First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby in the baby carriage. Or so they say. If your path down the aisle isn't exactly following these old rules, there's no reason to panic. With a realistic set of expectations and a few simple guidelines, even a bride-to-be with a baby on the way can plan a perfect wedding.

1. Keep it small.  A streamlined guest list means fewer headaches and ensures that you'll spend the day surrounded by people who understand your unique situation. This isn't the time to worry what your father's law partner will say when he shows up to the wedding ceremony to find you're six months pregnant!

2. Plan around your pregnancy. It's good to do some simple math and aim to plan the event sometime in your second trimester, when you'll probably be past the exhaustion and queasiness of early pregnancy but not so big you've become uncomfortable. Plus, this timing allows you the opportunity to relax and recover from the wedding before you jump into full baby mode.

3. Simple is better. Consider having your wedding ceremony and reception in the same place. Hire a wedding planner. Keep the wedding party tiny. Whatever you can do to simplify will serve you well. Between doctor's appointments, shopping for baby furniture, and dealing with the physical and emotional challenges of pregnancy, you will have a lot more than the wedding on your mind.

4. Don't buy the dress just yet. Hold off on buying the dress until the last possible moment. Your body may change overnight, and what looks good today will seem ridiculous when your tiny bump blooms into a huge belly. There are quite a few websites that cater exclusively to pregnant brides (times they are a-changin'), with both figure-flattering fits and quick turnaround on orders. Alternatively, many maternity stores sell special occasion dresses that may fit the bill. You might also consider a non-maternity gown in a forgiving fit and fabric--just make sure you have a good seamstress! A word on white: The idea of white being reserved for virginal brides went by the wayside a long time ago. White is perfectly acceptable. A veil, however, might be a touch too much.

5. Decide on your photo philosophy. Let's face it: You're knocked up. If you're more than a few months pregnant, it's going to show...and every photo from your wedding will probably make it pretty clear that you were in the family way. If you are comfortable with your situation, there is no reason to conceal it for your wedding pictures. However, you may consider asking your photographer to pose at least a couple of formal shots that cover your bump. That way, you can have photos to frame and display in your home or on your desk at work without fear of having to explain, for years to come, "I wasn't super fat at my wedding---I was just super pregnant."

6. Be flexible. If you're planning a wedding in record time, you can't expect everything to be perfect. You may not be able to order those engraved invitations that need six months to print, but you can bet you'll find some nice ones you can live with. You won't be able to guzzle champage at the reception, but you can sip sparkling cider. Basically, planning a shotgun wedding is an exercise in modified expectations and, ultimately, celebrating the gifts life hands you (in whatever order it chooses). All in all, it's not bad practice for parenthood.