5 Tips for Brides when Wedding Planning with Their Moms and Mother-in-Law

As your wedding day approaches, the challenge isn’t only making sure everything goes according to plan. Rather, it’s sometimes also about ensuring a healthy relationship with your mom or mother-in-law during this hectic journey.

While trying to stay stress-free, it’s essential to take into account any potential friction that may arise as emotions can be heightened. You may need to arm yourself with the right tools to help navigate things like overstepping, toxicity, unnecessary conflict related to differences of opinion, and similar woes during wedding planning.

With this said, here are some helpful tips you could use to keep your closest relatives by your side during this seemingly hectic process.

5 Tips for Brides when Wedding Planning with Their Moms and Mother-in-Law

1, Establish Boundaries and Reinforce Them Early

It’s important to set expectations with the mother-in-law and your mom in a polite but firm way. This means being clear on who’s responsible for what within the wedding planning process, ensuring that both have their desired roles fulfilled without overstepping any boundaries.

You know that it can be tricky when it comes to involving others so early in the planning stages. Let them know that you appreciate all of their help and that it counts toward making your wedding day fun for all!

2, Have Open and Honest Conversations

Communication is key in any relationship, so it’s important to have honest discussions with both mothers. Discuss their hopes and expectations regarding the wedding planning process, making sure they know that opinions can be shared but you should ultimately have the final say over decisions.

If tensions arise, try not to take things too personally. These conversations are necessary to get everyone on the same page and hopefully create an enjoyable experience for all involved!

3, Set Clear Expectations off the Bat

Similar to setting boundaries above, it’s essential to communicate expectations and limits before wedding planning begins. For instance, outlining matters with your budget can help avoid confusion at a later date. When planning your big day, you’ll also want to let everyone involved know what decisions need to be made within what timeframe, so that nothing falls by the wayside or is missed.

If there are any specific restrictions you feel obligated to put into place – either due to family dynamics, personal boundaries, etc., be sure these topics are discussed early on. Informing your loved ones of your needs, preferences, or other boundaries beforehand can help avoid unnecessary conflicts or arguments further down the line.

4, Put Yourself First (and Expect Others to Respect That)

No matter how much help you receive; it’s your wedding, so always remember that you should have the biggest say in the planning process. It also pays to ask for space if needed, and politely remind loved ones of boundaries when necessary.

As mentioned earlier, ensure that your mom or both moms know they can voice their opinions but ultimately respect your decisions as the bride-to-be. Don’t let anyone talk you down or make you feel guilty. You’re in charge of your wedding day!

5, Find Ways to Cultivate a Healthy Relationship During Wedding Planning

Though it can be difficult, it pays to try and find ways in which both mothers can help out with the wedding planning while respecting each other’s wishes. For instance, consider delegating small tasks that involve them working together, such as organizing food catering or planning transportation. This will show that their involvement is appreciated whilst allowing both of them to participate without stepping on each other’s toes.

And if possible, you could create activities outside of the wedding planning process where you all spend time together and enjoy each other’s company. You could also honor your mom with a special gift, such as a beautiful bouquet of flowers or a sweet piece of jewelry. This thoughtful gesture can show her just how much she’s appreciated during the planning process, and potentially repair any rifts from the past, which might significantly impact your upcoming wedding.

Ultimately, the above measures can go a long way in avoiding tensions, conflict, overstepping, and toxicity during wedding planning. Chances are they will even help improve the daughter-mother relationship between you and your mom as well as your mother-in-law.

There you have it, our 5 tips for brides when wedding planning with their moms and mother-in-law. What did you think? Let us know your favorite tips in the comments below.