A glittering ring, offered to you by the handsomest of men, and now a wedding to plan, a party full of delicious food, a beautiful dress, amazing flowers - how could that possibly be stressful?

As many brides can attest, once you have argued with your mother about great aunt Melinda being invited, with your fiancé about whether his shirt will be black or white and with your sister about her dress colour, the stress of planning a wedding can make even the most sane bride question her sanity.

The key to planning a wedding that helps you keep calm is all in the planning and perspective!

Planning

1. Invest in a wedding planning kit or put together your own

Fantastic DIY wedding planners are available for the busy bride. Whether you're a paper girl or a computer whiz there's a product out there that will suit you!

You may want to create your own on your computer or in a notebook. Empty your brain and write everything down, lists, details, colours. Every time you think of something add it to the list. Divide the to-do list into months or weeks for an even easier option.

2. Get people involved - your fiancé especially! Delegate minor things, give helpful mums a list of things to do to help you out - take the pressure off yourself and take up the offers of help. If possible assign someone the duty of helping 'on the day'; many wedding planners have an 'on the day' service available. The organizer will ensure the musicians are in place, that guests are guided to the right place and will let you relax.

3. Be prepared. Pack or buy an emergency kit for the day of the wedding, write schedules for bridal party members, take a list of suppliers contact details with you, be prepared for something to go wrong and laugh it off when it does.

Perspective

1. Choose your battles. Sit down with your fiancé and both write down what you absolutely won't compromise on - for him it may be the cars, his suit and music. For you it may be your dress, flowers and shoes. These are your foundations for your event. If your mother is driving you nuts with how the cake will look - let it go and let her help you decide on a cake. The wedding is one day, so don't argue over the small things as the hurts can last for months afterwards.

2. It isn't just about you. As much as the wedding is about the union of you and your partner, do remember this is your mother's daughter's wedding, your sister's sister's wedding and do understand that they are excited for you, they want to help, they want to show you off, they want to share this with their friends. Enjoy this event with them.

3. Take time out. Plan a weekend away together. Ban anything "wedding" and enjoy your fiancé's company, remind yourself why you said yes to this man, laugh and play silly games. Indulge (forget that diet for a minute!) and have fun. You'll come back feeling refreshed and renewed!

On your wedding day, allow yourself to take a few secret minutes of time with your new husband alone and revel in the fact you're married.