There's no doubt the Big Day is one of the most stressful times in a woman’s life.

Between the finances, perfect dress selection and in-laws, there’s not much glamour about getting to the altar, but there is a lot to look forward to. Understand that you plan to go through these motions only once in your lifetime. Begin to enjoy the moment. It’s about you.

The engagement is all about preparation — not just for your wedding, but also for your marriage. Don’t worry about what others are doing. There’s no need to try to play catch up to your already married friends. And never compare your relationship to others. Their green grass may be artificial turf. Instead, seek out the counsel of a marriage adviser you trust and set your own goals. Keep in mind your homegirl isn’t your marriage counselor.

Hire an organized wedding planner who you know will get the job done. Again, your homegirl isn’t always your go-to-girl. Hire a professional who is going to willfully take the weight off of you and the groom to handle the tedious dirty work. Leave this job to professionals.

Focus on enjoying the exciting decisions like the honeymoon in Europe or Africa, where you want your gift registry to be and who will catch the garter. And don’t mind the premeditated debauchery that your fiancée’s best friend planned for the bachelor party. Let your hair down as you prepare for your wedding. Your ceremony is important, just don’t let the process overshadow the purpose.

All that’s left to do is put on those heels and prepare for the greatest walk of the night and the greatest walk of your life. Getting to the groom is great, but getting to your room with your groom is better. The only thing a good man changes about a good lady is her last name. Enjoy love. Enjoy life. You’re now a wife.

Congratulations.

Pleasantries.

– Enitan Bereola, II

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Bereola is a go-to style and etiquette impresario, public speaker and entrepreneur. He is also the author of the critically acclaimed BEREOLAESQUE: The Contemporary Gentleman & Etiquette book for the Urban Sophisticate. He is working on his follow up, Guide to Ladies’ Etiquette From a Gentleman’s Perspective. Find him at his new website bereolaesque-online.com, or @bereolaesque on Twitter as well as his Facebook fan page.