If we haven't scared you off marriage already and you're determined to have a wedding in the next few months at all costs (and believe us, it will cost you!) we present the marriage checklist.

Budget

Yes, unfortunately, the unpleasant part comes first.

When you're planning a wedding, the first thing you need to sit down with your partner and discuss finances. No, not just after the question has been popped and your poor fiancè has blown a year's salary on a giant rock of a ring. If you do that, he just may decide that it's not too late to take it back.

But yes, you need to decide how much you both can collectively spend on your wedding and engagement reception -- the latter is optional, by the way.

Parents usually do save up a nest-egg of sorts for their children's weddings but you are the best judge of your personal finances. If you and your fiancè are planning on buying a house of your own, for instance, you may consider a very small do instead of the Big Fat Indian Wedding.

It is best in such situations that the couple have a one-on-one discussion after separate discussions with their respective families. If it turns into a free-for-all, it's very likely opposing parties may have different budgets and opinions and things may take an unpleasant turn. So arrive at a conclusion with your own folks and then get together.

When you have consulted with your families and arrived at an amount, you need to take into consideration marriage factors other than the budget. Namely (in order of importance):