On the day

Take charge, mother of the bride!

Party politics

To be the best hostess, make sure all your guests are being well looked after and included in the party. Don’t be afraid to delegate duties -- you can’t be everywhere at once. So if Uncle Ted is known for his alcohol-fuelled political rows, pick a relative to keep an eye on him during the reception.

You’ll also need to think about older relatives getting tired or wobbly on their feet. They might need to be taken home early or given a room they can rest in, especially if it’s very hot. Appoint someone (not you!) to keep an eye on them. 

If you’re making a speech, make sure you have more than one copy of it, just to be on the safe side. Prompt cards with a brief reminder of what you want to say will be very useful, and can easily fit inside a normal sized handbag.

And remember, this is your day too. The guests are more likely to enjoy it if you’re looking happy and relaxed. So even if there’s a minor hiccup, keep your cool, smile and, if necessary, take a moment in the Ladies to compose yourself 

It’s all over!

If your daughter and new son-in-law intend to formally 'leave' their reception, you'll wave good-bye to them along with all the other guests, so make your own plans for a private farewell beforehand.

Once the couple have left, you'll need to settle any outstanding payments, ensure the safe-keeping of the presents overnight and collect the remainder of the wedding cake, which will usually be packed by the caterers ready to take home.

If the reception has taken place in a hired hall, you might need to check everything has been left clean and tidy and the hall safely locked up. Then go home and put your feet up!

And once it’s all over, many parents take a holiday after the wedding-- a kind of sympathetic honeymoon... worth thinking about, isn't it?

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