Everyone who’s ever planned her own wedding or helped plan someone else’s has told me that it gets crazy near the end.

At the 15-day mark, we’re near the end. Following tradition, we’re also busy!

So it seems like there’s nothing to do for a while, but that peaceful lull is deceiving because in the flash of the old Batman TV show’s bam, pow, or wham, it gets crazy. All your big stuff is in place, but now all the little loose ends need tying up.

For example. . .
Last dress fitting, check!
Shower thank-you notes, un-check.
Finalized seating arrangements, un-check.
Presents to hand out at rehearsal dinner, almost check.
Cards and brief words to accompany the presents at the rehearsal dinner, un-check.
Photographer’s shot list, un-check.
Finalized playlist for reception, un-check.
Designed programs, check!
Printed, stamped, bow-tied programs, un-check.

And those are just a few of the things we have left to do. It can feel absolutely overwhelming! I really think I had an anxiety attack last night while attempting to fall asleep. I called Drew, and he gently reminded me that everything will get done. He also suggested I not let this small stuff steal the joy of the wedding. My fiancé is wise.

At mile one of the wedding-planning marathon, I think couples have a vision of what their wedding should be: a vivid sunset ceremony on the beach that perfectly matches the indigo hue of the bridesmaids’ dresses and the groomsmen’s bow ties, a Wedding Crashers-worthy reception, or perhaps, a flawlessly coordinated event from rehearsal to reception. In a perfect world, those wedding expectations would be met—even exceeded every time. However, sometimes the time gets away, money runs out, unavoidable issues or problems arise . . . and the plan has to be altered.

Our vision was a God-centered and heartfelt ceremony; a fun, personalized reception for our guests; and a thoughtfully planned honeymoon. And the thing is, we’re going to meet those expectations—well, maybe not the perfectly planned honeymoon, but it’s going to be amazing because it’s our honeymoon! Maybe we could have added a few more personalized elements, but we hope our friends and family will still have fun.

Regardless, we’re going to accomplish what a wedding is all about. Drew and I are going to enter the covenant of marriage and become husband and wife before a church filled with loved ones. That’s the most important part. All the other stuff is just icing on the wedding cake.

So my advice to myself (and anyone else in the last days of wedding planning): Relax. Work hard and get those last details finalized, but know that it’s okay if not everything ties up perfectly. Realize that you’re almost done and an amazing prize awaits—your groom (or bride) . . . not to mention the honeymoon.

Emily, a Washington bride-to-be, writes every Friday about planning her wedding, which will be in Nashville this fall. To follow her adventures from the beginning, click here.