Brides and grooms tying the knot today don't need black cats and horseshoes to make the day go well.

According to the Chinese the number eight is supremely lucky, which means today - the eighth day of the eighth month of the eighth year - is the luckiest day of the century.

The Kent Registration Service has been inundated with requests for 8.8.8 weddings and has been preparing for the day for at least two years.

Marketing and Communications Manager Alyn Thomas said: "The Kent Registration Service will be carrying out around 100 ceremonies across the county, which for a week day is very unusual. However, with more than 180 venues, couples have a huge amount of choice and we guarantee that staff will be available to carry out any ceremony booked with us."

However, the lucky day is not the only reason couples are having their nuptials today.

Carolyn Crane and Nigel Freeman from Harrietsham, who are getting married at 11am at Maidstone’s Archbishops Palace, picked the day because it is Nigel’s birthday.

The couple booked the event about 15 months ago without realising the significance of the date.

John Cowburn from Walderslade is also marrying at the Archbishop’s Palace.

Mr Cowburn, who will wed partner Diane Harding at 11.30, joked that his fiancée picked the date because it was one he would not forget.

"We were the last couple to get a slot on that day," he said, "So I suppose you could say that was lucky in itself."

• Did you get married on 08.08.08? Or did you celebrate the lucky day another way? Tell us on 01622 695666 or email messengernews@thekmgroup.co.uk