The question has been asked, the family has been told and the date has been set. Finally, the countdown is on, but nine times out of ten, things never really go exactly as you plan them. Don’t worry ladies, you’re not alone in your struggles. Here are just some of the things most brides go through before their big day. _______________________________________________________ So many numbers! You should have a degree in Accountancy. The boggling question of numbers always raises its head. From how many bridesmaids you should have to how many guests you should have to how many tables you need… the list goes on (and on). Never mind the ultimate number crunching that happens when you realize things may not be fitting into your budget quite as neatly as you planned. Agh. Stress. Speaking of bridesmaids… One of the most important jobs early on in the planning stages is organising your bridal party. Cue the stress of who you should ask to be your bridesmaids - just family, or friends too? Then the politics of it all... You were your best friend’s bridesmaid so surely you have to ask her back? But you have three sisters and suddenly, there's six bridesmaids. Oops. Add to this the drama of getting a dress in a colour and shape that suits everyone... Inspiration You spend hours and hours and hours trawling through websites, forums, Pinterest and more to find inspiration to make your wedding different and unique. In reality, you end up becoming more and more confused about what you want and get a bit depressed about how little you can afford. Who knew three candles could cost so much money?!! Saying yes to the dress… … Is the most emotional day of your life. Apart from when he proposed… obviously. You know it’s the one and can picture yourself gliding up the aisle in it. Perfection. Why can’t you just RSVP? You’ve sent the invitations (and by sent, we mean lost blood, sweat and tears in the process of getting someone who can do nice calligraphy to finish them while enlisting all your friends and family to thread beautiful ribbon through the tiniest hole on the planet to make it look perfect) and then what? Only a few actually respond. And they are usually friends of your parents. Others presume you are a mind-reader and so must know that they will or won’t be attending. Grrr. Dreaming of tables Speaking of attendance, the stress of planning the tables at your wedding is like nothing you have ever experienced before. Trying to sit people who hate each other at opposite sides of the room, exes at least three tables apart, and ensuring there’s a bit of craic at each table is the equivalent of trying to juggle ten sharp knives. Absolute. Nightmare. Must. Stay. Strong. There’s nothing quite like your wedding day as motivation to get out running, but the stress of everything else really just makes us want to curl into a ball and eat chocolate. Lots of chocolate. Just one more piece. Promise. The Hen countdown So your nearest and dearest have organized a bit of a shindig for your hen and while you can't wait to let your hair down, a little part of you is dreading it too. What about the awkward sex questions - they do know your mammy (and his mammy) are going to be there right? Morto. As for the costumes... Don't worry, you'll get revenge when it's their turn. Mwah ha ha ha ha ha. Food glorious food You thought things were stressful enough trying to pick bridesmaid dresses, music, flowers and the venue but now, you need to pick a menu. Vegetarians, vegans, people with allergies - how on earth are you going to cater for them all? There has to be some type of red meat too or your mammy will kill you. Cue panic stations once more. A little bit tipsy… The big day has finally arrived and you've been up since all hours fretting and running around like a headless chicken. You may, may, be a teeny little bit tipsy after downing those two glasses of bubbly with your besties and though you haven't relaxed just yet, a feeling of satisfaction has settled in. Just look at what you've achieved. It's going to be the best day ever.