Surviving wedding chaos

Helen Dugdale is the author of Bridal Moments, a survival guide to wedding chaos

If you're not a born organiser, then delegate the jobs you don't want to do to your wedding ladies, e.g., your mother, mother-in-law and bridesmaids. They'll love getting involved and it leaves you to plan the exciting stuff.

If the groom's interest wanes, remind him that weddings include three big reasons for getting drunk - stag do, wedding day and honeymoon and include two fabulous holidays stag-do and the honeymoon.

Keep a lid on that bridal angst - if you feel your temper bubbling, remove yourself from the situation, take some deep breaths and put things into perspective - it's just one day.

Grooms - if the bride-to-be is getting bristly, put yourself in her shoes, try and understand what's annoying her and find a way to help solve it. Don't just walk away or pull the shutters down!

If you're already co-habiting, why not say 'no' to more napkin rings and ask guests to give donations to your favourite charity. The feelgood factor about doing this is immense.

When buying 'the dress' take a pair of heels, wear clean, neutral-coloured underwear and keep an open mind!

Brides - let the menfolk have their say and, if you don't completely agree, try to come to a compromise. After all, it is his day too!

It's probably the most expensive meal of your life, so don't scrimp on the food and drink.

Remember you can't please everyone, so to hell with it, just have fun and enjoy your journey to saying 'I do!'

Yes, budgets are boring, but very important. Set the spending limit early on. That way you can enjoy flashing the cash, without the nightmare of whopping bills after the big day.