Getting Hitched without too many Hitches!

After the big question has been popped, you've said "YES!", and you've announced it to everyone, reality steps in and you realize...you've got a wedding to plan.

It's a big undertaking with a lot of details.  Modern weddings are very different from 100 years ago (when they often married at the bride's home), 50 years ago (when the reception was usually cake and punch only), and even 30 years ago (a buffet at a rented hall).  Every bride dreams of the "perfect" day, but that is really just a dream.  With so many details, there's bound to be some things that go wrong, so in order to enjoy your day to the fullest, here's some tips on how to handle the enevitable hitches:

 ~ Don't wait until the last minute.  Planning is the key to a smooth-running day.  This includes both the major things, like booking the ceremony and reception venues, and the small things, like purchasing your shoes.
~  Remember that things WILL go wrong.  When they do, try not to get overly upset; look at your options, and go with the one that will work the best.
~ People aren't perfect.  Making sure that the major players (family, wedding party, etc.) are kept "in the loop" helps to avoid miscommunications, and those can lead to stressful situations.
~ Be prepared for a million questions. Everyone wants to do what you want for your day, so when everyone is asking you what you want to do in EVERY situation, take a deep breath, and appreciate what they are trying to do.
~ Keep your eye on the prize.  At the end of the day, you'll be married to the man you love.  It doesn't matter if your bride's bouquet was the ugliest one you've ever seen.  (I thought my bouquet was really ugly, but it doesn't even matter 26 years later!) 

It's hard when things don't go the way you expected or you want.  But if you can bend and twist like a tree in a storm, when it passes you'll still be beautiful and standing tall!