bridal favors : Planning a wedding can cut into job

Who can say how many brides-to-be (and a few grooms, too?) are struggling with wedding details — all the while trying to keep the boss happy so they still have jobs when they come back from their honeymoons. Brides spend an average of 37 hours a month on wedding plans leading up to the big event, according to the Association for Wedding Professionals International. And can we just take a wild guess that more than a few of those hours are sliced off the workday? If you’re among those looking to keep both job and nuptials afloat, here are some tips from “Bridal Guide” magazine: n Talk to friends and relatives who have planned weddings of similar scope and estimate how much time you’ll need to be out of the office as the big day approaches. Let the boss know you hope to zip out to do this and that, and here’s how you’ll make up the time — come in early, stay late, do some weekend work from home. n If you’re floundering with the Post-It-note approach, invest now in a ring binder with folders for the ceremony, reception, vendors. Consider keeping a voice-activated tape recorder nearby to quickly (and quietly) record those important “to-dos” that pop into your mind at work. n Delegate jobs to friends, family and the enchanting fiancé. They can help with everything from place cards to researching favors and wedding-party gifts. (Two summers ago, I set up the hair appointments for my niece and her bridal party.) Here’s one last idea I thought I’d add: If the boss has been truly understanding, why not send him or her a thank you note when you mail all the others? After all, what better gift than his/her gift of time, just when you needed it most? By Patricia Kitchen