I recently attended a string of weddings in the New England area and observed the various habits of brides during the week before their big day. I noticed several problems that they could have avoided if their heads were on straight during this crazy time, and decided to create a short list to help out. Viola:

1. Stay relaxed. Stress can make or break your big day. Make sure to take the necessary steps during the week before to decrease your wedding day stress levels. Spend a day at a spa to get a massage and facial. Make sure to stay on your regular exercise routine during your wedding week, as working out can often keep your stress to a minimum. Don't forget to breathe. Seriously.

2. Eat. I know that may sound stupid, but I've heard of many women that starve themselves the week before their weddings to look slim in their wedding dresses. It doesn't matter if you look schvelt in the dress if you're too dizzy to stand up straight. A pair of rosy, healthy cheeks beats that malnourished super-model look anyday.

3. Do not try and get a tan the week of your wedding. This can very often lead to a girl who looks more like watermelon than bride. Even if you do successfully pull off the Brazilian Sun Princess: do you really want your kids to be looking back at the wedding photos wondering why mom used to be a different color?

If you have pale skin flaunt it. Try and pick a beautiful setting and decor with colors that makes pale skin look good. One of my paler friends decided to have her New Hampshire Wedding during the fall foliage season, and she simply glowed. This is your wedding after all; you can pick the place that is the perfect environment for you to be beautiful.

4. Do not take dance classes. I've seen a dozen couples who take dance classes a couple months before their wedding day so that they look perfect on the floor. These people often come off as a rehearsed and awkward side-show rather than a tender display between husband and wife. You two have danced together before- do what you do best. Do the funky chicken, the robot, or thriller if that's what you know. Whatever it is, it's sure to be more genuine than some produced moment.

5. Find a wedding photographer that you like, as a person. Obviously their skill level and portfolio are important, but it's just as important that they are affable and fun. Mr. Artsy 'I do it how I like it for my art' will likely be a huge downer for the wedding party. I like to think of everyone as babies on their wedding days- vulnerable, dressed up, and showered with affection. Baby photographers are versed in the skills necessary to make an infant smile and laugh on the drop of a dime. Your wedding photographer should have the same skill set.