Dear Aunt Mable,

My fiancé and I are planning a big European style wedding. And we are fitting the entire bill. However I have a mother-in-law has a number of opinions on how this wedding should be planned.

My wedding + my money = my decision right?

Maria the evil daughter in law

Dearest Maria,

Honey, we would get along like a house on fire. You’re right, how can anyone argue that theory. My first reaction would be to tell her to be the old lady who fell off the wagon and blow it out of her ass. If she feels things should be done a certain way she should SHOW YOU THE MONEY.

Now being the responsible 85 year old I will try to be the proper old lady with wisdom and sound advise. Ask yourself the following question. Is it worth the battle? Are her opinions that outrageous? Can you compromise? At the end of the day you’re stuck with her. What about your fiancé, can he not talk to his momma??

Aunt Mable

Aunt Mable,

My fiancé and I are in the midst of planning our reception and we are stuck on one issue. Is it imperative that we do an official receiving line? I prefer more of a mix and mingle cocktail hour whereas he insists a formal line up with parents and the bridal party. I just think that would take way too long. Are there any other options?

Jen, Toronto

Greetings Jen,

Well this one is tricky; both options do have their pros on cons. Having the formal receiving line is perhaps geared more to the guests, allowing them the opportunity to extend their congratulations in a controlled setting. It also allows you to thank them. With this option you will be guaranteed to greet everyone, but you’re right, it is a long process not to mention BORING!

I love the cocktail hour option, just because I LOVE COCKTAILS especially the ‘white lightning. The mix and mingle cocktail hour is geared more towards you. You will have the opportunity to spend more or less time with individual people, it’s less formal and it’s more interactive, simply speaking more FUN. I caution you on 2 notes, this option may have some guests feeling ignored and uncomfortable they may not want to approach you if you’re conversing with another guest. This option may also make you work harder to ensure that all the guests are greeted and thanked.

One compromising solution is to have a receiving line with you, your fiancé and parents; this would speed up the progress a little.
At the end of the day it’s a decision that you an your fiancé have to make, it’s a personal thing

Aunt Mable

Greeting Aunt Mable,

I am getting married in 2010 and I have just selected my bridal party. A few girls are offended that I am having them pay for the fabric for the dress as well as the seamstress. Is that wrong or am I suppose to fit the bill on that?

Possible frugal Bride

Dear Possible frugal Bride,

Aunt Mable

Hello Mable,

Hopefully you can help me out. I just wanted to know what proper edict is when it come to speeches. I am third generation Canadian and my fiancé is Italian. In my family speeches are big parts of the wedding reception. We typically have an open mic concept. My family looks forward to that part of the evening. My fiancé however has told me that on his side speeches are not so important and he feels that an open microphone idea is too risky he is afraid that too many people will want to say a few words. (And as much as I don’t want to admit it there is a possibility that will happen!) We are trying to find a middle ground on this issue. So here is my 2-part question is it rude to implement a time restriction on speeches? And is it rude to try and control the number of speakers?

Really Confused

Dear Really Confused,

Aunt Mable