A mother of the groom attending her estranged son’s wedding seeks advice on her responsibilities as well as the appropriate gift and attire for the Buddhist ceremony. She shares concerns about not knowing her daughter-in-law’s level of religious observance and how to approach the situation due to the strained relationship with her son.
In response, etiquette expert Eric Thomas advises the mother-in-law to reach out and ask for guidance if possible. He suggests that if her son hasn’t spoken to her in years, there may not be strict expectations for her involvement in the wedding. Thomas recommends following the couple’s request to donate to their honeymoon fund as a gift, and not worrying about bringing anything else to the ceremony.
Ultimately, Thomas emphasizes the importance of showing up with openness, gratitude, and a desire to repair relationships. He encourages the mother-in-law to focus on enjoying the wedding day and not stressing about potential missteps. In conclusion, he assures her that the best way to do the wedding right is to be present in the moment and celebrate the occasion.
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