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Emma's Wedding Diary: Been there, done that...

I e-mailed my friends and asked them to give me some advice, I thought I'd paste it all into my diary so I wouldn't lose it....

Bride to be (Emma W.)

"Don't choose a strapless wedding dress and huge high heeled wedding shoes if you're not used to wearing them. You don't want to be tripping over and feeling uncomfortable on your special day! If you really have set your heart on a wedding shoe design that features something you're not used to, then wear something similar around the house lots before the big day.

When you are choosing hairstyles, consider the style of your wedding dress. If it's quite elaborate, don't overdo the hair! Look through bridal magazines for ideas and book a practice with your hairdresser for a few weeks before the wedding. It's a good idea if you're getting your makeup done to book a practice with them on the same day if possible, that way you can preview the complete look so you know you're happy!"

Best Man (Martin H.)

"The best single piece of advice I can give as a former best man is to try to delegate as much as you can. I had a friend who had three best men, one to organise the stag night, one to "get him to the church on time" and one to give a speech.

If the groom has chosen you as the sole best man, look at the other guys who will be on the stag night. If one or two of them are good at organising people or things, get them to do the legwork on the stag night entertainments. Ask them to phone around and find a paintball company nearby, or a JCB racing event, or whatever other entertainment your stag party will enjoy. If any of them have known the groom for a long time (and they probably have), get them to list the things they would put into a best man's speech. And make sure you have a full list of everyone who it is your job to thank at the end of your speech, like the catering staff, waiters/waitresses etc."

Groom (Chris T.)

"Tradition dictates that the groom has his back to the bride as she enters and walks down the aisle for the ceremony. However, I recommend turning to face her as she does so for a wonderful memory.

As much as you may want to leave it to the bride to make all of the wedding arrangements, do make an effort to get involved yourself so that it doesn't all pass you by in the lead up or on the day itself.

In the groom's speech it is easy to give a long list of thank you's. However, don't miss the ideal opportunity you have to express your feelings about something so important to your family and friends - it is a rare chance to have all of them with you at the same time."

Maid of Honour (Amanda C.)

"Remain calm, the day will be great fun but the bride will be relying on you to calm her nerves as well as those of the other bridesmaids.

To enjoy the build up, make an occasion of it instead of letting the nerves get to everybody. Bucks Fizz works well and everyone will be in party mood. Make sure that no one overindulges though - you don't want to be tripping over the train!

The finishing touches you can add make all the difference. The Bride and Groom stayed overnight in the hotel where the wedding was held and we were able to dress the bridal suite. We put rose petals on the bed and dimmed all the lights to add extra romance.

The bridesmaids were also able to come up with lots of ideas at the planning stage. Since everybody is exposed to different traditions there can be a wealth of ideas you may not have thought of but might like anyway."