Tip of the week - For the Mother Of The Bride

This week I really wanted to go beyond just your wedding day celebration and hope to spread some advice to some of the other VERY important people surrounding you.

Dear mother of the bride, you have one of the most important jobs in the world (and the best).  To be there for your daughter!  Please use these tips and enjoy this time with your daughter, her fiancee and embrace your new family.

• You might have been dreaming of your daughter's wedding longer than she has, but you have to remember that this is HER (and her fiancee's) day.  There will most likely be a team planning this day so don't feel hurt if you aren't in charge of the planning process.  Have fun with your daughter and let her know you want to hear how she wants her wedding.

• Promise yourself, as the mother of a beautiful young woman, that you will make her and her fiancee's wishes the most important thing regarding their wedding.  Know the difference between making a suggestion and pushing your opinions.  And, guilt trips, a big NO!

• When your daughter comes to you for guest list information, be ready.  They might ask for ideas regarding the guest list or any family traditions that they might like to incorporate into their wedding.  Be quick and diligent when getting them information, but not pushy.

•  Let them know what you'd like to help out with and what your talents are.  If being part of the menu decision is important to you, tell them.  A simple phrase "I'd love to join you" is much better than insisting and throwing a tantrum.  Also, if you are a scrapbooker, you might be able to put this talent to good use with escort cards, rehearsal dinner invitations, and even the wedding programs.  But, let them make the final decisions.

• Make sure you welcome the groom into the family.  Have relaxing family dinners that you all can just have fun together and not always be discussing the wedding. 

• Make sure to do fun things with your daughter.  Lunches, spa days, a weekend at the cottage.  Make these moments relaxing and give her time to take a break from all of the wedding planning. 

• Get yourself prepared for the wedding day, as well as the rehearsal dinner and any other events that might come up.  Personal shoppers at a department store can help you find some terrific gowns. 

• Give meaningful gifts as well as practical ones.  Do shop from the registry, but how wonderful would it be for your daughter to receive a framed photo of the two of you with a handwritten letter from you on the morning of the wedding.