The wedding day is a special day for the bride and groom, but we shouldn’t forget that other important person in the run up to the big day. The mother of the bride (or groom) has many responsibilities leading up to the wedding, and they will also be dealing with emotions of their own. Seeing their son or daughter getting married will be an exciting, emotional and stressful time. So here is some advice for all the mothers out there. From your wedding duties to dealing with your emotions, follow our essential wedding guide.
Bank of mom
Wedding days are expensive, and it is often the poor parents who are expected to fork out a fortune to make their child’s wedding dreams come true. You may be happy to splash the cash, but there are still ways to budget for a wedding. So don’t run your bank account dry, know what you can afford to pay, and spend according to your means.
The planning process
Your child will have some great ideas for their wedding, so do your part in the planning process. From working out the catering to organizing the floral decorations, give your advice and offer your skills. Don’t be overbearing and take over the entire event. Remember the wedding isn’t all about you. However, let the bride and groom know you are available to help, and they will surely be glad of the support and wisdom you can provide.
Dressing for the occasion
The wedding dress is an essential part of the wedding, as are the bridesmaid’s outfits. However, you will be keen to look good as well, so you will want to wear something that makes you turn a few heads on the big day. Have a look at these dresses for middle-aged women, and you may find something suitable. Of course, you don’t want to take away attention from the bride, so try and be a little bit subtle.
Help with the guest list
The bride and groom will have their ideas for the guest list, but you will want to have some input too. The wedding day has many expenses, so each guest at the reception will cost money. However, without imposing your ideas too heavily, suggest people who may like to be at the wedding. Your child may have forgotten about great aunt Mildred from overseas, but you probably haven’t, so ensure nobody misses out on the special day.
Meet the in-laws
You have probably already met your child’s in-laws to be, but if not, make it a priority to get to know them a little before the big day. They will want to be a big part of the wedding as well, so share ideas, and they might even cough up some of the expense. If possible, take them out for dinner and find out more about them. You might also invite them to your home, but you don’t want to burn yourself trying to gain their approval by going crazy on the housework.
Offer a shoulder of support
Weddings are stressful, and your child will invariably come to you for support. You won’t only be needed for the planning details, as the emotional support you can offer will also be invaluable. Remember, mom’s job is to always be there in the caring capacity. Being there as a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on, will be an essential component of your role when your child is feeling frazzled or exhausted with the stress of the wedding. Don’t add to their stress, as you don’t want to be booted off the guest list! However, be there to encourage when planning becomes a little fraught.
Details of the day
You will probably wear yourself out in the process, but your child will be too busy and caught up in the moment to deal with some of the wedding details. Like a social butterfly, flutter around and ensure everything is going to plan, from the catering to the photography, and ensure all the guests feel welcome and comfortable.
Be a proud mom
Finally, no matter how the day goes, be proud of your achievements. This is the day you hand your child over to somebody else, and your emotions are bound to be mixed. Be proud that you have got your child this far, and remember, you won’t be surplus to requirements. Your child will always need you, and you are a vital part of this next chapter in their lives. Shed a tear, but may it be a happy one.
