Calling all gutsy grooms ... plan your wedding in just three weeks for TV series

Adeliina Campos

RTE has given the green light for a new series of Don't Tell The Bride.

The station gave the go-ahead following the success of the pilot programme, which saw one groom plan his big day alone in just three weeks and with a budget of €10,000.

Station chiefs have commissioned six more episodes of Don't Tell The Bride and engaged couples still have time to apply for the programme.

LICENCE

Production company Coco Television told the Herald it was looking for "couples with strong characters" for the show, to be broadcast next spring.

"We're still receiving applications until Friday next week, then we will shortlist a number of couples who won't be told if they've been picked until January," a spokesperson said. "The weddings are going to take place in February, so we need couples to apply for their marriage licence this week and next week.

"No one will be given the go-ahead before 2011 so that couples don't start planning their big day together secretly, which would defeat the purpose of the show.

"Once they have been picked, they will have to sign a legally binding contract with us stating that they will drop all plans that they have made already. The groom will then have three weeks to organise everything."

HONEYMOON

The budget awarded to the loved-up pairs will go towards their stag and hen parties, the bride and bridesmaids' dresses, the venue, the flowers, and the reception -- but not the honeymoon.

Coco Television is hoping to find "innovative" and "ballsy" men who can measure up to the task.

hnews@herald.ie