Mother of the Bride

Christmas Day 2006 was filled with excitement as my daughter called us in Alabama to inform us that she had received an engagement ring and she and her intended planned to be married within the year.

Being my eldest child, I had not experienced planning a wedding since my own. So needless to say I was very excited and visions of white dresses, flowers, cakes and guest lists floated in my head. She also wanted to let us know that the wedding would occur in LasVegas on o7/07/07. That's right 2,000 miles away from the Mother-of-the-Bride and less than a year to plan!! This was going to make planning the wedding an exercise in technology.

Luck would have it that I had to be in LasVegas three times between January and the end of March. These trips were for classes and had been scheduled prior to the engagement announcement and I had planned on visiting my daughter on each of these trips. Now it looked like the visits would be filled with wedding plans, wedding decisions, and wedding shopping.

The first of these trips, in January, followed several phone calls and e-mails with photos of the bride-to-be in various bridal gowns. Knowing that time was an issue for us both, she selected three final gowns for me to view during my visit. After only an hour or so at the bridal shop we left with gown and veil in hand. Then it was off to look at the chapel she had selected and confirm the contract.

Having not met the parents of the groom, a dinner was planned with the groom's family, me and both of my children. The dinner was to not only to meet the groom's parent but to evaluate a potential reception site. The site was agreed by all at the dinner to not suit our needs and the search for a location was to continue.

The second visit, in February, was to find a reception site, a menu and talk about a guest list. In addition, she had just moved into a new apartment and was in need of some items like dishes, pots and pans and a microwave. She had to work, so this became a bonding experience for the groom-to-be and the mother-in-law. Once he understood the ground rules of "yes, that is a good idea" we were great shopping buddies.

The third visit, in March, was blessed with a few extra days. Five in all. During this time we managed to attend her bridal shower, talk about reception sites and work on the guest list. And of course shop!

Since March we have secured a reception site, planned the menu, sign a contract and make the required deposit. All this with the help of their internet web site, a fax machine, the telephone and a charge card.

Now we are working with the planner at the reception site via e-mail on all the other things yet to do: linens, people at each table, bottles of champagne, dance floor, centerpieces, cake, DJ set-up and I am sure more will evolve as the day approaches.

Last weekend, May 11-14th, the Bride and her intended Groom ventured to Alabama for a meet and greet with a portion of the Bride's family. It was an excellent time for all and the guest list finally is 95% complete. With the purchase of additional invitations and a list of ten "yet to do's" we believe we are on tract for the gala event.

Now on to that list she left....