Collapsing cake – this is actually a lot more common than people think. It could be that the cake is too heavy for the stand it’s on or too close to the dance floor but it’s a fairly easy fix. Simply put the cake back together as much as you can, spread more frosting around to cover up the cracks and add some decorations for the final touch up. You can even take some flowers from your décor if you’re running short. This is another great reason to let your baker set up your cake.

A couple of tips on choosing your wedding party. Size does matter – the traditional rule is one attendant for every 50 guests but you don’t’ have to stick to this if it doesn’t fit in your wedding plans.

More isn’t always merrier – the more people in your wedding party, the greater the chance for complications or personality conflicts. Blood is thicker than water – it’s usually worth including family members to avoid unnecessary conflict.

No “paybacks” – just because they asked you to be in their wedding party, doesn’t mean you have to ask them. It’s your wedding, choose who you want. Location is key – know what you are expecting of your party and where they will be. Will they be able to help out with everything you want?

Guys and Girls count – a bridesmaid doesn’t have to be a women, and groomsman a man. If your best friend is of the opposite sex, there is no reason they can’t be a part of the wedding party. A guy on the bride’s side is called an attendant or brides man, and a woman on the groom’s side is called an attendant or groomswoman. It’s that simple.

Other honours – if you are stuck, there are a lot of other jobs your close family and friends can help out with. A special reading or prayer, ushers, the MC or performing at your wedding.

Spread the news – once you have your wedding party picked, make sure everyone knows it. You don’t want the old friend from high school thinking they are in the wedding party when they aren’t.

The kids – your flowergirl and ringbearer are going to be an attraction at your wedding. Children should be able to walk down the aisle by themselves and close to you. A niece or nephew, or young cousins are good for these roles. If they are over the age of 10 and you really want to include them, make them a junior bridesmaid or groomsman or they can be a candle holder/lighter.

Ah, the bridesmaids and the maid/matron of honour. Your closest friends and family standing with you as you marry the person of your dreams. Now that designers are creating dresses that your girls can wear after the wedding, girls don’t have to worry about having a taffeta poufy dress with a huge bow on the butt haunt them every time they open their closet.

By looking for quality construction, beautiful fabrics and timeless design your bridesmaids can look great at your wedding and have a useful dress afterwards. This is an area for delicate negotiation. You want to find a gown that works for everyone. Your bridal party no longer has to wear all the same dress or all the same colour. Today’s brides are going with the same colour but a flattering cut for each girl, or vice versa. Some don’t even match that up.

Be considerate. Wedding tradition says the girls pay for their own outfits. It is an honour to be asked to be a party of your wedding day, set a budget and stick to it. You want your girls to look amazing without having to break the bank.

When choosing your wedding party, keep in mind these people will be a great support system for you during the planning stages. They will help stuff invitations, interview vendors, choose themes and colours and plan and throw a lot of the associated parties that go along with your wedding day.

Set up a time early on in the planning stages to have a brainstorming session with your girls. Have everyone bring something to nibble on, and set it up like an intimate party for just you and your girls. Once everyone has a better idea of what you are looking for, planning and execution of those plans will go a lot smoother.

Difficulties and disagreements are bond to arise. Lay down some ground rules with your wedding party so you can ease through any problems like this with less stress. This is your wedding day so the final call really comes down to you. Your wedding party should put aside their disagreements and keep the foremost in their minds.

Don’t forget – you can never say “thank you” too often. You are responsible for getting your wedding party thank-you gifts. These are usually presented at the rehearsal dinner with the parents’ gifts. You don’t have to get everyone the same thing, but try to spend the same amount of money on each person.