Chris here! Before I write another word (and because I like my face exactly the way it is) let me say that Meghan has been a towering fortress of will and patience about our wedding. Honestly, she’s been amazing (and I’m not just saying that because she’s standing behind me with a pair of scissors).

As we’ve been planning this wedding for over a year now, I’d like to pass on a few notes I’ve made about the care and feeding of your bride-zilla during the process.

My first tip is the most important piece of advice I can give anyone who’s about to tie the knot:

Marry Someone Amazing

No amount of chocolate and flowers can compensate for someone who isn't incredible. Hopefully you knew this before you proposed, but it helps to be reminded.

Chocolate and Flowers

That said, keep a ready supply of interesting distractions at hand whenever possible. Every Bride-zilla is different. Some respond to chocolate, others to jewelry, still others to power tools (watch out for those). When she breathes deeply through her nose after a particularly onerous conversation with a difficult vendor or family member, don’t ask ‘what happened?’ as it will only enrage her more. A quick distraction is your best bet here.

Have an Opinion

When your bride-zilla asks what color the tablecloth accents under the centerpiece should be. You have three options:

1) Panic: “Whatever you think is best babe.” (Rookie move)

2) Play some Jazz: “What’s a color that goes with the secondary hue of the flowers? I can grab a color chart!” (Better move)

3) Make an inside joke: “I’m not sure… what tablecloth accent color really completes us as a couple?” When she laughs and doesn’t murder you, revert back to option 2. (Pro move)

(A note on #3: You have to lay the groundwork for that inside joke months ahead of time. Bust that sucker out right on the spot and you’ll likely be wearing a pair of decorative scissors….. in your face)

Never Ever Ever Say: “Don’t Worry About That” (or DWAT)

I pulled the DWAT rookie move several times and thankfully my Bridezilla didn’t attack. It’s possibly the stupidest thing you could let out of your mouth. Think about it, when was the last time you said “Stop being Upset” to anyone and it actually worked? Right. Never.

There’s nothing Bridezillas hate more than being told their frustration isn’t justified, and rightfully so.

That’s my short list for the care and feeding of your Bridezilla. On a related note, if you’re marrying someone who doesn’t mind being referred to as the 'bridezilla’ you’ve picked a winner. (Just hide anything sharp before you try it)