I find that some brides are anti-wedding planner because they don’t want to hurt their mom’s feelings or step on her toes. They want their moms to have a special role in planning their wedding and a planner could ruin that by taking over and replacing Mom. This myth is absolutely untrue! Truth be told, moms are pretty awesome. I absolutely love planning with my brides and their moms.. and in some cases, just mama! Careers, grad school, babies, friends, soon-to-be husbands, and having a life can sometimes get in the way of planning a wedding. Enter Super Mom. Here are some great ways to incorporate your mom into your wedding planning while also utilizing a wedding planner. It will make both of your lives easier!
Meetings: A wedding planner provides structure to meetings and walk throughs. They have lists and information already laid out to talk about. Bringing mom along to these meetings can ensure that her questions are answered and ideas are put on paper. A lot of the guest list is invited by your parents so they can provide a unique perspective to make sure their guests are happy. Most importantly, just simply attending these meetings helps Mom feel a part of the process even if she doesn’t have much to say (which is rarely the case).
Budget + Contracts: Mom (and Dad) are typically footing the majority of the wedding bill. Have your mom be the key point person to communicate with your planner regarding contracts, your budget, and payment reminders. You won’t have to worry about paying things on time and bugging your parents because your planner has already sent a reminder email that a balance to the DJ is owed.
Design: Unless your mom is Martha Stewart or follows Style Me Pretty daily, she may be a little green around the gills regarding wedding style and design. A planner can help you both bring your concept to fruition as well as provide a professional eye. Orange and hot pink may seem like a great color scheme for you, but it may completely clash with your dark, old world style ballroom reception (which happens more often than not). You planner will also know how to connect you with vendors and products that will work for your design and usually at a better rate.
Coordination: This one is huge! You do not want your mom running around like a mad woman folding napkins and arranging table numbers the morning of your wedding. You want her right beside you to share every moment. A planner can coordinate your day, manage vendors, direct your events, and make sure everyone is happy.. including mama.