WEDDING GOSSIP Girl In A White Dress 30 5302 views

Our resident bride and wedding expert, Cheryl, is back from her big day and floating on a wedding-induced cloud of loveliness, and will be talking weddings with you every week...

Stress busters

In our vows, my beloved and I promised to be kind, caring, tolerant and understanding. Well, we’re four smug-married months down the line, and while I’ve managed to stick to them so far, I have to admit to letting at least two of those four promises slip in the run-up to our wedding.

I blamed it on the toe-clenching stress of planning the biggest event of our lives. There’s no question that it’s the loveliest, most heart fluttery day of a girl’s life, but, boy, is it stressful. Suddenly you’re having to make tough decisions about whether you prefer roses or peonies or if want a dome or a teardrop-shaped bouquet – questions some girls knew the answer to since they were eight, but for me something I deliberated long and hard over (usually with the help of a glass of wine and a phone call to my sister).

And these questions mount up until you find yourself trying to remember a time before tiaras and canapes. If this sounds familiar, try some of these tips to help you stay calm and keep your vows as well as your head.

1. Expect the unexpected – it’s unrealistic to expect everything to go exactly to plan – no matter how organised you are. So while you don’t have to expect the worst, it does help to have a couple of Plan Bs in place, just in case. Expect it and it won’t surprise you so you’ll cope with it calmly.

2.Focus on what you have – it’s easy to let wedding costs spiral but the secret to big day bliss is being happy with what you can afford, not fretting over things you can’t.

3. Please yourself – everyone will have an opinion about your big day, so don’t forget it’s exactly that: YOUR big day. Be polite but remember it’s not your job to keep everyone happy.

4. Don't neglect your hubby-to-be – the whole reason you’re up to your eyes in stationery and self-tan is because you’re marrying that wonderful man, so involve him where possible, but remember to take time out together to talk about non-wedding-related things (you know, like you used to).

5. Keep laughing – don't take your wedding day too seriously, of course it’s important but bear in mind it is just one day of your life. Enjoy it!

Photos © iStockPhotos