Each Wednesday, we tackle wedding etiquette. At times, it’s a reader question or one from a colleague, friend or family member and other times we’ll cover a popular issue. (Note: Questions may be edited for clarity and brevity.)
Question: Our daughter just got engaged to her wonderful partner of three years. Since our daughter was a little girl, we’ve had this dream of her wedding day and we are so excited to finally see it come true. She and her partner, who has also become like another daughter to us, also have a vision for their Big Day. We want to pitch in, help and be part of the planning, but we also don’t want to be overbearing. How can we as parents of the bride be most helpful during the wedding process?
Answer: Your excitement and enthusiasm for your daughter and soon-to-be daughter in law’s wedding is so sweet. I’m sure that in and of itself is meaningful to the couple. You are already on the right track by acknowledging that you all have a vision of their Big Day and that there is a right and a wrong way to help. Simply ask them how they think you can be most helpful during the planning process. Ask them for specific jobs. Offer to pitch in when you overhear them talking about various aspects of the process and, of course, simply be there to cheer them on when they need support. If they know you are there when you need them, they are more likely to lean on you now and in their married life.
Do you have a solution to share or a wedding etiquette question? Respond in the comments or email Melanie@MyNewOrleans.com.
