Mother of the Groom

Each parent hopes their child eventually finds "the one" who takes their breath away, someone with whom they can settle down and grow old. My daughter was lucky enough to find such a man, and I couldn't be happier for her. Now as one of my sons prepares to tie the knot on Saturday, I am filled with joy and happiness with his selection. The bride is petite, bright and ever so sweet; I would have chosen her for him myself if I had only known her first.

Planning a wedding is not unlike planning other events, which is done regularly for TECH cocktail. Weddings come together quickly once the bride and groom are determined, along with the date and location. So here's the plan for this small intimate wedding. The bride and groom will walk down an aisle accompanied by a string quartet. The ceremony site will be the gardens in this Chicagoland home, followed by cocktails and butlered canapes served inside while the string quartet continues to play. Then off to the local country club for a sit down dinner with three different entrees, various wines and of course, wedding cake. Since the bride loves ice cream, caramel ice cream sundaes will be offered, along with seasonal berries with freshly whipped cream. The grand piano will feature a noted pianist playing during the dinner, allowing the bride and groom an opportunity for the famous first dance. Off on their honeymoon, the bride and groom will no doubt be happy to get away and relax for a few days.

Dressing the mother of the groom for an afternoon wedding required some thought, but references to Charla Krupp's How Not To Look Old provided sound advice: short knee length skirt, bare tanned legs and strappy sandals, which resulted in an interesting icy green summer suit. Gigi's Closette in Glenview provided the suit, along with a few other must-have's as alternate choices, just in case......

Wedding weeks are busy weeks, and this one is no different. Manicures, pedicures, up-do's, fittings and enough sleep are necessary. A daughter and son-in-law will arrive on Friday, along with another son from out of state. The bride's parents and brother also arrive on Friday, staying at a local bed and breakfast. A somewhat small rehearsal will be followed by dinner, then sweet dreams. Being mother of the groom is as exciting as being mother of the bride.