A fifth of single British women have started planning their dream wedding ideas before they become engaged, reported Channel 4.

According to a survey by Norwich Union, 85 per cent of ladies are basing their elaborate party ideas on celebrity weddings and 46 per cent intend to buy a designer dress for the occasion.

Over a quarter of women said they are going to employ an expert wedding planner to help them do the organising, but 93 per cent do not think their parents will pay for all their big day bills.

"Girls today know exactly what they want, down to the last detail, and have usually pored over magazine spreads, of the Wags' weddings in particular, so I'm not surprised that saving starts early," commented Zoe Lingard, celebrity wedding planner.

A report by ING Direct in March found that the average couple spends £18,500 on their wedding - 20 years ago the figure stood at £4,300.