There's no bride-to-be out there who hasn't felt some stress leading up to the big day. But there's a difference between the occasional break down and an all out melt down. No one wants to remember the time leading up to their wedding as painful and anxiety ridden, so here are a few simple tips to help keep some of the stress at bay.

1. Remember that it's normal to feel overwhelmed sometimes.
   This is probably the biggest event you've ever planned, and whether you're doing it alone or with the help of a coordinator you're still going to have moments of profound anxiety. Just knowing that it's normal not to be 'glowing with happiness' every minute will help relieve some of the stress you may be feeling.
   


2. Delegate, delegate, delegate.
   You can't do it all yourself. Even Martha Stewart has assistants. If you take on too much by yourself you'll just find yourself drowning in tasks as the wedding draws near. You may even become angry at people for not helping, even though they offered time and again in the beginning (before things got insane). Bottom line: Let people help you.
   


3. Take a wedding planning break.
   I know it seems like there's too much to do to take a break at times, but you and your fiancé both need some non-wedding time. Take a drive together that doesn't involve meeting with vendors. Take a walk and make a point of NOT commenting on every flower and its bouquet potential along the way. Especially as the wedding day approaches it's important to maintain some perspective. If every conversation you've had in the past month has started with "Now, about the wedding" you may be ready for a break.
   


4. Allow yourself one breakdown a week. Just one.
   Have your fiancé help you keep track. That way when you're tempted to yell at the florist for not understanding that you wanted ALL WHITE calla lilies you'll have to stop and think, "do I want to use up my one meltdown on this, or would I rather save it for something bigger later in the week?" Just thinking that can lighten the mood and relieve some of the tension of a situation. After all, you have to keep things in perspective. Which brings us to...
   


5. Keep it in perspective.
   No one will ever notice that the flowers aren't exactly what you had in mind. They will however, notice the ranting, raving, screaming bride yelling about the flowers. So just try to keep it all in check. This is about you and the love of your life making vows to one another. It really isn't about the white calla lilies. At least it shouldn't be.
   


6. If you begin to exhibit real signs of depression don't hesitate to see a doctor.
   The signs will probably be harder to recognize in a bride-to-be, since sleeplessness and anxiety pretty much come with the territory of getting married. But, if you find yourself crying considerably more than you normally do, or if you're having any feelings of hopelessness (suicidal thoughts, the feeling that it's all worthless) then it really is time to consult a professional. Some stress during this hectic time is unavoidable, but too much stress can ruin what should be one of the best days of your life.
   
   Just remember, it will all be over before you know it. So try to step back and enjoy the process, because as they say, "The joy is in the journey".