Wedding Wednesdays: MOB vs. MOFG

I love weddings, but these days I'm usually just a vendor. But when my youngest sister got hitched last summer, I had the distinct pleasure of being both a Matron of Honor and Mother of a Flower Girl. Mercifully, I was allowed to split these duties with my other sister. I had an incredible time and it's a night I won't soon forget! I'll also say that being Mother of a Flower Girl wasn't exactly easy. Especially the part where I had to chase a two year old at top speed in full make-up and hair, while sporting a slightly tight bridesmaid's dress and heels, on concrete no less. A truly joyous occasion, my daughters and niece definitely got into the spirit. They taught me that while most all mothers approach a wedding day and their daughters' involvement in it with love and care, that approach varies a bit depending on whether your daughter is the bride or the flower girl. For example,

Mother of the Bride: Watches lovingly as her daughter and husband dance the father daughter dance.
Mother of the Flower Girl: Looks on in horror as her daughters and husband do the dance of "Try and stay still, don't bang on the glass! Here, you need some goldfish? NOOO! Not on your dress!!!!..." in the church's crying room during the ceremony.

Mother of the Bride: Acts as hostess and thanks guests for coming
Mother of the Flower Girl: Tries not to act shocked when she thanks guests for complimenting her child on their good behavior (Uum, were we watching the same child?!)

Mother of the Bride: Helps daughter pick out her dress and attends fittings
Mother of the Flower Girl: Helps daughter into her dress, usually with a struggle, and attends to any stains or damage (Got baby wipes?)

Mother of the Bride: Holds back tears of joy as her daughter says "I do"
Mother of the Flower Girl: Holds back a smile as her daughter asks the priest "Is that your friend Jesus?" at the rehearsal (True story).

That's just a smattering of responsibilites. Believe me, I'm not saying Mothers of the Bride have it easy. My Mom spilled champagne on her dress before we even left the house. But she did handle it with grace—a trait that most mothers of toddlers have to just learn to live without until their kids are at least 6 right?

Graceful or not, children often bring a unique charm and enthusiasm to their part in a wedding. And I don't think my sister, the bride, would have had it any other way. Having my children involved in such a meaningful event, also reminded me why I love weddings so much...celebrating a couple's love and the merging and growth of two families. Any fun flower girl/ring bearer stories out there? Do tell...