The moment you and your fiancé set a wedding date, you know there is a lot of work to be done. From the venue to the guest list to the dress, wedding planning can take a bride by storm. Without the right support by her side, planning a wedding can become overwhelming very quickly.

I remember I was anxious to get certain things checked off my to-do list. I was confused on where to hold the reception, the food, the guest list and the honeymoon. Since I thought I could handle many tasks on my own, I was beyond stressed and made a mistake - I chose the first dress I set my eyes on. I do not regret the dress because it was delightful, but I do regret not giving myself more time to enjoy dress shopping. Moreover, I failed to include a few friends on the guest list, which was not my intention.

When brides become flustered, they lose sight of crucial things. Some brides turn from sweet to mean. A bride should never have to endure anything less than happiness during her wedding planning. Therefore, by following these five tips, a bride to be can enjoy every minute of the wedding process regardless of setbacks.

• Are you sure you want to marry? Some brides to be get cold feet. During the planning process, they ask themselves if marrying or marrying this particular person is the right decision. If you ever have to question yourself, stop everything you are doing and evaluate your feelings. Maybe you are not experiencing nerves, but something serious.

• Avoid being a bridezilla. As a bride, you will stress out, but that is not an excuse to be rude or demanding to those around you. Do not get frustrated with your fiancé if he takes a nonchalant attitude toward the wedding planning. Some guys have that attitude because they choose not to exasperate themselves. Instead of being demanding, nicely ask your fiancé to help in the process. Let him know your stress level is reaching a high and you need support. Also, lean on family and friends for assistance. Being a bridezilla will only turn your support team away and cause friction where it is not needed.

• Do not settle for the first dress. There are so many beautiful and affordable wedding gowns out there that it is a shame not to explore. As I mentioned earlier, I chose the first gown I set my eyes on. After purchase, I spotted a couple of others. But it was too late. You don't want to regret anything on your wedding day, especially your wedding gown. Take your time and ask your mother, sister or bridesmaids for their comments. Compare and contrast gowns before you make that final decision.

• Take several mental rest days. It is important to take a few days off from wedding planning. Distract yourself with work or spend time with family and friends. Go out with your fiancé to dinner and a movie. Do the things you would normally do before the wedding planning took effect.

• Don't forget to enjoy the process. Even though your emotions will feel like a roller coaster ride, remember to have fun. Do not allow the first mishap set the tone for the rest of the process. If you do, you will miss out on all the happy moments. If you have nieces and nephews or stepchildren, include them in your planning process, as well. Take them shopping and ask for their opinions. Keeping them in the loop is a nice gesture - especially for the little girls.

The preparation leading up to becoming a bride should bring you excitement and make you feel butterflies in your stomach. Even though times will get rough, try to see the bright side. Do not allow anything to ruin your planning and the wedding. As long as you and your fiancé are making each other's dreams come true, everything else will fall into place.