’t have to spend a fortune to make it romantic – perhaps make a nice candlelit dinner at home, with some champagne, chocolates and indulgent dessert…

3. You could write “Will you marry me?” on a piece of card and when the moment is right, pass the card to him and ask him to turn it over and read aloud to which you will reply, “Of course!”.

4. Think about how your partner likes to relax (apart from with you) and join him there to pop the question. This may be at a football, rugby or cricket match or down the pub, as long as he wouldn’t be embarrassed.

5. You don’t have to have a diamond ring for your future husband but maybe a token of your love, hopefully he will take you shopping for yours! Prepare what you’re going to say so that you don’t miss anything out.

6. Be prepared – the likelihood is that he will say “yes” but just in case he says “no” or “maybe” it’s always easier to respond if you have thought about it in advance.

7. And if he does say “no” then you can always fall back on an ancient law to rescue the situation and send your partner shopping! In the Middle Ages, a law passed by Queen Margaret of Scotland stated that if a woman proposed in a leap year and was turned down, the man must give her a kiss and a silk gown!

8. Wedding planners Keep Calm and Marry On have recently launched a “Perfect Proposal” package for busy men and ladies planning to pop the question but who struggle for time, need help in expressing their ideas and creativity, are looking for an original idea or haven’t a clue where to start.

9. Keep Calm and Marry On is a wedding planning and consultation service for civil partnerships and weddings, pre and post wedding parties, anniversaries, engagements and renewal of vows, for all denominations.

Whilst sipping our glass of Pommery Champagne we took our front row seats and we were prepared to be wowed by the gorgeous gowns from the world’s top bridal wear designs. It was wonderful to get an insight into the trends for 2012 and beyond for discerning brides.

Some of the designers Included:
Angelina Colarusso

Angelina is instantly recognised for her unique combination of luxurious high dram and silver screen goddess sophistication.

Atelier Tammam

World renowned for its hand crafted couture evening and bridal designs is the only eco-couture wedding expert that was at the show. Tammam focuses on beautiful creative, flattering design with meticulous structure and craftsmanship.

Candy Anthony

Taking inspiration from the golden eras of fashion from the past, all Candy Anthony designs are created originally, designed with artful flattery, made of excellent workmanship, distinctive in cut and fit, with deductive neck and hem less and a wearable sense of glamour.

Charlotte Casadejus

Charlotte’s vintage inspired wedding and evening dresses are the moment, whilst subtly echoing their heritage techniques.

Claire Mishevani
Claire’s collection s sweep stylish ladies into a world of indulgence, combining elegant modern designs with luxurious fabrics to create bespoke vintage inspired pieces.

David Fielden

We saw pushing against the boundaries of conventional design using exquisite silk satins, delicate French lace and intricate trims combined with luxurious textures and flowing silhouettes.

Ellie & Charlotte

All of the wedding dresses are designed by Ellie who is influenced by the 1920’s and 30’s making them effortlessly stylish and truly British.

Kula Tsurdiu

Kula’s new collection features her trademark of romantic gestures of exquisitely composed laces, creating luxuriously textured layers.

Luella’s Boudoir

Their 2011/2012 collections are exclusive to Luella’s and include designs by New York based dream maker Jessica Fontain, Irish couturier Caroline Atelier and the ever so English Lisa Redman and Jacqueline Byrne.

Mira Zwillinger

Mira created eye-catching couture collections without any compromise, each with their own story.

Mirror Mirror

The 2012 collection is inspired by French lace and soft modern vintage lines. Expect soft feminine, body conscious gowns that flatter, with delicate attention to detail.

Temperley London

The collection consists of exquisite dresses, with exclusive Temperley designed beading, embroidery and lace.

The State Of Grace

The State of Grace is the hottest destination in town for the stylish bride wanting to express herself more individually.

Vivienne Westwood

The Grand Dame of British fashion, Vivienne Westwood unveiled the latest couture and bridal collection of 20 styles, Vivienne’s classic tailoring, corsetry, crinolines, and soft lines were all present, created in the most sumptuous fabrics and embellishments.

Celebrity hair stylist Errol Douglas styled all the hair of the models and Dior styled the makeup for the Show.  Overall I really enjoyed the show and it covered every aspect of planning your big day, from the designer gowns and accessories through to top venues, honeymoon destinations, florists and photographers. A great day out if you are looking for something luxuriously special.

Do have a wet weather plan for the day. Keep a supply of umbrellas handy and ask the hotel what happens if you can’t have your summer reception on the lawn.

If you are having a marquee, do consider the average temperature of the time of year. No one will appreciate any of your unique, lovingly planned details if they are freezing cold, and heaters may be your best investment yet.

Ask everyone who will need electricity on the day for their requirements. They should give them to you either watts or amps. If you are holding your reception in a marquee, a generator either as your main supply or as an emergency would be a good idea.

Dont run out of drinks! Here is a quick guide to help you. there are six flutes to one 750ml bottles of champagne; five medium glasses to one 750ml bottle of wine. Allow two glasses per person before the meal and three during the meal. Don’t forget the champagne for the toast!

Ask the best man and the groom to carry their mobile phones, before the wedding so you can get hold of them with any last-minute questions or changes of plan.

Make sure your caterers, florist, cake designer knows the exact location of the wedding venues and are aware of the date and time to arrive.

One last word of advice, you should both walk through the day as you see it unfold and in the eyes of your guests and see if anything you need to add to your special day, KISS.