WEEKENDS are being spent traversing tiny countryside B-roads, money is splashed out on hotel rooms and other people's honeymoons, and wardrobes are scrutinised: “Can I get away with this dress again if I wear different shoes and clutch?” Wedding season is well and truly upon us.

For eight years I worked on a national celebrity magazine whose bread and butter (with the crusts off, naturally) was exclusively covering weddings of the rich and the famous and I saw pretty much anything and everything go wrong.

From a bride cancelling the wedding on the day because of the groom's cheating, to a ceremony that was four hours late due to a physical fight between family members – so I thought I would share what I have learned: 1. It's best not to drink AT ALL the night before – things can really escalate.

2. It is not wise to accept freebie accommodation at a friend's hotel if they’ve not yet finished building it.

3. Roses are beautiful as they are – they really don't need Swarovski crystals inserted into each one.

4. Rock stars do not sing along to hymns, but they do take their shades off in church.

5. If something goes wrong on the day, just give guests more Prosecco and they usually don't mind/notice.

6. If the sound system fails and it becomes obvious to everyone that the singer is miming, it's best to smile and laugh. Breakdowns are for after.

7. It rains in Italy, South Africa and Barbados too.

8. An icy glare and a few choice words from the groom can quieten an inappropriate heckler during the speeches.

9. Someone should be put in charge of vetting the best man's speech, lest they decide to reference the groom's family's genitalia.

10. Sometimes a drunk, heartbroken bridesmaid will want to grab the microphone and sing Whitney Houston songs. It's best to just join in.