Vincent Cheesman will marry his sweetheart in the church where his parents wed. He'll wear his dad's suit and his bride will wear his mother's dress.

To complete the picture, all the guests have been asked to attend the ceremony at St Mary's Church, Slaugham, wearing authentic 1954 outfits.

The day will be a trip back in time for Joan and Ron Cheesman, who are delighted at their son and future daughter-in-law's decision.

Mrs Cheesman, 67, said: "I can remember every detail of my wedding day and I am sure I will feel quite emotional seeing Vincent and Jean wearing the very same outfits as we did.

"It's not going to be your typical wedding, but I know it will be a lovely day."

The idea for the themed wedding came to Vincent's fiance, sales administrator Jean Colletti, 43, while she was helping Mrs Cheesman sort through some old things.

They discovered the wedding dress and Mrs Colletti asked her mother-in-law-to-be if she would mind her wearing it.

She said: "Joan was thrilled. The dress is absolutely beautiful and very much of the Fifties era. I thought it would be lovely to wear it and I feel very privileged that she said I could."

As a 19-year-old, Mrs Cheesman, of Pease Pottage, bought her beloved dress from Plummers department store, which used to be in Western Road, Brighton.

After a few alterations, the ivory satin dress fits Jean - who lives at Broad Street, Cuckfield, with Vincent, 39 - perfectly.

Now the bride hopes the wedding guests will get into the spirit of the day by dressing as their favourite Fifties film stars or musicians.

She said: "The day was always going to be very special, but the Fifties theme it has made it much more exciting.

"I think some of the guests were a little daunted at first, but they seem to have got used to the idea now. I'm sure dressing up will help people relax a little more and enjoy themselves.

"I am still nervous, of course, but I suppose as the bride it is to be expected."

The service at St Mary's will be a blessing, with the actual wedding ceremony service taking place at Haywards Heath register office.