addressing envelopes or planning the seating chart. This will show her that you’re really there to support her. Do attend one or two pre-wedding celebrations; they’re opportunities to spend time with the rest of the wedding party in a more relaxed setting. Also, there’s no need to bring a gift to every event. WHAT'S A GROOM’S MOM TO WEAR?
Q: What should the mother of the groom wear? Is it true that she has to wait to choose a dress until the mother of the bride has chosen hers? Should the mothers be color-coordinated? ANNA: While it’s been said that the mother of the groom should “wear beige and keep quiet,” fortunately neither is true. The mother of the groom should select an outfit she feels comfortable wearing and that’s appropriate to the time of day and formality of the wedding. Traditionally the mother of the bride contacts the groom’s mother to let her know what style and shade dress she has chosen. The mother of the groom then picks something in a color that complements— but doesn’t exactly match—the attire of the bride’s mother and the attendants. As for who calls whom, the mother of the groom shouldn’t stand on ceremony; if she has heard nothing once the initial wedding plans are underway, she’s perfectly welcome to call the mother of the bride to discuss attire. TO FAVOR OR NOT TO FAVOR?
Q: Are favors a must? My fiancé and I are on a tight budget and would rather spend the money on better food or an extra hour of open bar—things our guests might appreciate more. ANNA: Favors are not a must—they are not required or even necessary. While personalized (and often pricey) favors are popular, they’re a wedding extra couples can easily forgo. Guests are unlikely even to notice the favors are missing, and I agree that a menu upgrade or another hour of bar service is a better use of your wedding dollars. Another choice is to select simple and inexpensive favors, such as small boxes of chocolates.
FALL/WINTER 2015 • WWW.bRIdEsTL.com
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