Mother of the Bride (M.O.B) . . . the continuing saga

Remember a while back I told you about the book M.O.B. my daughter bought me, which was supposed to guide me along the joyful path of being the mother of the bride? Well I think it skipped a few things and I thought I would pass them on to anyone who may find themselves in this same spot.

1. Even though the invitation company says "these particular invitations don't require extra postage!" Don't belive it. After purchasing $130 worth of .41 cents stamps the weight of the envelope after everything was inserted was over the weight limit. So off to the post office to purchase .58 cents stamps . . .
2. The bride wants whole coffee beans to go in glass containers with candles . . . simple and beautiful. Now where do I buy 25 pounds of coffee beans at a very very cheap price? Still looking, no luck so far! I say, "Can't we just use really small pretty pebbles? " She gasps, "Absolutly NOT!" What was I thinking?!?
3. Don't be too helpful. You will be told you are taking control.
4. Don't be too hands-off. You will be told you don't care.
5. Don't speak to the bride above a whisper you will be told you are yelling.
6. Don't say you love her first up-do hairdo...she doesn't like it so you shouldn't either.
7. Don't make suggestions...refer to #3.

Mother Of The Bride

Well the "countdown" the aisle is on. My daughter is getting married in June so I have the official title of "Mother of the Bride" aka M.O.B., which just happens to be the title of a book my daughter bought me at a used book store. I guess she thought I needed a little direction in this area.

This is what I have learned so far:

• Gown Shopping: You tear up after seeing your baby girl in the first one or two beautiful gowns. But after hundreds of miles on the car going from town to town, bridal shop to bridal shop, gown #75 (the one that looks like it just came off a mermaid, and has feathers coming out the backside) you just smile and say "Hey that one looks good, let's buy that one!" She just rolls her eyes, shakes her head no and we move on to the next boutique.

• If it has the word BRIDAL in front of it, the cost is 100% more than it would otherwise. A pair of white shoes at a department store $50; a pair of white "bridal" shoes $100+.

• The bridal stores offer "Packages" just like funeral homes.

• The "perfect dress" is only carried at a store two hours from home . . . and yes I did cry when she tried that one on. She is beautiful in it.

• Thank God for family! My sister is a photographer, my sister-in-law the wedding director, my husband just happens to work at a funeral home . . . he will be driving the limo.
  

• The last and most important thing I have learned is that it only seems like yesterday she was born, and 23 years have gone by in the blink of an eye. And I have cherished the time spent with her planning the perfect wedding. My baby isn't a baby anymore.