11. You don't want kids at your wedding and want to convey that without offending your guests.
Let your invitation do the talking, Post says. Let's say you've chosen not to include kids younger than 5, and your friends have an 11-year-old and a 4-year-old. You'd write the friends' names and the older child's name on the inner envelope, indicating that the youngest isn't invited. If you're worried guests won't get the message, call beforehand. Says Post, "You can say, 'We just sent the invitations and we're excited to have you join us, but we've decided not to include young children. I wanted to give you advance notice so you have time to find a sitter. I hope you can make it!' " Don't grant any exceptions; that would be rude to guests who've abided by your wishes.

12. There are already three bridal showers being held in your honor. Now someone else wants to throw you another one.
You may decline the offer if the same guests who would be invited to this shower will already be going to one of your others. In fact, says Post, if that's the case, you should decline. "You cannot have lots of showers with all the same people. It's an unfair burden on your guests," she says. (However, you may invite your closest family members and friends to multiple showers, but they needn't bring gifts to each one.) To bow out gracefully, Post suggests either inviting your would-be hostess to one of the other showers (keeping in mind that shower guests must always be invited to the wedding) or offer to take her out to lunch so you can chat and catch up.

13. You arrive at your reception site early and notice the centerpieces are not what you had agreed on with the florist. You consider a showdown with the vendor.
Unfortunately, this isn't a rare occurrence, which is why it's important that your contract have all the details in writing. Even better, have a picture taken of the final chosen design, suggests Bussen. "On the wedding day, if the issue can't be corrected on-site, ask your photographer to be sure to document the centerpieces," she says. "Then let it go, and enjoy the happiest day of your life!" You wouldn't want an argument to cast a pall on the rest of the occasion. You can lodge your complaint and attempt to get a refund -- once you've returned from your honeymoon and have your photo evidence in hand.

14. You have a few relatives who rather enjoy misbehaving.
Well, it wouldn't be a wedding without at least one loose cannon -- the uncle who drinks too much, the overemotional mother, the cousin who needs to be the center of attention. You can't control other people's behavior, but if you're worried, enlist a trusted friend to keep an eye on the troublemaker and nip any developing scenes with a well-timed, "How about a dance?" At Naylor's own wedding in April 2008, "We asked my husband's cousin if he'd act as the bouncer. Nothing happened, but it made me feel better." Then, focus instead on celebrating your new union.

Couples Counsel: How to Keep the Peace
He hasn't done his wedding chores.
"Suggest a deadline," says Lisa Brookes Kift, a marriage and family therapist in Marin County, California, author of "Therapy-at-Home Workbook: Premarital Counseling," a DIY guide for couples. Then drop the subject. If deadline day comes and goes, you may have to take over. "Just tell him, 'I think I'll go ahead and choose your tux. Are you OK with that?"

He wants to play a large role in the planning, but you'd rather do it yourself.
Try to let go of your perfectionism, Kift advises: "This is, after all, an event about the two of you." Encourage him to take charge of the things he's best at, perhaps creating the music playlist or choosing cake flavors. And if you don't like his choices? Keep it to yourself. You may not get the exact shade of ivory buttercream you wanted, but the longterm benefits to your marriage will be worth it.

You're snapping at him for no reason.
Check in with each other daily to go over small problems so they don't turn into big ones, says Kift. Even better: Have that conversation while taking a brisk walk. Exercise will also help lower stress levels.

What do you think of our advice? Add a comment to share your experience and your insights.

Text by Lauren Lipton