Okay. The worst is over and the big day is tomorrow. You've been engaged for months, maybe even years. You've planned the perfect ceremony. All the bridesmaids and groomsmen are outfitted with just the right attire. The reception is under control. The honeymoon destination is planned and wonderful accommodations await your arrival.

But "tomorrow" looms on the horizon. Your heart lurches at the thought of walking down the aisle. Your knees shake at the thought of saying, "I do." What if something goes wrong? No! you shake your head in horror to remove the thought. Your plans are perfect. Nothing bad will happen.

But, truth is -- anything can happen on your wedding day, so be prepared. Expect the unexpected and don't sweat the small stuff. Listed below are a few tips to make your wedding day perfect -- no matter the glitches that might otherwise spoil a perfect day.

Bride

1. RELAX! Beautiful bride, start your day by doing something special -- a deep penetrating oil massage is wonderful! Enjoy your time alone away from crowds and even the people you love. You need time to reflect and meditate. Breathe deeply and release your anxieties. Pray for peace and serenity.

2. Ask a close friend or relative to be your companion all day. Let this person be in charge of your hectic schedule of beauticians, last minute details, even making sure you eat. Don't forget to give your friend a gift for helping you through any wedding day glitches!

3. Arrive at the church with plenty of time to spare. All the jokes about being late for your own wedding are just that -- jokes. You don't want the stress of running late so give yourself lots of extra time.

4. Take plenty of tissues. Brides sometimes cry and you don't want to mess up your beautiful face!

5. Remember to give your bridesmaids a special thank-you gift.

6. Right before you walk down the aisle, do some deep breathing exercises to calm your nervousness. Say to yourself, "This is the day the Lord has made and I will rejoice in it and be glad."

Groom

1. Okay, Handsome Groom, admit it and you will feel better. You are a nervous wreck and you don't want anyone to know how jittery you are. Don't sweat it! It's natural to shake in your boots on your wedding day. My husband swears he passed out standing up as we said our vows. So accept the fact that you are absolutely normal.

2. Sleep late! You will need plenty of rest for the stressful event you are about to enjoy. When you awake, spend some quiet time, praying, meditating, asking God to help you have a calm and peaceful day.

3. Go for a jog, go to the gym and work out -- in short, get some good exercise to release your nervous energy.

4. The day before your wedding, create a checklist and make sure you have all of your responsibilities completed. For instance, travel plans, transportation, your toasts at the reception, gifts for your groomsmen, etc..

5. Allow plenty of time to get ready and arrive early at the church.

6. Right before you walk out to meet your beautiful bride, take some deep breaths and pray for calmness. Ask your groomsmen to pray with you. You'd be surprised how much it helps!

©2005 Linda Van Fleet