If you are reading this article, congratulations are in order! You've made it to the final count down of your daughter's wedding. This accomplishment is no small feat, as I am sure you are well aware. However, even though that proverbial light at the end of the tunnel is shining brightly, there is still work to be done.



If all has gone according to schedule, there should be precious little for you to do this week. If all has not gone according to schedule, it's time to jump into action! I'll address the first situation in this article and the second situation in a subsequent article, as they both require vastly different approaches. In addition to these articles, be sure to check out www.bridalblog.info for more information.

If you fit into the “according to schedule” category, your main duties are in the emotional realm to the bride. No matter what the relationship is between you and your daughter, she needs you know more than ever. Even if you are going to write your own article entitled “My Daughter, the Bridezilla,” you must remain calm, attentive, and helpful. If you aren't sure exactly what your daughter needs right now, just ask. She'll either be more than happy to give you some assignments, or you'll draw back a nub. Either way, you can always say that you did try to help as the play-by-play of the final week is rehashed over and over again in years to come. If you are asked to help, do your duties cheerfully without giving any opinion of them (unless, of course, you are asked).

In addition to supporting your daughter, you also need to remember that you are about to play hostess to out of town guests. Of course, since you are in the “according to schedule” category, you already have all reservations booked and confirmed. Use this final week to prepare some sort of gift basket to place in the guests' rooms. This basket can be as fancy or plain as you would like it to be. Whatever you choose, it is always a good idea to include maps and lists of local activities and attractions. Even if you are going to be busy the entire wedding weekend, your guests may only be occupied for four or five hours. Hosting a nice brunch the morning after the wedding is also a very considerate gesture. If you just can't get this together on your own, call a few girlfriends. They'll probably be glad that they have a task to do that will truly help you out.

So, the wedding day is finally here. Yet again, you're not quite ready to relax yet. There are some hard and fast rules you should abide by today:

1.The only opinion you should give is a positive one.

2.Speak only kind words of high praise concerning your daughter and new son-in-law, no matter what your opinion of them really is.

3.Think of a friendly, appropriate, personal remark for everyone that you see.

4.Be dressed and ready before the schedule dictates in order to show your daughter how important this day is to you.

5.If you are married to your daughter's father, make sure he is ready early, too.

6.Keep the focus on your daughter. Now is not the time to create any drama of any sort. If someone starts to argue with you about anything (including your daughter), don't become defensive. Just smile, pat the person on the arm, and say that you need to keep mingling.

I wish I could add in these rules to enjoy yourself, but that's just not your job for the day. If you are able to do all of the above and enjoy yourself at the same time, that's wonderful. However, your enjoyment is not to come at the expense of your daughter and her needs. Just remember, this is her day. Let her have this day to fill with many positive memories of friends and family. What better gift could you give this marvel you have raised since her birth? She is a miracle and she deserves to have her day in the sun.

Pepper Montero