It’s not something you really want to talk about. It’s such a private subject that most brides just cross their fingers and say nothing. “That” time of the month on that special day can be a bride’s worst nightmare.

Obviously any bride, barring those with ESP or other physical conditions that make that worry non-existent, will share your concern. Here’s a great article by Caurie Anne Putnam at Ultimatewedding.com. She touches on stress, doctors, adjusting your cycle, and how to handle the unavoidable.

At the end she says:

“Now, stop worrying! Whether you get this unwanted guest or not, you are still going to have the best day of your life and when it is over and done, you will be married. That’s what matters most! Period :)”

I couldn’t have said it better myself!

Oh, the old garters toss tradition. That’s just what the bride wanted to do was hike up her dress and flash a little leg! And what do you mean the groom took it off with his teeth?! Do you really want to be the guy who catches that bit of lace after it’s possibly been drooled on by the groom? Heh! I think this is probably one of those love ‘em or hate ‘em traditions.

I’m glad to say the more tasteful approach these days is for the groom to remove the garter with his hands and not his teeth! Wedalert.com has some interesting background on this on and off again tradition: Tossing the garter at weddings

And if you do decide on a garter, for public or private display, here are some links to some very pretty options:

• My Garter.com **Note that Mygarter.com custom makes their garters, so their attractive designs can be personalized and adorned with novelty charms. Plus-sizes are also available!

• Di Francia Bridal Collection

• Big Beautiful Wedding

Cinderella was the only woman lucky enough to have shoes that fit perfectly. And she went and lost one of them!

I won’t touch on style because that’s a wider subject than my own foot. Yes, my family is convinced Sasquatch is a distant relative of mine. Hence my obsession with shoe comfort over style.

For those of us without the benefit of a fairy godmother, sometimes style can take precedence over fit. Do remember, you have to wear those shoes for the entire event and don’t leave the comfort factor out.

• Try shoes on or get your foot measured at the end of the day. Feet have a tendency to swell even on the best of days.

• Comfort is at least as important as style. Designer shoes don’t always mean the best fit for your foot. Although, some people argue that the quality of materials used in designer shoes means better comfort anyway. Shop around.

• Break them in! Remember how your mom said to wear your shoes for a while BEFORE you wore them to school? Same diff. Do you really want heel blisters and pinched toes on your wedding night? Start a couple weeks before the big day. Use the same style stockings and wear them about an hour each day - inside the house, of course!

• Shoe pads? I have no idea. I don’t personally like them, but many people swear by them. If you decide to try them, they should provide cushion, comfort and prevent slippage.

Lucky for you, this is real life and not a fairy tale! With some careful planning, your version of the glass slippers will have you floating your way through the first day of your very own happy ever after.