BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES

Choose a color that reflects your theme and complements your dress. Get input from your bridesmaids-especially if they will be paying for their own dresses. (Remember, as the bride, you have ultimate veto power).

Consider the figures and skin color of your bridesmaids and try to choose a style that is flattering to everyone. Many brides are offering their bridesmaids several styles in the same fabric and color so they can choose a style that suits them best.

Shop around to get the best deal and don't forget the evening wear departments of fine clothing stores as an alternative to bridal shops-especially if you have a smaller wedding party. You're more likely to find a sale price at these stores.

INVITATIONS AND STATIONERY

Local printers will have a number of sample books for you to look through. Once again, be sure to choose a paper stock, ink color and type style that ties in with your overall wedding theme. You will also have many options regarding the wording. Check an etiquette book for proper phrasing.

Ask to see a proof before printing and check it over and over. Don't forget about additional thank-you cards, announcements or table cards if you want them to match your invitation.

Order extra outer envelopes and make sure a return address is printed on them. Envelopes should be addressed neatly in ink that won't smear. A professional calligrapher can save you from a long and tedious task and can free you up to take care of other wedding plans. The wedding invitation "kit" should include: the invitation, reception card, reply card with stamped return envelope, directions to church and reception, outer envelope and postage.

Religious backgrounds of both bride and groom will dictate a lot when planning a ceremony. If you and your groom are from different religious backgrounds you may want to incorporate elements of both religions into your ceremony. After all, a marriage is the joining of two people and their backgrounds, customs and families. Be open with family members when it comes to planning the ceremony and anything sentimental. Encourage discussions whenever possible.

Your wedding program is a great way to personalize your ceremony. Here are some suggestions for planning a ceremony that's straight from the heart:

• Choose music and biblical readings or verses that have particular meaning to you and your fiancé, or to the family.
• Share unique family stories about yourselves with your priest, rabbi, or minister.
• Invite special friends or loved ones to participate as lectors, ushers ormusicians.
• Write your own vows.
• Explain in the program, your relationship to each member of your wedding party. This allows all of your guests to know your wedding party a little bit better.
• Remember deceased relatives in the ceremony or with a special note or poem.
• Write a special thank-you to your guests and family members for bringing you together and for sharing in your joy.
• Family heirlooms such as wedding gowns, jewelry or linens are a wonderful way to make your wedding one to cherish.

SELECTING YOUR WEDDING CAKE

Wedding cake designs, like wedding dresses, come in varied styles-contemporary, Victorian, floral-inspired and traditional. Choosing the cake design perfect for your wedding is not difficult. The Wilton collection of bridal cake books is a wonderful source of ideas and designs to help you select the cake of your dreams. Each includes decorating directions to provide to your baker.

You can also get inspiration from bridal magazines and wedding publications. Looking through wedding books will help you focus on the design you want, matched to your theme and color.

Wedding cakes are available through many sources-the caterer for your reception, your favorite bakery, a professional decorator. Shop around! Pick a reputable source and trust them to provide you with ideas and examples of cakes to choose from; or take a more personalized approach and provide your own cake design. Supply such basic information as the size cake you will need (number of servings) and reception site and time. Ask about price, especially if you are providing the design, and if a deposit is required. Inquire if different flavors and fillings are available.

On an occasion as special as your wedding, it's nice to give your guests a little something to remember the moment. One traditional choice is a gift of colorful candies, such as Jordan almonds or pillow mints, nestled in a pretty container. It's a gift that symbolizes the sweetness the newlyweds have found.

Other favors help guests participate in the wedding. At one time, rice was the choice for greeting the newlyweds as they left the ceremony as man and wife. Today, more environmentally-sound ideas prevail-showering the couple with wedding bubbles or releasing groups of butterflies. At the reception, put a tiny celebration bell by each place setting-guests will love to ring them throughout the event to get the couple to share a kiss. It's also a nice touch to give every guest a small frame to commemorate the wedding. The frame can help direct guests to their seats by showing their name and, after the wedding, it can display a photo from the event.

Wilton has many favor containers and decorations to match your wedding colors and theme.

SELECTING WEDDING DECORATIONS

Choose accents for the ceremony and reception that reflect your wedding look or that have special meaning for you. Many couples include religious items in the ceremony which have been handed down from relatives-bibles, prayer shawls, etc. This is a great way to pay tribute to your family and keep them alive in your memory. Wilton unity candles are often used at the altar as part of the ceremony; many candles and holders feature popular wedding themes which can be carried throughout the day--flowers, hearts and Irish claddaghs to name a few. You'll also need a bouquet to carry (silk flowers work well), a ring bearer pillow, guest book and pen. Wilton has many accessories to make your wedding day special.

The Wilton wedding cake ornament will be one of your most prominent decorations. Work with your cake decorator to select an ornament which will complement the cake you've chosen. There are many themes and styles to choose from-some feature posed couples, many display lovebirds, hearts, flowers, and other wedding symbols.

Prior to sending out invitations, consult with family and local hotels on accommodations for your out-of-town guests.

Some things to consider:

• How many out-of-towners do you expect and will any of them be staying with family?
• Negotiate a good rate and reserve blocks of rooms at a few hotels with varied price ranges. Inquire about other services, such as swimming pools and breakfasts.
• If your wedding reception is at a hotel, they may be able to offer you adiscounted rate for your guests.
• Include hotel options in the invitations for your out-of-town guests.
• You can also include information on air fares, car rentals and hotel shuttles.
• You should pay careful attention to any out-of-towners who are in your wedding party. Make sure they are able to get to where they need to be when they need to be there.
• Assign a family member the responsibility of overseeing the needs of out-of-town guests.

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.)