Your wedding day should be the happiest day of your life. However, it is all too easy to get involved with family arguments that could ultimately harm your chances of enjoying your big day.
Keeping you and your fiancé's family is easier said than done. There is no point in however thinking that they should just be keeping you HAPPY and realistically, this never happens!
Here are 7 ways to ensure that not only you are happy on the day you say 'I do' but so are both families...
1. You are over the moon and can't wait to start planning your wedding. You and your groom-to-be have so many fantastic ideas that you both can't wait to start putting into action. However, although it is about the two of you, don't forget about or even ignore your families. By involving them in what you are doing from Day 1 will avoid unnecessary arguments and ensure they feel that they are needed.
2. If your fiancé is an only child, gain maximum brownie points from your mother-in-law-to-be by asking her to accompany you and your mum when you go wedding dress shopping. Not only will she think 'she has the nicest daughter in law ever!' but it will encourage your mum to start developing a good relationship with her son in law's family.
3. Try to include both families when it comes to choosing bridesmaids and page boys. I have heard of countless incidences where the bride has only picked bridesmaids and page boys from her family and rather than from her fiancé''s family. Obviously you can't keep everyone happy, but it only involves having one extra bridesmaid or page boys, surely it is worth it in order to keep the peace...
4. Ask their advice! Parents are all too good at saying 'I told you so' after the events, so don't let them do this! Why not for example ask your fiancé's mother if she has an opinion on your colour palette? You may not necessarily agree with her, but she might actually have some great ideas that you could benefit from.
5. Remember to say 'Thank You' Even if your family are not contributing financially, I am sure they will be helping in lots of other ways i.e. perhaps your mum is baking your wedding cake, or your dad is lending you his prized vintage car to take you to the reception? Whatever they are doing, by saying 'thank you,' it will definitely make them feel valued and ultimately 'happy.'
6. Ensure you organise several dinners/lunches with both families before the big day. The more they get to know each other, the easier it will be for them to mingle on the wedding day and to maintain a good relationship with one another after you are man and wife.
7. If your fiancé's parents are still happily married, ask them 'what makes a good marriage?' Not only will they be only too happy to impart their advice, but they will think you are making a concerted effort to not only keep them happy, but ultimately learn from them.