Confetti

Confetti Bride of the Year 2010

Irish brides-to-be have lots of questions and little time.

You have the final say on lots but that doesn't mean you have to go it alone.
We went to those in the know to bring you practical advice to help you make your decisions.

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Q: My parents are divorced. Should I have them together in the same family photograph?

A: Ask your parents if you're not sure but most brides and grooms deal with divorced parents as individuals rather than as a couple because they are no longer technically related. If parents have remarried, it is recommended to include the new spouses in the photos as a gesture that you acknowledge the new relationship. This means twice the number of photos and twice the time, but happy parents mean a happy bride and groom.

Q: I know my fiancé wants to get involved in planning the wedding but he could use some guidance. Where do I begin?

A: In this day of equality, you shouldn't be the one strapped with all the planning. Look at your to-do list and think about the tasks your man would be good at. Is he into cars? Send him out with the bestman to do some recon on transportation. Having a fun time while getting something done will help him (and you) relax during this potentially stressful period. It just might even give him insight into why you pour over linen samples.

Keep in mind that he's going to come back with different results than had you gone yourself, but you are both getting married. You get to pick the napkins and the flowers, he gets to pick the cars and suits.

Q: My guy can get carried away when he's out with the boys. How can I make sure that he gets to the church on time?

A: Much as we'd like our partners to simply do what we tell them, put yourself in his shoes. Out with friends, nearly accomplished life's mission of finding a soulmate; your man is one happy camper. Nagging him will make him an unhappy camper so have faith that he'll make it to the church on time and give yourself a little security with these acts of love.

The day of his stag party, drink lots of water (it will keep you calm) and get him to have some H2O too (it will keep him sober). Order his favourite takeout to eat together before he leaves and sneak a cute picture of yourself in his shirt pocket. It will keep you on his mind for all the right reasons. Put a couple of travel alarm clocks in his room, staggered to go off a few minutes apart so he doesn't kill one buzzer and go back to bed. And if the bestman can be called upon, ask him to keep an eye on the groom.

If you're still concerned you can always arrange to have your respective shindigs a week before the big day to cut out any hangovers or worrying about being late.

Q: Do I have to change my surname?

A: If you're happy with you maiden name then there's no legal requirements or obligation on you to take on your beloved’s surname. If you do decide to change your name you'll have to do a number of things. First you must get proof that you're married. You'll need to bring the long form of your birth certificate and an application written on Deed paper and send it to the Deed Poll section in the four courts (as it has a raised seal). Then you'll have to change your bank and credit card details, leases, wills, insurance policies and mortgages. Finally, let your friends and family know how you’d like your birthday cards to be addressed in the future.