Congratulations! Your baby just got engaged! You are a very significant part of the big day. Traditionally, there are specific duties for the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom.
Here are my tips and a few things to keep in mind as mother of the bride and groom when wedding planning begins.

1. Extend congratulations to the (other) parents
Traditionally, it's the responsibility of the groom’s parents to get in touch with the bride’s parents to offer their congratulations after the engagement.
Reaching out and connecting is important because your families will soon be joined. So, it doesn't matter who makes the first contact these days, 
But if you’re the bride’s parents, wait a few days, allowing the groom’s parents to honor this tradition.

2. Discuss wedding details and establish your roles
Traditionally, the bride’s parents will plan and pay for the entire wedding, and the groom’s parents will take care of the rehearsal dinner. 
However, the bride’s family is not always the exclusive host of today’s weddings. Many couples pay for their own wedding, and it’s becoming more common for families to share expenses and responsibilities.
Once the engagement is announced, the best thing you can do is ask the couple how they would like you to be involved. Be supportive and receptive to whatever they ask, and remember- it’s their day. 
It’s in the best interest of everyone involved that roles are discussed and established from the start, try to set aside a time to outline a game plan and discuss details such as dates, venue, theme, budget, number of guests, and how costs will be divided.

3. Manage wedding guest list and track their replies
Creating and editing the guest list can be one of the most stressful parts of wedding planning. 
Once it’s been determined how many guests you are able to invite, prioritize your list, make cuts if needed, and always stay within the parameters that were set by the couple. Then put your list together and collect addresses. 
Keep track of your replies and follow up with any of your guests who are late to RSVP card.

4. Do dress shopping with brides
The day of choosing a wedding dress is an intimate time for you and your daughter.
You may not agree with her style choices, tell her she will be a beautiful bride and always offer positive feedback.
Follow the bride’s lead, and you too can have that magical mother–daughter experience.

French Style Sheath Lace Fishtail Bridal Wear

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5. Find your own mother of the bride dress
It is a hard work, too, so it's best to begin looking for your dress several months before the wedding. Start early and be patient; you may have to try on a lot of dresses.
Traditionally, the bride’s mother would purchase her outfit first and let the groom’s mother know what she is wearing.
First, find out what the bride's special guidelines, what she wants you to wear.
Second, consider the date, location, and theme. It's better that your attire fits the wedding’s venue, season, and formality. 
Finally, since the mother of the bride and groom will be in photos together, it may be practical for you to work together in choosing your mother dresses for coordinate looks.

Vintage Ruched Long Mother of the Bride Dress

To order this: Vintage Ruched Long Mother of the Bride Dress

6. Share your traditions as a speical touch of the wedding
Research any family, religious, or cultural traditions that could add a special touch to your child’s wedding day. There may be a song or poem that could be included in the ceremony or a traditional folk dance or ethnic dish that may be part of the reception. You could also offer an heirloom as the bride’s “something old” or “something borrowed.”

7. Be supportive mom
Wedding planning is a time of great joy sprinkled with some frustrating moments, so do your best to take on the role of Encourager. Being supportive is the overriding theme for all.
Offer a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on when the bride (or groom) is frazzled or upset. Make it your goal to alleviate the stress of wedding preparations, not add to it.
Put your relationship with your child ahead of your personal expectations and opinions.

8. Spread the word about the wedding registry
Including registry information on a wedding invitation is a big etiquette no-no. So, as mom, it’s your job to let family and friends know where the happy couple is registered.

9. Do your best to make out-of-town guests feel welcome and comfortable
Play hostess, ask the bride if she would like you to check out local hotels and reserve a block of rooms. As the wedding gets closer, coordinate with the bride to ensure guests are informed about all wedding events and local activities that might interest them while they’re in town. 
This can be done by email, sharing a wedding website, or providing welcome bags with great info for your guests

10. Enjoy this exciting time together!
Enjoy this exciting time together, follow the lead of the bride and groom, and remember, it’s not about your expectations for their wedding; what’s important is that your child’s marriage and your relationship with their spouse has the best start possible.