Tamryn Kirby's Wedding Secrets, published by Foulsham. Priced ??8.99.

It's hard to believe that this neat, handbag-sized book contains so much invaluable information, but check it out for yourself! You're in safe hands from the start as wedding planner Tamryn offers the benefit of her experience on everything from catering contracts to beauty hints. Most couples have no idea of the practicalities that contribute to a fantastic wedding day, but the suggestions in this book will help you ensure, for example, that evening guests feel just as welcome as ceremony guests, and that your day doesn't become just a blur of formalities.

Not that this book is all about the practicalities. It's not just the usual, formulaic set of checklists to go through (although there are some useful lists where needed). In fact, by the time you've finished reading you are likely to feel like you have a new best friend who just happens to be a wedding expert - as well as an air of confidence that your big day will be the best it possibly can be.

I love the positive tone throughout. For example, Tamryn suggests that, far from being a problem, having only a modest budget can encourage exactly the type of creative thinking that will make your wedding special. She also dispels some outdated myths. 'Don't choose your date solely based on the hope of getting a few discounts,' she says, explaining that winter and non-Saturday ceremonies are now so commonplace that the wedding season runs all year round and suppliers charge accordingly.

The real appeal of this book lies in the sense that the advice given comes very personally from its author. Interspersed with the main text are boxes containing handy 'Tamryn's tips' - great for when you feel like flicking through rather than poring over every page. And lest you get too bogged down in the practical details of planning, Tamryn knows when to keep things lighthearted. For example, there are few brides-to-be who would disagree with her statement that 'you want your groom to fall over himself when he sees you gliding toward him because you look so scrummy.'

This warm and wonderful book is money very well spent.

Buy this book