The etiquette

This is how you don't become a Bridezilla

It feels like a birthday but somehow just a bit more exciting. Everyone will be there for you. And for your partner.

To celebrate love. The strange thing is that you know it's coming and that it's almost here, but you still can't prepare for all the nerves. How will it be when I have to walk with my father towards my partner, with all those hundreds of eyes on us? I don't know. Getting married is by far the most special thing I've done in my life so far, I think. Or will do, because this weekend is the ball. Well, moving to America was also quite exciting, that comes close, but getting married, damn. There's so much involved.
The ultimate moment in your love life that you know you'll still be talking about in thirty years. That aunt who arrived late. Those rings that didn't fit because of warm hands and swollen fingers. Those heels that hurt after an hour and had to come off; so much can happen and anything is possible. The trick is to just go into this week relaxed. Enjoy what is there and not think about what isn't. So here's a nice zen list of what you should think about and especially do in the few days before you get married, without becoming a bridezilla. Because who knows, they might just say ‘no‘.

• Don't dwell too much on disappointments. If someone cancels last minute; that's really too bad, but it is what it is. The people who matter most will be there.
• Have a glass of champagne before the whole party starts. At least that big tension will be gone.
• Make sure you spend a lot of time with your partner that day, otherwise you'll both experience a totally different wedding. That's not really fun to talk about later.
• Don't get too drunk too early in the evening and after that one glass of champagne already be tipsy – what a waste, because then you won't remember anything. It's a shame if you only have the photos left.
• Also, don't be too critical about the photoshoot. There will definitely be some beautiful ones, so no panic over every pose, every roll of fat or silly laugh.
• Don't overthink that first dance: even if you're two left feet together, it's still romantic. And people don't even pay attention.
• Don't forget to taste the wedding cake. It would be a shame to skip this because of nerves.
• Talk to as many people as possible, enjoy the congratulations, and feel beautiful in your dress. Today you can, tomorrow you can't.
• If something goes wrong during the ceremony: probably no one will notice. Okay, a child might suddenly start crying, making it a bit tricky to say ‘yes’. But laugh about it. And otherwise, you'll have something to talk about for ages.
• Be happy all day, enjoy every second, and float blissfully on that pink cloud with your great love. Chat for hours, be in love, and be happy with all your family and friends who will mean so much to you. This day is yours and no one can ever take it away from you.

Cheers, I say: cheers and let's go for it!