Mothers of the bride and groom

> Check out the Wedding Directory for suppliers of occasion wear

Keep the mother of the bride happy with our simple tips:

As soon as you announce your engagement ask your mum how much she wants to be involved and tell her how much of her help you need.If you decide early on what she will do, it is unlikely anyone's feelings will be hurt further on.

It is traditional for the parents of the bride to place the engagement announcement in the local paper. Ask your mum if she would like to do the honours.

The bride's parents conventionally send the wedding invitations. If you have chosen to do them yourself, encourage her to have some input in what style you should have. If you have followed tradition, then the RSVPs should also come back for her attention.

Invite her on your hen night. It probably won't be her cup of tea but she will feel flattered to have been asked along with the girls.

Don't forget to make a fuss! In the run up to the big event treat her to a spa day, book her in to have her nails or make-up done, or set aside a weekend where you both go shopping for her outfit.

For most mums, seeing you in your wedding dress is the most special moment. Even if you go dress shopping with your bridesmaids, at least let her see you in the dress before the day itself.

When considering your something old, new, borrowed and blue - don't overlook mum's resources. Wearing something that she wore on her wedding day, or has sentimental value, will add extra meaning to the day for you both.

Keep her involved on the day. Whether it's having her with you while you get ready in the morning, or organising people for the meal. It will help her realise what her role is in making your day run smoothly.

Appreciate that it is her prerogative as mother of the bride to get a bit emotional and dramatic on the day. Give her a hug and tell her how important it is to have her there.

When you send your thank you letters make sure you write something from the heart to mum and dad, or mention something specific they did, or helped towards, that made the day so great

Get that outfit ...

A wedding is a great reason for a new outfit, and that’s certainly true for the mothers!

They may decide to take the traditional route of a smart suit, floral blouse and co-ordinating hat, court shoes and bag. They’ll find plenty of choice in Norfolk’s shops.

But if Mum is happier in trousers, a smart pair is perfectly acceptable at a modern wedding. She, like the bride and groom, need not feel she has to wear something conventional so can take her pick from bright dresses, trouser suits or contrasting skirts and tops.

The mothers are likely to feature in several of the photographs, so it is helpful if they talk to one another to ensure they don’t clash with each other – or the bridesmaids – on the day.

... and that hat!

A wedding can be a great excuse to wear a hat and many couples are asking guests to wear hats to add even more of a sense of occasion to the big day.

But if you cannot cope with a formal, wide brimmed affair, or simply want to show off a new hair do, why not try a fascinator instead?

These can be made to suit any outfit and are clever combinations of anything from feathers to beads, shells and flowers. They are normally attached to a hair slide, comb or hairband and are very easy to keep on! Styles range from classy and sophisticated to fun and flirty.

Take your outfit along when deciding and ask the hat designer or hat shop staff for advice.