Advice From One Mother-Of-The-Bride To Others

Amy’s mum Jackie shares some heart-to-heart tips to other MOBs. So B’s, pass it on – and reap the benefits.

[Amy] In case you’re confused, the acronym is Mother Of the Bride. It could’ve been MOTB but it’s just not the same. The gang-boss-lady connotations of MOB are also strangely appropriate so let’s roll with it.

Being the MOB is a big deal. I was told by one person during my wedding planning that the MOB is the second most-important person on the day after the bride herself. Here I was thinking it was the groom or fellow bride but there you go.

It’s a special moment for the MOB (or the MOG) to see their child get hitched. A day of joy and pride. But it’s not all roses – there’s inevitably a degree of stress that arises over the lead-up, and maybe that correlates with how unorganised that child is. If we’re going to make me a case in point, let’s just say that level is high.

My mum was pretty much my wedding hero – she helped in so many ways during the course of my planning. While I was mentally patting myself on the back for having made the simplest of decisions, she was out trawling op shops on my behalf and actually doing. Love you mum.

I asked mum if she could share some tips to other MOBs. If you think your mum (or dad or guardian – let’s not forget the DOBs/DOGs/GOBs and GOGs) could find these useful, please do pass them on.

1. Trust yourself – your children still like you to hear their thoughts and take your advice.
2. Speak up – you (mum) still have some good ideas and constructive criticism can often be helpful.
3. Be supportive – this is their wedding and their dream for a special day. Help it come true.
4. Have your own checklist – you may think of things that they have not thought about.
5. Dress – you are the Mother of the Bride, splash out and buy a special dress. I did!
6. Hair and makeup – if possible, have this done by a professional. You will look good in the photos (as long as you don’t cry too much).
7. Shoes – comfort, comfort, comfort! It is a long day.
8. Nag a little – make sure all those deadlines are being met. [note from Amy: the word ‘little’ may not accurately reflect actual events. But it worked.]
9. Speech – if you are making one, make sure you have notes so you don’t forget anything.
10. Enjoy! – this is a very happy and emotional day, enjoy every moment because it is over too soon!

Any other tips that mum’s missed? We’d love you to add them below.

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