Oh, No, They're Engaged! A Sanity Guide for the Mother of the Bride or Groom

Your child is getting married. Congratulations! This guide will help any mother carry off her parental role in planning with dignity and common sense while explaining the execution of a traditional wedding. Included is vital information on advising the couple on emotional decisions, relationship issues, and budget concerns. From controlling expenses to managing the guest list, this handy guide provides all of the information necessary to helping a son or daughter have the wedding of their dreams. As a parent, your life is about to change, and this will have far reaching effects. Who could guess the spark of a tiny diamond has the power to ignite the flurry of activities and emotions following the engagement of a daughter or son? Gaining a new family member can be as excruciating as childbirth and, ultimately, as rewarding. Marriage is a turning point in your son or daughter's life, a commitment to a future as a responsible adult with a family to care for. When the reality meets the dream, I guarantee your child will rely on you for help in crossing over. This special time in your life gifts you with closeness to your child, even as it thrills and scares you to death. Fits of activity and ever-present anxiety will terminate with the sweet pain of separation. You may not have been this "in touch" with your son or daughter since babyhood; it feels good to be needed, and it may hurt to see it end. Yet, a child's marriage is hardly an end. It begins a host of new relationships--an extended family, a new daughter or son to spoil, and maybe grandchildren before long.