If your little boy or girl just got engaged, you must be very excited! You've been dreaming of this day longer than they have, but now that's it's almost here, are you wondering how you can help without being overbearing? When you're the mother-in-law to the bride, what's proper wedding etiquette? I've come up with a few wedding planning tips to help you, from wedding dress shopping to the big day!

Photo courtesy of Jeff Loves Jessica Photography

Your child is engaged! Now what?

Tradition calls for the groom's parents to call the bride's when the engagement is announced. Nowadays, it's important to get in contact with your future son or daughter-in-law's parents, but it doesn't matter who reaches out first. You will be in contact with them quite a bit during the wedding planning process, and it could be nice to grab cocktails or invite them over for dinner to get to know one another. If you're considering throwing an engagement party, the bride's parents traditionally host the first celebration. If you feel comfortable, you could offer or ask to host the party together. Another option is to throw a 'welcome to the family' party for your child's fiance. It is also common for both mothers to throw a shower. The mother of the groom traditionally lets the bride's family pick their shower date first. If there are two brides or grooms, we recommend letting one set of parents choose first for the engagement party and the other choose first for the shower. Traditional wedding etiquette for a bridal shower says to invite the bride's mother and closest female relatives, and to always get the go-ahead from the bride before you start planning. If you decide to throw a couple's shower instead, the best plan is to ask the soon-to-be newlyweds whom they'd like invited.

Photo courtesy of Jordan Obinger Photography

Wedding dress shopping for the mother-in-law.

Are you a mother of the groom who wants to join her future daughter-in-law when she searches for her dream dress? Not only could this be a great bonding experience, but it's an exciting moment in the wedding planning process. I encourage you to tell the bride that you would like to go wedding dress shopping with her. However, try to understand if she declines your offer. She might want to share this experience with just her mother or some close friends. If this happens, be understanding and offer to take her out for dinner to hear all about wedding dress shopping and to see the photos. If you're the mother of the groom, consider joining your son when he picks out his tuxedo or suit. It may not be as "fun" as picking out a wedding dress, but it is still meaningful and an important step in your son's pending nuptials.

Photo courtesy of Jordan Obinger Photography

The big day is almost here!

 The wedding day is about to arrive and there are probably a million things running through your head. I have a few more wedding planning tips to help you out. Proper wedding etiquette instructs the mother of the groom to let the mother of the bride choose her outfit first and then coordinate with her. I suggest going shopping with your child's future mother-in-law; nothing bonds two women like a day at the mall! Traditionally, the mother of the groom and her spouse throw the rehearsal dinner and the bride's parents host brunch the next day. Remember that you can throw these parties together, or switch soirees if you want! When the big day arrives, don't forget to take new family photos, stand in the receiving line, and dance with your new son or daughter. This is the day two families become one, so celebrate and have plenty of fun!

What advice do you have for mother-in-laws who want to help in the planning process? Share your wedding planning tips in a comment below!

You might also be interested in:

• Top 10 Reasons to Choose Mother of the Bride Pant Suits Over Dresses
• Mother of the Bride Dresses to Match Your Bridal Party
• What is the Appropriate Wedding Attire for the Mother of the Bride?