It’s not something we ever want to think about, but the likelihood is that everything won’t go perfectly to plan on your wedding day. A couple of weeks ago I actually asked via my Facebook page if anyone had anything go wrong and I was blown away by the response. I even had people emailing me separately to tell me their stories of woe! While I was at first a little nervous that all those comments would be scaring the bejebus out of you brides-to-be, I think it is important to realise that while things may not always go to plan, it will all be OK in the end. Whatever happens your wedding will still be awesome. Pinky swear.

Some of these hiccups will be minor, others could be quite major, but instead of trying to second-guess the future and stressing yourself out about it, here are five tips on how to handle anything that might go a little pear shaped.

1. Accept that things might go wrong… and be OK with it

If I learnt anything from reading all those Facebook comments it was that more often than not something does goes wrong. Accepting that fact and being OK with it is ultimately going to be a lot less stressful than worrying about something you can’t control the whole time. Realise that for most people (well, maybe except Bridezillas but I haven’t got any of those reading my blog do I?!) it’s the little hiccups actually end up making for a great story after the wedding.

Take each task at a time and if something isn’t as smooth sailing as you might have hoped, be calm and methodically deal with the situation as best you can. Weddings, and planning them specifically, is an emotionally charged time, but don’t let those emotions rule the roost. Use that noggin of yours and just get things done! Remember, on the day you’ll be so excited/ nervous/ happy you really won’t care if your flowers aren’t perfect or your dress gets a little muddy – it’s all part and parcel of having a wedding!

2. Get some protection

Wedding insurance is probably about as romantic and a soggy sandwich but it’s one of the most important purchases you should make for your wedding. Next to buying a house or having a child, planning a wedding is probably one of the most expensive and stressful things you’ll ever have to do so for goodness sakes get yourselves some protection!

For our 2008 nuptials we used John Lewis insurance, who were great. When our venue cancelled on us just three months beforehand (I KNOW!) they were awesome with the compensation they offered. Luckily for us, we didn’t actually need to end up taking it, we found a new (much more expensive I might add) venue and my Dad, who’s quite a scary and persuasive man when it wants to be, basically informed the original place they had to cough up the difference! Thank goodness it all worked out for us, but if you don’t have a Father who can put the fear of God into anybody when he’s angry (well, actually, even if you do), this is definitely something you need to look into.

3. Don’t worry about things you can’t control

Like the weather… or if your Great Aunt Mildred is going to get drunk and fall over… or if your divorced parents are going to get along… There’s nothing you can do to either fix or ensure these things go well so why waste your time stressing out about them?

4. Read those contracts!

Contracts between you and your wedding suppliers are there to protect both parties. Don’t ever sign something without reading and understanding it properly. It’s also vital that both sides know what to expect beforehand. For example, your photographer’s contract will likely say that while you can have digital files of your images to do whatever you like with (share on Facebook, send them to a wedding blog, print out, give copies to your friends and family) they retain the copyright which means you can’t edit them in anyway or sell them on.

It’s important that you understand the little idiosyncrasies of each contract, each will be different and without reading them properly you wouldn’t know anything about them. This could either get you in hot water or cause extra confusion and stress on the day or afterwards. Also don’t be afraid to go back to them and ask questions if you don’t understand something. It’s in their best interest to make sure you’re clued up too!

5. Realise that people make mistakes

Contrary to popular belief, wedding suppliers are people too and people sometimes make mistakes. Of course there’s no excuse for negligence but just be aware that you will not be the only wedding they are working on. If you’re finding they’re not communicating as fast as you’d like, look at it objectively, is your wedding in six months time? If so they probably have 10 others to do before they get to you so it’s unlikely that you’ll be top of their agenda (sorry!) However if your wedding is in six days and you’re not hearing anything back then maybe you have reason to be concerned.

Planning a wedding can be stressful at the best of times, but through it all always remember why you’re doing this. I promise, on the day, any little blips won’t matter at all. The love is what’s important, the rest is just dressing.