Advice for the Mothers of the Bride and Groom

1. Meet the in-laws

Traditionally, the bride and groom will set up a meeting between the two sets of parents upon the engagement. This meeting is to start off initial plans for the wedding, but more importantly, to help the families get acquainted. It is wise to plan for this meeting sooner rather than later given that the level of stress will rise as the wedding day draws nearer.

2. Do away with your own expectations

No matter what vision you have for your child’s wedding, it is often the case that too much input can add unnecessary stress on the couple. You might have to put your ideas on the backburner in order to allow them to make their own decisions.

3. Communicate your duties up-front

Often, tiffs arise because lines of communication are not open. If you sit down with the couple at the beginning of their planning process and try to get a rough idea of what exactly they are expecting from you, chances are, your process will be much smoother. And if at any part in the journey, you feel your responsibilities need to be altered, the couple will appreciate a clear dialogue about it as soon as possible so as to avoid confusion.

4. Review the guest list before you invite anyone

The hardest part of planning a wedding is the guest list because there are so many emotions and people involved. Do not make it harder on the couple by assuming they will invite who you would invite. It is difficult and embarrassing to take back a verbal invitation, so do yourself and take a peek at the guest list before you spread the word to friends and family.

5. Show your support

At the end of the day, you have a very unique role to play, and it is one you have been playing for your kids’ entire lives: Mommy. They might not like to admit it, but just knowing they have your support will do more for them than any amount of money or ideas for centerpieces.

 

Photo credit: Weddingbells