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I will not be winning this year’s prize for the best Mother-of-the-Bride. I forgot to buy the book, and all of a sudden, I have a daughter getting married. I know that a mother with three daughters should be some sort of expert. I think I have a brain block or some other force at work keeping me from doing the right thing.
On Thursday, daughter number one, number two, and I rented a Ford Explorer in New Orleans and over two days drove to Chicago to pack up daughter number three and haul her back to South Louisiana. In early August, Katherine (daughter two) and Wayne became engaged. She pinned a designer dress and thought why not go try on wedding dresses while we are in Chicago. She made the appointment for 4:30 PM on Friday. So we had to leave Memphis in the early morning to make it.
What I didn’t know was we first had to check in at the hotel. We made it through crazy traffic (I was not driving, thank God.) The girls had to freshen up and change for the occasion. Maggie (daughter one) said, “Are you wearing THAT?” I was in my cropped jeans and a t-shirt. Proper traveling clothes, but apparently not proper shopping-for-a-wedding-dress clothes.
“What’s wrong? I didn’t know I was supposed to dress up.”
“Where have you been, Mom? They may serve us champagne!”
“Well, all I have are these hospital pants.” I call them my hospital pants because they are so comfortable that I wore them overnight in the hospital.
“That’s better than jeans.”
“How was I supposed to know this was a dress-up occasion?”
“Don’t you watch TV? Bridesmaids, duh!”
We head over in an Uber to the appointment and make it only 5 minutes late.
Another thing I forgot to read in The Idiot’s Guide to being the Mother of the Bride was how to properly respond to your daughter in a wedding gown. Apparently you are supposed to know which one is The One, and you are supposed to cry when you see it. I didn’t cry. In fact, I made a comment about lace. This first comment cannot be taken back. Over and over I have said, “If this is the one you want, you should get it.” But it doesn’t help. She cannot erase my first response.
For the record, I did tear up when she put on the veil. I properly held my hand over my mouth and exclaimed, “Oh my!”
In the end, we all had a good time. No champagne, but the other daughters got in on the fun and tried on dresses they loved. I texted a picture to my husband, and he responded, “Scary.” Scary, and crazy, and fun.
Martha and Maggie try on wedding gowns that they loved. (The actual bride to be is not pictured. That’s a no no. I’m learning.)
This made me laugh all the way through. I hope someone gives me the notes when my daughter is engaged. Luckily that’s a long time from now, so I’ll just learn from you. Beautiful picture of the girls.
There are so many books on parenting that I’ve already missed reading! It sounds like your good humor will get you through. (One awesome thing that my dad literally read about in a book for my wedding was the art of compromise. They each got one thing that I didn’t want in my wedding. It kept us all happy!)
Margaret, your story made me relive mine. There is so much build up to the wedding day so enjoy the ride and relax. My daughter did introduce me to the bridal shows and we did go to Kleinfeld in NYC for the initial “bridal” moment. I enjoyed your post. At the time of my daughter’s wedding 3 years ago, I was not blogging but I do remember some interesting moments since my daughter lived in Washington, DC during the planning months. I look forward to the many posts you will share with us about the bridal journey.
Giggled all the way through this post. Having one daughter is a challenge, but three just isn’t fair. You have no chance. What were you thinking?! Jeans to a bridal appointment! Really. By the way, I agree with your husband, scary, fun!
PS
Somehow I missed Katherine was getting married. He must be quite a guy. Congrats!
I’ve been both mother of the bride and mother-in-law of the bride, and it sounds as if you could write a book about this, Margaret, just for all those who are headed that way. Love seeing the picture. A favorite memory is doing this with my daughter and my daughter-in-law, whose mother lived out of state, so I was the one who went with her. Best wishes to all, and to your Katherine!
I’ll be counting on you to write this Idiot’s Guide, Margaret – I will be in great need of it some day.
Margaret, this is too funny. So much harder to be the mother of the bride. I was the mother of the groom and my job was to keep my mouth shut and my purse open.
I think you will be a great mother of the bride, at least by the time you are on your third bride. Oh my, the bridal rules have changed since I was the bride. Good luck and I look forward to more fun as you master the role of mother of the bride. 🙂
Sounds like you’re doing a fine job, Margaret. Just the fact that you were there means the world to her. Trust me, I know. 🙂
I am counting on my daughter getting married, barefooted, on the beach with a bonfire and cookout! And I’ll know just what to wear!
What a great post! Luckily I have two boys. When I see someone as together as you having this hilarious experience, I know I would be WAY over my head! Such a great post, Margaret. Lovely daughters by the way.
Can you keep really good notes and pass them along as you get better with each daughter. By the time you’re done with your third, maybe I’ll be starting my first and you can get me nominated for that award. I’ll give you full credit–don’t worry.
I LOVE this post! Your title alone cracked me up. So funny. Beautiful daughters! I suggest you watch a “Say Yes to the Dress” marathon when you can !
I feel for you. And I’m saying a silent prayer of thanks I have boys. 🙂
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