Too many brides allow themselves to get pushed around.

Your grand-aunt Tillie tells you that you must have a 5-layer cake because that's what she had, but you don't want a five-layer cake.

Your cousin brags about how "they" went to Tahiti for their honeymoon, but you have decided on Hawaii.

And then there are your parents' best friends, who say all the weddings they go to have a 5-piece orchestra.

You keep checking your "reality monitor" ... are these people for real?

You don't want to offend, but deep inside you're burning, because hey, it's YOUR wedding and why are all of these people telling you what to do?

Shy bride, speak out. Tell all of these "advisers" that you are doing fine.

Don't be shy about telling them to back off.

You can do this in a nice way. Simply explain: "I know you want to help and I really do appreciate your suggestions. However, we have put a lot of thought into the wedding, and we have made all of the decisions ourselves. If we need any suggestions, we will certainly ask for your opinion."

Do this with a smile but be firm.

Just remember, that the purpose of the wedding is to "get married" and not to satisfy everyone else's whims ...