9. Be done by the big day. . . Many brides try to cram in last minute wedding chores the day of the event. This is not the time to be printing seating charts or running to the store for a shiny hair accent. If you can, try to leave this day as open as possible. "Our wedding went really well but I think that it was because I was very well organized." says Darlene, a recent newlywed. "This way I could go to bed the night before and sleep, rather than lay awake thinking about what I needed to do. I did as much as I could on Wednesday and Thursday because Friday and Saturday were busy…I was relatively stress free on my wedding day." Aaaahhh, stress free, that is the goal. Having things wrapped up by the day of the event will allow you to indulge a bit, if your budget allows. Have your hair and makeup done professionally. Get together for a light breakfast with your bridesmaids. You will want to be relaxed, enjoy everyone's company and experience all of the wonderful emotions of the day. If there are last minute snafus that need handling, designate a go-to person.They will be able to help Aunt Lois scuff the soles of her new shoes, or run back to the house for the missing ring pillow, without bothering you.

10. Take care of yourself. . . Please remember to get enough rest, eat well, stay hydrated and add a little movement into each day before the wedding. Eye bags and dark circles do not a blushing bride make! Running yourself ragged before the nuptials will only leave your immune system vulnerable to illness, and who wants to be sick on their honeymoon? You may also want to consider not overindulging in alcoholic beverages the night before the ceremony, your body and looks will thank you for it in the morning.

Your wedding day, and the days leading up to it, should be some of the happiest of your life. Things may go wrong, people may disappoint you and everything may not be perfect, but that is OK. Recently, I was collecting wedding photos of my parents and grandparents. When I asked my mother for a wedding picture of her parents, she said that there weren't any. My grandparents had gotten married during the Depression, and no one could afford the luxury of a camera. There was not a single picture to commemorate the backyard event. As I watch brides fuss and fret over the planning of their weddings, I think of my grandparents' decades long marriage and happy life together. Even though there was not one photograph of the bride and groom, it all turned out more than fine in the end. Remember, the wedding is only one day in your life, but a happy marriage is forever. That's really the goal here, isn't it?