<p>I agree. I was mother of groom last year and got to know the “other” family very well over several years even though we lived in totally different locations. I was in on the trip to the bridal shop etc. I’d say to include. I raised an only son so I now I have a daughter!</p>
<p>cbreeze, it really depends on both of you and how you get along. (And where you both live. And whether your expectations for weddings are similar.)</p>
<p>Some MOGs would be offended if every suggestion they make is not taken, in which case it is better not to invite any suggestions. (Let me say here that it is a good thing that my sister has only daughters and gets to plan everything, because she would be precisely that kind of PITA. 
)Some MOGs regard any attempt at being collaborative in planning as an attempted raid on their wallet. Some MOGs strongly resent any suggestion about appropriate places for rehearsal dinners in your area, while others will ask for suggestions and be grateful. Some MOGs are perfectly delightful and very diplomatic. You just never know. I’d have a talk with your D about it and try to get a sense of what the MOG is like before doing anything definite.</p>
<p>Of course, all of the above applies to MOBs as well! :)</p>
<p>As the mother of a son, my idea of future wedding nightmares include having to sit through a highly religious ceremony that forcefully assumes that all participants share the same religious beliefs; a family that has 250 people just at the first cousin level (I have no first cousins at all and a very small family) and a) wants to invite all of them, and b) expects us to pay for half of it. (I’m not going to take out a home equity loan for a wedding. Period.)</p>
<p>Almost anything one can live through, and smile and nod. Especially if, praise doG, my S actually wants to get married and present me with grandchildren! :D</p>
<p>cbreeze,
You may want to first ask your daughter if she’d like her future MIL involved. See what kind of a relationship the two of them have.
The involvement of the inlaws will be somewhat influenced by who is paying for the wedding/reception. </p>
<p>This July, it is my turn to be a MOG. My son is marrying a gal from another country. She is the only one here in this country. We are paying for everything. She did invite me to go bridal dress shopping with her (yay!) and I was with her when she found THE dress. That was very exciting.</p>
<p>wow, just saw this thread again…cant believe it is now a year since son got married!</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>What does that mean?</p>
<p>AllThis, it is a humorous way for a person who believes strongly in the goodness of dogs and not in the existence of “god” to say something that a believer might phrase as “Praise God.” One might also say, “Thank doG!” for example.</p>
<p>All your advice are helpful, thanks. Groom’s family is from Canada so there will be minimal involvement. My D and her finance live in NY. We won’t be asking for any financial contribution though I’ve been told they will host a rehearsal dinner.</p>
<p>Bookreader, will any of your future in-laws attend the wedding? Does your future DIL come from a culture where the groom’s family pays for everything?</p>
<p>cbreeze-</p>
<p>Congratulations!</p>
<p>It would be very nice to find out if the groom’s family has any special family traditions (groom’s cake, for example) that could be incorporated. Let the MOG know about color schemes and what you are wearing.</p>
<p>If there are many people coming from Canada for the wedding, it will be helpful to share information about lodging and information and activities in the area.</p>
<p>If the wedding is on Saturday, you or the MOG could organize a brunch on Sunday for out of town guests. As friend of mothers of B and G, I have hosted a few of these.</p>
<p>cbreeze
The parents of my future DIL will be attending along with her sister and maybe a brother (his visa is still pending). The will be here for about 2 weeks before the wedding so I will have a bit of time to get to know them. </p>
<p>We are paying for the wedding because we are hosting it. In the culture of her parents, the groom pays for the wedding (this was news to me! I didn’t know this was the case in any culture.), but since the wedding will be in the US where the price of everything is much, much higher than in her home country, it would not be an option for her family to pay for a US wedding. </p>
<p>I am expecting a huge culture shock for them when they arrive here. Our standard of living is significantly different than were she is from. My son and younger daughter have met them in their home. </p>
<p>Should be interesting!!</p>