Dusseldorf, Germany  ­ Many couples considering marriage plan the big day on a date with high symbolic value and this year the day to say "Yes" falls on August 8 ­
08.08.08.

But from an organisational point of view, August 8 is a bad day to wed as the number of couples with the same idea is very high.

However, if you insist on a date with a lucky number, then start planning as soon as possible.

"Once again, this year lots of people want to get married on a day with a lucky date," says the wedding planner, Mandy Pomplun, from Dusseldorf in Germany.

But most of them have decided against August 8 because they have come to realise the consequences of that decision. The first problem many have encountered is getting an appointment at a registry office or church and in most cases the day has been booked out well in advance.

"Apart from that, it's far more difficult for couples to get their dream venue for the wedding," says Pomplun and it's practically impossible to find a free slot at a venue such as a castle.

Finding the right restaurant, a place to hold the reception, horse drawn carriage or limousine is also extremely difficult and more expensive.

"Everyone providing a service for a wedding held on a lucky date has probably hiked their prices," says Pomplun.

That means your restaurant, florist, dance band or catering service of choice may be charging astronomical prices for August.

Even more difficult than booking a wedding on August 8 is having one at a desirable time of the day such as the early afternoon.

Many registry offices time the nuptials six months in advance.

"If you are already waiting for an appointment, you will probably end up with a time such as 7:30 am - if you get one at all," explains Pomplun.

But if you are still considering getting hitched on a date with a lucky number, then start planning a year in advance, especially when it comes to venue of the wedding and reception.

In most cases, wedding planners advise their clients to start nine months ahead of the big day.

But for this year it's definitely too late. "Unless you insist on getting married on August 8 because you got to know your partner on that day, for example, it doesn't really make any sense to choose that day."

Next year's lucky date is 09.09.09 and falls on a Wednesday. So if you want to hear the wedding bells ring next September you should start planning soon. (dpa)