Q: Should I hold off on buying my wedding dress if I'm trying to lose weight?

A: No way. Chances are, your body isn't going to change so dramatically that you won't be able to wear a dress you bought months before. Even if you do lose weight, your seamstress can make alterations - something almost every bride needs anyway.

Your best bet: Start shopping about nine months before your wedding and buy a gown in a size that fits you now. Taking a dress in is a lot easier than working with too little fabric, and the last thing you want is to stress over squeezing into a too-tight dress.

<headline>Guest-book options</headline>

Q: How do I personalize my guest book? I really don't want just white pages full of signatures!

A: The key to a good guest book is to make it interactive. Rent a photo booth (or have a digital camera and printer on hand) so guests can snap pictures of themselves to tape next to their messages. Or have a wishing tree - let guests hang notes with string from bare branches.

Another idea: Work off a theme. If you're both nuts about sports, have a basket of baseballs for guests to autograph. Music fans? Get a vinyl record of your first dance song and have guests sign that.

Or, you can simply frame your favorite engagement or childhood photos and have guests write good wishes or marriage advice around your pictures.

No matter what format you choose, put your guest book (or tree or baseballs or whatever item you pick) in a high-traffic area so guests can't miss it.

<headline>Travel an issue for guests </headline>

Q: My fiance and I want to get married where we live, but that would mean most of our family and friends would have to travel and book hotels. Should we feel guilty about this given the economy?

A: The real question is this: How much does your wedding location mean to you versus having all of your family and friends in attendance?

You can get married wherever you want guilt-free, but be prepared for a smaller showing if travel and lodging are involved.

One way to make the trip more affordable is to block out rooms in hotels and ask for a discounted group rate. This is standard procedure, so don't be shy.

You can also create a space on your wedding Web site so guests can arrange carpools and hotel shares. (Don't have one? Visit www.TheKnot.com to make one for free!)

Of course, there's always the option of footing the bill for any VIPs who wouldn't be able to afford the trip.

<headline>Bride dislikes groomsman</headline>

Q: My fiance wants to ask one of his close friends to be a groomsman, but I can't stand the guy! Do I get a say?

A: Here's the harsh truth: not really.

Listing all the things you hate about one of your guy's closest friends will only create tension and cause arguments between you two. C'mon, one groomsman isn't going to make or break your wedding.

In other words, it's totally not worth it. If you're afraid one-half of this bromance won't behave (read: Your guy's pal loves to get drunk and tell lewd jokes), express your concerns to your fiance. Just know that the final decision is his.

Worst-case scenario: Tell your DJ or bandleader to keep the mike away from Mr. Inappropriate.

<headline>When bridesmaid is AWOL</headline>

Q: One of my bridesmaids got engaged and practically dropped off the planet. Can I take back the offer to be in my wedding party?

A: Don't kick her out just yet.

Chances are, your friend is enjoying her own moment - and that's OK.

Try to get together with her - in person - and let her know how thrilled you are for her, but also that you understand how she might want to focus on her own wedding instead of helping with yours. This way, you're letting your friend choose if she wants to back out or stay involved without straining your friendship.

Kicking her to the curb without discussing what works best for both of you will just stir up unnecessary drama, which neither of you needs right now.