How can I incorporate my mother-in-law's more flowery tastes without ruining my simple/classy theme?

I just want to tell you how very thoughtful you are for thinking of her. It is very, very difficult to be the mother of the groom, especially if you only have a son. We tend to be completely left out.

I hope you come to some agreement. I would of been thrilled to of even been considered worthy. She if very lucky to have you for a daughter-in-law.

Maybe you could actually go with her when she purchases these things. Maybe she could do some less noticeable things. Maybe place cards, or guest book and pen. Could she maybe make a throw away bouquet for you to toss?

EDIT: If she is good at embroidery how about a handkerchief you can carry. No one will even see it. Maybe with the date and your names. You could keep it as a heirloom.

Find what you like (for centerpieces or something) and ask her to make them. That way it is your taste. Then when you see them talk about how wonderful they are.

Or if you are afraid she will change them up to make them crafty (and flowery) then have her do some sort of busy work. Maybe bows on the bubbles or something.

My MIL went crazy with flower arrangements for the rehearsal dinner. Honestly, they were not at all my taste but I figured she could do whatever she wanted at the rehearsal dinner as long as I had my way for the wedding/reception.

Why don't you get all the materials together for your crafts to your taste (sans lace and pink) and have her over to make them with you. Show her step by step how to make the things and when they look like finished. Don't let her deviate from the plan.

Let her know that you really appreciate her helping you and that it is making your life easier.

Maybe if she isn't givien the opportunity to do frilly things they won't come out of the work, but she will still feel like she is a part of the wedding.

Congrats on the wedding and I think it's great that you are trying to include your mother in law. Rather then her "Make" something have her get old photo's of her son growing up, video's if any things of that sort to put in your wedding video. Maybe if she is so bent of her crafts have her do a favor for the people who attend your rehearsal dinner. It would be a win win with that as they won't care what it looks like, she will be happy, and it won't inter fear at your wedding. You can also have her do a centerpiece for the table at the rehearsal dinner I would then give it to her as a keepsake.

This lady is someone handing you free money so do not, repeat do not, walk away from her like she's offering a stale donut. Get right to an arts & crafts or book store and find a few books with ideas you like. Then show this lady your favorites and ask if she can make them in your colors. Humor and butter up this willing worker and you're going to end up with gorgeous matched everything at a fraction of the cost to buy this stuff.

congrats on your upcoming marriage, i hope its a happy one!

as for your m.i.l. the first thing to do is explain to her [again] that your style is very simple and you really don't want anything too ornate.

if that doesn't help and she wants to design something give her the guest book to do. i can tell you honestly most people rarely look at the guest book once they are settled into their married life, so if its a little flowery you won't mind! lol

also if you are doing favors, ask her to come up with a few different ideas for you to look at! if you are planning on decorating the cars, get her working on the tissue paper roses for them!

good luck with it all and happy wedding!

I understand you totally, everyone is telling me what they think I should do for my wedding, thankfully my MIL is not in the country... phew. I hate frills, I have had to fight for everything. I'm having purple, but my older sisters told me I should have gone for lilac instead. I'm having simple flower table arrangements at the reception, but they've told me I just have to have balloons... yuck, I told them it's not a kids party. It's a constant battle to get what I want, but at the end of the day it's your day. You don't have to be rude about it just tell her you'd prefer something else... it's only fair. Give her something else to do

Good luck!

be glad u have a mil with whom you half-way get along with...some arent so lucky. be honest, and if she's cool she'll go with the flow. instead of blowing her off totally, let her know what YOU want and have her learn how to do what you like. chances are she'll enjoy learning a new way of being crafty, even if she doesnt bring it into her own life. its your wedding, bottom line, so what you want is what goes. so have her help you out doing YOUR thing...and dont spend too much time stressing off of it...

First of all, count yourself one of the lucky few who has a MIL who they can get along with.

As for incorporating them. Why not have her do something with napkins, centerpieces, or something like that. That way she has a small part thast won't disrupt your overall theme.

Good luck!

Find pictures of what you are looking for....(exactly what you are looking for), and ask her if she can make it.

This way you get what you want and she gets to help. Just let her know that you value her skills and translate that into showing her what you want, not giving her free reign.

Good Luck and Happy Planning!