Mama mia!

Nely Photography

Ever heard of a mother/daughter dance? I hadn't really thought about it until now; I started this post last night and the only thing that saved was the title, so with ABBA in my head I naturally thought of dancing! Looking around, I found this adorable picture from a Hawaiian wedding done by Nely Photography-- who wouldn't love a a beautiful moment like this? You could go with the soft and sweet song like many father/daughter dances, but if you're anything like my mother and I you'll pick something like Bonnie Raitt that's got a little sass to it!

Woah mama!

We've all heard about the overbearing mother who wants to run the wedding-- but what to do?! Having someone like myself around (aka, a wedding planner) can help a lot; frequently mothers feel like their daughter's wedding is something they should be helping to plan. Traditionally, it is; times have changed, however, and during my wedding my mother and I were both working more than full time, my mother-in-law to be and almost all my bridesmaids were in different states, and life was generally hectic. I would have killed, even on my limited budget, to have a wedding planner!

If your mother gets upset and you don't have someone to help sort the situation out, explain that you value her opinion and find something she's wonderful at that she can help with. Her feelings may be hurt in the short run, but when she's relaxed enough on your wedding day to enjoy herself she will see that it was all in love! Not to mention, it's not selfish or outrageous for everything to contribute something amazing to the wedding. My mother, who did more than what she got credit for, was given a break until the week of when I begged her to do the flowers. There was miscommunication on the design I wanted, but when I saw them I almost cried-- they were perfect!! I suspect that even if she only does one thing for recognition, your mother will be as thrilled as mine at the love you have for what she's done!

Mother Dearest

I've decided to try the themes thing again this week since I can be a little ADD, which is great for event planning but not so much for blogging! Seeing as this week is leading up to mother's day, I thought I'd focus on moms this week...

Of course, on the tail of the Royal Wedding last week, we all know that Prince William did a lot to pay tribute to Diana's memory during the wedding-- Kate wore Diana's stunning engagement ring, they were married in the same cathedral as Diana's funeral, and the first hymn sung was the last hymn sung during Diana's funeral. I'm sure there are others that are equally as touching, and yet did little to dampen the spirit of the day, but I'll move on.

I have a few friends whose mothers have also passed before their times, and their wedding days have all been a little bittersweet. If you are in this boat, think of the things your mother would have wanted for your day-- did she have a favorite food you could serve at the reception? A favorite bakery for the cake? Do you have an old item of clothing you could fashion in to a piece of your dress or a handkerchief? Like William, you could pick a song significant to your mother, or to the two of you that could be played during the ceremony.

There are lots of beautiful ways to incorporate your mother in to your wedding celebration and still keep it just that-- a celebration. After all, she would want exactly that for you!

For my dear friend Anne-Minter, and in memory of her mother Mickey