Planning a wedding is a happy marriage of stress and excitement, and much unlike our favorite dramatic gal-pal Carrie Bradshaw, a lot of girls don’t have friends in high places that do everything for her, or receive a $10,000 Vivienne Westwood dress… So I can only imagine that if she planned her own wedding, it would go something like this:

1. Pure Excitement

When you first get engaged, you aren’t thinking about anything except the end result – being married! You got the perfect guy, the perfect ring, and can’t stop gushing about it.

2. Reality Kicks In

After the initial thrill of being engaged is over, reality sets in and oh s***… you have a whole wedding to plan! It is a big deal. Most girls dream of this day since they were little and it all comes down to the details

3. Dress Shopping

It all looks like fun in the movies – try on tons of gorgeous dresses, drink champagne, and giggle with your girlfriends. It’s not like that IRL.

It’s a lot of squeezing into sample sizes and hoping it doesn’t fall off. It’s exhausting, tiresome, and can result in feeling bummed out if you don’t fall in love with the dress of your dreams.

4. Pleasing the in-laws

Not everyone has great in-laws… so pleasing them during the wedding planning process can seem more like a chore than not. Between the guest list, seating chart, music, and even food, making the future in-laws happy is a headache waiting to happen. Hold off on the eyerolls until they aren't looking. I hear a lot of wine helps...

5. Exhaustion

Coordinating flowers, catering, photographers, and all the wedding vendors can be exhausting. You’d think planning a wedding would be a blast, and it can be, but it can really wear you out!

6. Stress

After the big things are locked down, it all comes down to the small details – and those tend to be the most stress-worthy things: ceremony programs, bridal party gifts, and favors. If you’re not careful, that thing will get overlooked and cause last-minute stress. Just remain calm and don't take it out on the groom! (Not to mention the idea of getting married can cause stress and jitters – just look at Mr. Big).

7. Relief

The day after your wedding is the most relaxing day you’ve had in months. Everything went off without a hitch, you married your best friend, and it was a party that will go down in history. Now it’s time to kick back with your new hubby and enjoy the married life!