6. Suggest that buying a wedding dress on the day after Christmas will make it that much more special.
It won't. And going shopping on one of the most crowded days of the year is bound to raise tempers. Wedding dress shopping can begin with casually looking through magazines.
7. Ask a million questions.
Naylor says don't start asking too many questions right away. When you ask "Who's going to be in the bridal party?" what the bride-to-be hears is, "You have to include your cousin Eloise."
8. Start worrying about your date.
You and your ex-spouse can work things out down the road. Asking, "What are we going to do about Kate?"-- your ex's new girlfriend -- changes the focus from your daughter and makes it about you. If there is any day where 110 percent effort to remain civil is expected, it's your child's wedding day. But for now, skip the strategizing about family diplomacy and go with the flow.
9. Expect that your friends' horror stories will befall you as well.
So your best friend's daughter wouldn't let her do anything connected to planning the wedding and your neighbor had such drama with her in-laws. Don't worry about potential nightmares when none have happened, said Naylor.
10. Stand in judgement.
Of course you want to be helpful and share this time with your daughter. Maybe you have a brilliant way to save on the budget. Suggest things, just don't boss her around. And avoid saying things like, "When you were a teenager, you were late on everything; we need to reserve a place now!"
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