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To those of you who are engaged or soon to be engaged, planning a simple wedding or a “royal affair” can become a royal headache. I’ve seen it all, and I know how stressful the planning process can be. From the beginning stages of planning to advice on how to get through the big day, here are some helpful hints to make every moment as enjoyable as possible.

Setting the date can be one of the more daunting decisions when planning your wedding. The date may influence budget, weather, wedding theme, and color scheme; and it can also determine whether or not certain guests can attend. Finally, always remember to check your calendar to note specific religious and national holidays. Some venues will be closed in honor of them, and some vendors may charge more to work on them, so choose your date wisely.

Okay, now that you've picked your date and set your budget, the planning is in full motion! Here are some key things we suggest for the bride, groom, maid of honor, and best man:

• Brides: Always remember to schedule your hair and make-up trial before your big day. You don't want to find out on the day of that the up-do is an up-don’t!

• Planning on having a ring bearer in your ceremony? Remember, kids are cute and always get a lot of attention when walking down the aisle, but kids are kids. We highly recommend playing it safe by tying fake rings to the pillow. Put the real ones in your best man’s pocket.

• Maid of Honor: You have many responsibilities when accepting your position as the bride's leading lady. Here are a couple tips we highly suggest. If at all possible, attend the final fitting with the bride. This is when you’ll learn how to bustle her dress, which is one of your responsibilities on the wedding day. Also, make sure that the bride and bridesmaids eat before walking down the aisle. This is an exciting day, especially for the bride, and everyone is busy chatting and getting their hair and make-up done, often forgetting to eat. Preorder a tray of food or pack some snacks and water. No one should feel faint walking down the aisle or pass out at the altar.

• Best Man: Keep your toast short and sentimental, not crude and rude. Remember, this is a toast, not a roast!

• Groom and Groomsmen: Try making a point of picking up your tuxes a day or two in advance of the wedding day and trying it on one last time before you leave the store. What you don't want to happen is an hour or so before you're ready to walk down the aisle is to find out that your pants are too short or your jacket is too tight. There's not a lot you can do about it at that point. Remember, this is a special day and you want to look your best, too!

• And last, but not least, to you wonderful grooms out there — most of you don't know that it's a tradition to give your bride a gift on your wedding day. One suggestion is a special piece of jewelry, but whatever you decide to give her, make sure it's from your heart. Something that’ll remind her of you and your special day.

As wedding planners, we bring an emergency kit or a bride's survival kit with us to every wedding. We suggest you do, too. Yours doesn't have to be as extensive as ours, but think about some things you may need during the course of your day, such as a small sewing kit, static guard, stain remover, etc. And of course, don't forget the breath mints. Just remember this rule of thumb...expect the unexpected!

A well-planned wedding is a successful wedding. For more helpful tips and stress-free planning, check out Afflair Events online. From the moment you say “yes” to after the “I dos” to the last dance, we’re there to help guide you and make sure you and your prince have your own “royal affair.”

—Kameron McConnell (pictured on the left) & Linda Simunov (pictured on the right), Afflair Events