I was watching the TODAY Show this morning, and they interviewed a woman who just wrote a book on five ways to reduce stress. I instantly recognized that this was something every bride-to-be should know--so here I am.

First, take control of the way you respond to stress. Change your perception. Find the good in the bad. If the wedding singer backs out at the last minute, now Uncle Manny can have that shot in the spotlight he's always wanted. If your newly arrived wedding favors look cheap, get spectacular favors online at a Web site that offers rush shipping.

Remember fun and laughter. Very important! Weddings weren't created to destroy relationships and send the bride-to-be over the edge. No matter what happens before or during your wedding, you'll still be married (unless, of course, he gets cold feet and skips out. That's a valid reason to freak...) Take in a comedy at the movies, play tennis or Trivial Pursuit, buy fun bridesmaids gifts and give them out at an impromptu sleepover.

Learn to breathe. You'd think you already know how to do this, but our tendency--especially when we're stressed--is toward short, shallow breaths. When you feel the tension rising, step back and take in a long, steady breath through your nose. Hold it, and think about something pleasing, like the beautiful beach wedding favors you just purchased. Then let your breath out slowly through your mouth. Repeat until the honeymoon.

Take a mini-vacation. Treat yourself to weekend at a bed-and-breakfast in the mountains, a night at a luxury hotel or visit your friend in Phoenix. Don't even think about the wedding. It will all be waiting for you when you return. Keep laughing and breathing.

Finally, learn that it's OK to say "NO." Say "No" if you don't like the hors d'eouvres your Mom picked out for the reception. Say "No" if your future mother-in-law wants to add 20 more guests. (You may want to try compromising on that one.) Say "NO" if your future husband wants a monkey to be his best man. Say "No" to anything less than fabulous wedding favors. Breathe, say "no", take a break when you need to and have fun. Like the perfect wedding favor, your wedding--from beginning to end--should be beautiful and unforgettable.