Planning a wedding from abroad...

Lucy Kuek’s daughter Jackie married Rory in a riot of red and blue in Somerset, featured in our Mar/Apr 07 issue. We asked her how she helped her daughter plan her wedding all the way from Singapore…

“Jackie had two ceremonies, one in Singapore and one in Somerset. I was not massively involved with the wedding in Somerset as we were confident that the bride and groom could put on a good show. I did help out by coordinating the trips of visiting guests from Singapore and Germany and the preparation of some after dinner wedding tarts (Jackie’s family bought over 150 pineapple tarts from Singapore) and wedding favours. I was more involved in the preparation of the wedding in Singapore, which was held at the Raffles Hotel, two weeks after the London wedding. In particular I was involved in the choosing of the wedding venue and menu and of course the makeup and hair arrangements for the bride. On the day the venue and weather was perfect on the day. Jackie looked so beautiful and I felt so proud of her. The wedding preparation and celebrations went without a hitch and quite a few guests commented that it was the most beautiful wedding they have attended. It was a dream wedding.”

Choosing the outfit...

Mary Tugnett’s daughter Erica married Matt Smith in Kent and was featured in our Mar-Apr 07 issue. We asked her how she chose the all-important outfit…

“In selecting my outfit for the wedding I was very aware of the elegant bridal gown, the classical cut and gentle colour of the bridemaids’ dresses.  I wanted my clothing selection to echo these aspects,” says Mary.  “I felt it essential that I was at ease with the basic design features of my outfit, and, of course, wanted to feel special with the final outcome. I chose muted shades of soft mushroom and warm brown with subdued mauve undertones.  The style was unfussy and the fabric textures gave interest to the outfit. My outfit consisted of a jacket, lace chemise and skirt. The jacket, worn in the church, was satin with a three-quarter sleeve and detailed beading at the neckline, and along the front edge. While at the reception I removed to jacket to reveal a lace chemise with covered buttons and scalloped detail at the neckline and edges.”

Getting involved in your daughter\'s day

Carol Sheppard’s daughter Debbie married Richard Wise in South Africa and was featured in our Mar-Apr 07 issue. We asked her she got involved in her daughter’s big day…

“I was only involved once we arrived in South Africa where I live, as Debbie really is very efficient and knew what she wanted, she was wonderful and did most of the organising herself over the email, as you know that most moms are not too good on the email.  I organised and did all the flowers along with a team of my very dear friends in Africa.  There were lots and lots of phone calls and I really just tried to be there for Debbie to bounce ideas off and for her every need whatever that may be. I enjoyed every single aspect of the wedding and of course the joy from the wedding couple made my heart very happy, knowing that we had gained an incredible son and that our daughter was so happy.  That I guess is every mothers dream.  The wedding went off without a hitch, it would be hard to pin point what part I enjoyed the best, as every single moment was a dream!”

Cherish the moment

Pat Andrews’s daughter Maia – our features writer! – married Jamie Morris in Hertfordshire last December. See the Jul-Aug issue for their wedding. We asked her for her top tips for other mothers of the bride…

In the run up to the day provide help, support and honest advice, but remember that it\'s your daughter’s day, one that she\'ll cherish forever.

On the morning of the wedding try to keep an eye on the time, to make sure that the bride is not left rushing to get dressed after everyone\'s hair and make up has been done. Make sure you give her, yourself et al, a celebratory glass of champagne to relax everyone before leaving for the venue.

If you\'re having your hair done, and the hairdresser also puts your fascinator/hat in place, make sure that you\'re not wearing a top that you need to remove over your head. I wore a V-neck sweater that seemed to have a wide enough neck, and it was okay, but if I\'d thought about it more carefully beforehand, I\'d have worn a blouse or cardigan.

Stay relaxed

Robyn Lopes daughter Katie married Rod Canvin in Devon, look out for her wedding in the magazine in September. We asked her what her she thought other mothers of the bride should do on the big day…

Be as organised as possible before the day and liaise with everyone closely involved so they know what is going on. Remember it is your daughter\'s wedding and it should be what she and her future husband want - not what anyone else wants.

Stay relaxed on the day, have nothing else to do but get ready and be there for your daughter. Something unexpected usually happens so it is important to stay calm and enjoy the day .  I loved my daughter\'s wedding. It was lovely to see her so happy and their happiness together was so obvious for all to see.

Top mother-of-the-bride tips

Rita Stevens’ daughter Kelly married Michael Donnelly in Berkshire. We asked her for her top tips…

Start shopping early! I bought several outfits, which although not worn at the wedding have given me lots of different looks for other dates.

Use the Internet to search for smaller outlet shops that specialise and avoid the larger stores.

On the day have the house cleared and ready for an invasion of girls and all their bits! My sons were dispatched with flowers and other duties while these young ladies paraded the house semi dressed!

I had Kelly’s dress all ready on a dressmaking dummy (bought specially for this role) in a bedroom. This room was left for her use only. I hope this helped her feel composed for the day while downstairs all were manic.

When the old fashion bus arrived for the bridesmaids and myself it was very sad and tearful for myself to leave Kelly and her Dad alone in the house. The drive to the church was great with all the bridesmaids waving to the on-lookers and the driver tooting at the passer bys.

A bit I shall always remember was walking down the church aisle to my seat on the arm of my younger son while all around watch me. All the effort of buying the outfit I wanted paid off because I felt special. (Maybe others viewed this differently!!)

We also had a locked room at the reception where Kelly, Lucie and myself kept some spare shoes, dresses etc “just in case”. Kelly had a change for the evening and this room provided ideal.

For the Mother of the Bride outfit start with getting measured and buying new underwear before you go out shopping for outfits. It makes all the difference. Get shoes you can wear all day and still dance in!!

Finally relaxing, stop worrying and enjoy as the day goes far too quickly.