As someone who has experienced a 'big fat Greek Italian' wedding of their own recently, and has two more to attend in the next five months (seven in total in a 18-month period which started from March), there are certain 'I do's' and 'I don'ts' to follow.

The I do's:

If you know a couple looking for a wedding cake vendor or a florist, share with them your recommendation. Couples planning a wedding will trust a personal recommendation. That's how I ended up with a cake that looked good, tasted good and didn't send me broke.

Brides and grooms - ask both your parents to see the wedding reception. Find small ways to make them feel included but don't feel obligated to do what they want, after all it's your wedding day and you know what you want.

Couples - keep your registry list reasonable. No one wants to fork out $500 on fancy dinner plates that will be used once and don't be disappointed that you didn't get what you want either. You can always buy this yourself.

Guests - ask the couple if they want anything specific for their wedding if they don't have a registry. If the answer is that they don't care, money is usually the way to go. How much you ask? Stick within your means but it's usually however much the couple spent per head (that can range from $95 - 150, with the average price at $120). The same applies with buying gifts, always stick within your means.

The I don'ts:

It goes without saying, if you're not the bride - don't wear white (unless you ask the bride and she's okay with it). It doesn't matter if it doesn't look like a formal dress or if you've worn it another wedding before, it's best to avoid a solid white dress. Also if you do wear white, beware the bridesmaid holding red wine.

Don't assume that you will be in the bridal party because you've known each other for a long time, or because your family. A bride will only choose those she feels comfortable with, the type of person who will spill red wine on a guest, no questions asked.

This one applies to everyone, don't be a prat. No one wants to be remembered like that.

My last pearl of wisdom is don't get vertigo walking down the aisle and vomit in church. You don't want to start a marriage by throwing up - trust me I know.

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