Let the countdown begin

Wedding planning? Relaxed? As if. Even once all the contracts (venue, caterer, photographer, florist, musicians, transportation, officiant) have been signed and all the make-up and hair trials have reached their breathtaking conclusions, the last few days before a wedding can find many brides feeling high-strung. Blame the blend of excitement, butterflies, over-emotional family members and ‘what am I forgotting?’ moments.

Of course, Kate Middleton and Prince William won’t have experienced an ordinary wedding-planning process. But still: ‘I would imagine she’s feeling nerves,’ says Mark Niemierko, a top London wedding planner. ‘A few days before, when a lot of international guests or close family start arriving, there’s just that extra family politics and pressure swirling around. Things can get a bit heated.’

Niemierko advises his brides to take a step back from the proceedings. ‘Most reasons that brides get nervous or have any anxiety or insecurity has to do with the people around them. Sometimes there are too many people involved,’ he says.

The top planner (who is not involved in planning the Royal Wedding) suggests that brides quell pre-wedding nerves by taking time out for a final manicure and pedicure, handing the management of last-minute tasks over to a trusted (read: organised) friend, and enjoying hen celebrat