Irrational demands. Flippant remarks. Overbearing aunts with
a fondness for fuchsia.

Why do loved ones turn loathsome during your season of passion? When you’re trying to plan a wedding, your own perfectionist tendencies are plenty. Try these tactics to help you deal, appease, and avoid the insanity.

The Mourning
Mother-in-Law
She frowns upon the menu, music, flowers, invitations, and — let’s be honest — the whole impending nuptials. Outshine her gloom with a colorful, illuminated wall display from Element Labs.

The Defensive Mom
“Well. Clearly you know everything and don’t need any help from me.” Sharon Naylor’s Mother-of-the-Bride Book should help smooth things over.

Modern Families
Bride hates her father; groom hates his mom. And it sounds worse on paper. New custom-invite line AprilStudio lets you work directly with a designer to find the best color, font, and motif. The right words will be a snap.

The Meter Maid
Your bossy big sis thinks you’re late with the registry. But you simply won’t sign up at Generic Patterns ‘R’ Us. Moss is the ultimate in anti-cookie cutter housewares.

The Worst Man
He’s one of those fast-talking, name-dropping, flashy metrosexuals. And you have to get him something. He needs some balls. Personalized billiard balls will drop the hint to play by your rules.

Chatty Cousin Cathy
Your brother is going to be pissed that he’s sitting next to her. But she’ll be too busy snarfing all the MarieBelle Chocolates to bug anyone.

Bitter Bridesmaids
The best cure for the always-a-bridesmaid blues? A sparkly diamond keychain.

The Out-of-Towners
Delayed red-eyes. Long lines at the Avis counter. Overpriced hotels. Traveling guests need a pick-me-up. Have a bottle of wine and Korres Island Getaway toiletries waiting in their rooms.

That’ll show them what a caring, unselfish, and thoughtful bride you are. Which is just the effect you were going for.