In this seventh article in our series on wedding planning we're coming down to the home stretch. What follows should be started 2 weeks before the big day.

The first thing, as a bride, that you should do is plan your wedding day hair style. You don't want this to be too flashy. People should be looking at you and not your hair. When going to the stylist to plan this bring a head piece and a veil. This way your stylist will be able to get the best idea of what will work for you. After you've decided on what you want then schedule an appointment with your stylist for the day of the wedding. This is something that can't be done the day before because by the next day you're style is pretty much shot to heck from simply sleeping on it.

During this time is when you do your final check on the bridal party clothing. At this point everything should be just right and ready to go for the big day.

Notify the newspapers about the event to they can post an appropriate notice. People who you may have not thought to invite may see it and decide they want to stop by the church or temple to see the ceremony. Posting the time and place of the event gives them this chance.

Arrange for your name and address change. You're going to be moving to a new place and you want to make sure that everybody knows where to find you and how to get in touch with you. This will also include any change in phone numbers as well.

Check with the caterer and reception venue to go over any last minute changes such as special diet problems for some of your guests where special meals will have to be made for these people.

We're now about 1 week away from your wedding day. During this time the following items should be taken care of.

This is when you remind the rehearsal dinner guests about the time and location of the rehearsal dinner. People tend to forget things especially if they don't write them down. Remember, this is your day and you can't assume everyone is going to have the same priorities in regard to it. Assume nothing. Make calls, send letters, do whatever. Just make sure that everyone knows where they have to be and when.

Start your honeymoon shopping and packing. Make sure that you have everything you need for your trip including enough luggage to carry it all.

Wrap all gifts that you're going to be giving to your bridal party. If you're not good at gift wrapping then have somebody do it for you who is.

Check to make sure you have your wedding announcements ready to mail the day after the ceremony. You don't want to tempt fate by mailing these out ahead of time.

During this time you'll also have the bridesmaid's luncheon, and schedule your rehearsal 1 or 2 days before the wedding. Go over all the details of the ceremony with everyone involved. This is going to be your last chance to do this. Assign any small jobs that need to be done to family and friends. Make sure you pick people you can depend on, even for the smallest of jobs.

In the final article in this series we're going to cover what you'll be doing the day before your wedding and your wedding day itself.

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Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Weddings
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