by Suzanne Wesley

Created on: May 29, 2007

My husband and I had just under 5 months to plan our wedding because our church was moving to a new building and they didn't know when they would be able to do a wedding in the new facility once they moved...

No problem, right? People plan weddings in less time than that all the time...

Sure there were some stressful moments, such as the call the week of the wedding to let us know that the cabinets had been moved out of the kitchen and put in place at the new church, "I hope that won't be a problem for your caterers? We didn't see that there was a wedding on the schedule until they'd been removed..."

"Ummm..."

Don't have a melt-down. Things like this happen to every bride. Keep in mind that there are work-arounds to every problem and to let go on some of the small details. It won't matter one bit to your marriage if the caterer has to bring their own spoons. Don't throw a fit about it.

In fact, my mother and father were paying for the food for the wedding so I had delegated catering responsibilities to mom. I gave input, but largely left it up to her and that was so utterly freeing! I didn't have to worry that I was spending too much or their money - cause it was totally up to them - and I just wanted something for people to eat. One less detail that I didn't have to plan.

We were a little upset at first that there was no alcohol allowed and no dancing since we were having the reception at an inter-denominational church, but we bought sparkling cider and played romance CDs as background music on a 5-disc changer...and my dad was probably thankful that he didn't have to dance in front of everyone anyway (not his style).

To avoid the bridezilla syndrome I think it's utterly essential to keep reminding yourself that this wedding is not about having the event of the century. The reception doesn't have to be 100% perfection for you to have a wonderful marriage ahead of you. As long as you've picked the right groom - everything else that works out on your wedding day is just icing on the cake.

Speaking of cakes, it doesn't really matter if you get interrupted so many times on your way to get your piece of cake that the layer with the raspberry filling is all gone (you know, for example...) As long as the guy you love has just given you his very name and made you his wife...who cares about cake? Whoo hoo, you're a winner no matter what happens, or which relatives get into a fight at the reception (though I thank God that didn't happen to us!)

Enjoy your big day and delegate what you can to trustworthy family and friends. The one thing you want on your mind is just how great your new hubby looks in that tux or suit - and he's all yours - for life.

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