But the lack of a groom, or even a boyfriend, hasn't stopped her planning every last detail of her wedding, including the lingerie she'll wear on her wedding night.

"I know people think it's mad I've planned my wedding when I'm single, but I've not been able to help myself," she says.

"I'm passionate about weddings. I daydream about my own and it's developed into a full-blown plan.

"Of course I need a groom before I get married, but I'll meet Mr Right one day. In the meantime, why not start preparing?"

Andrea is by no means unique in planning her wedding.

A survey published in June revealed that one in five single girls is already saving up for her big day, while a quarter say they would blow their life savings on their nuptials.

Andrea, 23, has saved £5,000 in a "wedding day" bank account, anticipating that her extravagant plans won't come cheap.

She has been single for four years since splitting from her first serious boyfriend after three years together.

Surprisingly for someone so fixated on getting married, she's not out playing the field and avoids speed-dating nights organised by friends.

"I've casually dated over the past four years, but I don't enjoy going on endless dates," says Andrea, a legal events planner from London.

"I'm confident that when the time is right, I'll meet the man I'm going to marry."

Andrea admits to devoting much of her spare time to her wedding planning.

She says: "I think about it when I'm walking to and from work and when I'm at the gym. I talk about it with my future bridesmaids. If a magazine has covered a celebrity wedding, I'll make a beeline for it and pore over the photos."

A fashion designer friend has designed Andrea's dream dress for her big day.

"I want a vintage-style empire line gown made from ivory Chantilly lace with a scooped neckline and cap sleeves," explains Andrea.

"The Edward Berger-style veil will be circular and no more than 36 inches long. I'll wear it with a bespoke tiara featuring an Ancient Greek design, as my dad is Greek."

Andrea plans to get married in the 15th century Knowle Parish Church, near her parents' home in Birmingham, and wants to exchange traditional vows.

Her four bridesmaids – two cousins and two friends – will wear full-length satin dresses in Tiffany blue with white satin bands round the bust, and guests will sing the hymns Jerusalem and One More Step Along The Road I Go.

The reception, to be held at Alveston Manor in Stratford-upon-Avon, will be suitably lavish, with a champagne cocktail reception for guests who will mingle to the sounds of a steel band until the bride and groom arrive in a vintage Aston Martin.

Andrea says: "I want tall vases on the tables, with white lilies and candles placed on glass mirrors to reflect the light. We'll eat lamb with lemon meringue for dessert."

Andrea has chosen a waltz by Gunnar Madsen for her first dance, but concedes she may let her groom have some say on the music.

"It would be lovely to have a special song I share with my husband-to-be," she says.

"I'm not a brilliant dancer so I would consider having lessons to make sure our first dance was perfect."

You can't help but feel some concern for the groom who will have to slot quietly into these military precision plans.

One thing is certain though – he'd better not hope to put his own personal mark on the day.

"Are men really that concerned with the details of their wedding day?" asks Andrea incredulously.

"So much of the day revolves around the bride – her dress, the flowers, the bridesmaids – that the groom's input isn't that vital.

"I like my men to be men, so I won't marry a man who's interested in colour schemes and floral displays."

So what happens when she finally meets the man she wants to marry?

"I won't bombard him with my wedding plans immediately," she says.

"I'll have to gauge whether he thinks my planning is cute and quirky – or whether it will have him running for the hills!"

Is Andrea a barmy bride or super-organised? Do all girls dream of their future wedding? Is Andrea setting herself up for a fall? Will her extreme planning put men off?

JOIN THE DISCUSSION IN THE FAB FORUM NOW

photography: lancton Hair & make-up: caroline Piasecki at time wedding cake: marks & Spencer wedding dress & veil: berketex bride (01476 593311, berketexbride.com) Flowers by The Village Florist (020 8944 9922 Village-florist.blogspot.com)