A little perspective

Several friends are in full-blown MoB mode right now. I sit back and wish them well. Stories of invitations, RSVPs, dresses, weather concerns, receptions - well, they just float in one ear and out the other, as a few sparks of vaguely familiar detail trip recollections of where I was this time last year.

This year, however, I'm a wise old former MoB. I have a new title, after all: Mother-in-Law.

Actually, I look back on the planning, the showers, the actual Big Day, and the wedding postpartum with a lot of satisfaction. (OK, maybe not the wedding postpartum.) Bride was well-organized and knew what she wanted from the git-go. She and Groom understood the financial restrictions. Yes, there were surprises and a few road blocks along the way, but in the end, everything turned out just lovely.

Two things I would've changed: 1) Being more specific on the invitation RSVP about the sit-down dinner reception, and 2) my hair (didn't like it). Oh. And I wish a couple of people/vendors hadn't given us last-minute financial scares. Other than that, no complaints from here.

Bride's dress was stunning. (Yea, Anne Barge!) Bride herself could not have been more beautiful. Groom looked sharp and carried off his role endearingly. Attendants stayed sober and did us all proud - they clean up well. The ceremony was gorgeous, as only an Episcopal service can be. Music (for the service and for the reception) - wowser! Flowers, food, reception venue - great. The cakes were gorgeous and delish.

The most important thing of all was that everyone enjoyed themselves. No screaming outbursts during the ceremony or reception. People partied, laughed, talked, ate, drank, and were generally merry - from the tiniest dancer on the floor, to those of us who had trouble getting back up after the "little bit softer, now" part of "Shout."

It was a celebration. And that was our goal from the beginning. Family and friends gathered to solemnly witness the marriage, then celebrated the occasion with food, drink, and music. None of the rest of the pre-wedding problems mattered at all on October 18, 2008.

That's the perspective and memory I wish for all MoB's, soon to be MiL's, out there. Celebrate, girls!