SHOWERS

There's nothing more fun for a bride who is knee-deep in planning and organizing than going to a shower in her honor. Here are some ideas you can pass along to your shower hosts if they are in need of some creative themes.

Room-to-Room Shower

Each guest is given a room in the house and her gift is to be used in that room. This is a great way to get a variety of gifts.

Around-the-Clock Shower

Each guest is given a time of day and her gift is to be used at that time. For instance, 9:00 am could be a waffle maker, while 10:00 pm might be bed linens or lingerie.

Holiday Shower

Each guest is assigned a holiday and her gift should be used at that holiday. For instance, handmade Christmas stockings for Christmas, Irish linen for St. Patrick's Day or champagne glasses for New Year's.

Recipe Shower

Each guest brings a favorite recipe and the gift should be used to make that recipe. For instance, a favorite lasagna recipe might accompany a lasagna pan or pasta maker.

Wine Shower

For the couple that loves wine, here is a great way to build their wine collection. This works well as a couples shower. Each couple brings their favorite bottle of wine and everyone chips in for a wine rack and glasses!

Outdoor/Garage Shower

The idea behind this shower is to "get the men involved" in choosing gifts that the groom can appreciate as well. This also makes a great couples shower. Gift ideas include: yard tools, snow blowers, patio furniture and grilling equipment.

1 Month before the Wedding

• Finalize ceremony plans
• Print wedding programs
• Finalize transportation of family, wedding party and out-of-town guests
• Pick up wedding rings
• Name change for driver’s license, social security card, insurance and medical plans and bank accounts
• Schedule second wedding dress fitting
• Print Place Cards for reception

It's always a good idea to "practice" your wedding ceremony--your mind will be in a million places on your wedding day and all eyes will be on you. The rehearsal also gives you and your wedding party a chance to visualize the ceremony and to spend time together socially.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your ceremony, this is the time to speak up. This is also a good time to review the wedding day logistics. Make sure everyone knows what they are doing and when it needs to be done. Settle any transportation issues.

The rehearsal dinner, if you choose to have one, is traditionally hosted by the groom's family. You and your fiancé may want to make suggestions to have it at a favorite restaurant. This dinner is the perfect time for special toasts and for family members to get to know one another. It is often your last social gathering until after your honeymoon. You can also present gifts to your husband-to-be and to your attendants/groomsmen at the rehearsal dinner.

WEDDING DAY TIPS

Confirm with florist, limo company, photographer, etc. and make sure they have the correct time and location of your wedding. Be prepared for inclement weather and make any necessary changes. For instance, if it's raining, you may want to change at the church instead of at home. And bring lots of umbrellas for your entire wedding party.

Have a friend "on-call" at the wedding to run any unexpected errands throughout the day. Give him or her a list of phone numbers for all your wedding services, such as photographer, caterer and florist, etc.

Have all payments handled ahead of time.

Pack a Bride's Emergency Kit. Here are some suggestions on what to include:

• Bobby Pins
• Bandages
• Hair Spray
• Extra Pantyhose
• Makeup
• Needle and Thread
• Clear Nail Polish
• Fabric Glue
• Tissues
• Static Remover
• Breath Mints
• Safety Pins
• Clean Washcloth
• Small Scissors
• Antacid (for nervous stomach)
• Credit Card

(Your groom should also pack a similar kit with his essentials.)