They say you can’t hurry love but according to a new survey, carried out by Warwickshire’s newest wedding venue Compton Verney, you can. All previous rules of engagement have been rewritten as almost a quarter of Brits now agree to ‘aisle do’ within six months of meeting.

The research found that just-under 23% of all couples surveyed had been together less than six months before the big proposal and almost 40% were engaged within 12 months, proving that for many the word ‘marriage’ certainly has a nice ring to it.

Live music can add the perfect touch to your wedding ceremony. From the point at which guests assemble, right up to the exit of the newly weds, it creates an atmosphere, evokes emotion and brings a sense of cohesion to proceedings.

Yes I know the song lyrics are actually "Always a Bridesmaid, never a Bride," but our Book Club opted to read an autobiography this time and (because I'm a Vicar of Dibley fan) I suggested Dawn French's book 'Dear Fatty'.

It's very easy to read because she has written her memoirs in the form of letters to various characters in her life, but one of the things that jumped out at me was her desperate desire to be a bridesmaid...

I was intrigued by a comment that popped up on the side of my computer screen this morning saying “Adultery is not the end of marriage.” The link led to an American MSNBC news article about a website called Ashley Maddison, which is causing a few ripples across The Pond. The website is the brainchild of Noel Biderman, an American businessman who is making a crock of gold out of a crock of … Well, out of promoting serial infidelity. Enough said.

Well I hope you've taken all your decorations down and packed them away. Yesterday was twelfth night or the feast of Epiphany when the church celebrates the visit of the Wise Men, or Magi to Bethlehem. Poor Mary - more houseguests - but at least this bunch brought snazzy presents.

Cleopatra used it to seduce Julius Caesar and Mark Anthony,The Queen of Sheba gave it as a gift to King Solomon and a woman famously poured it over the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair as an act of utter devotion. Whew! And you thought Lavender was something your granny used!

“We love because it’s the only true adventure,” wrote the poet Nikki Giovanni. And it’s true: the act of loving is often wild and exciting, and pursued headlong with immense passion. Honeymooners can now embark on another adventure in the Wild West, as Ranch Rider features a host of romantic stays at cozy ranches in the US, allowing couples to share thrilling moments that will last a lifetime.