Hilarious anecdotes and practical advice abound as the lifestyle editor for The Washingtonian shares wise counsel and helpful hints from a mom who's been there as well as chronicles some ill-fated nuptials (as a primer for what not to do). From deciphering the mysteries of wedding food to learning to understand florist-speak, from picking a suitable mother-of-the-bride outfit-without looking like a Red Hot Mama or, worse, your grandmother in lavender and lace-to keeping a sense of humor when some of what can go wrong does, this down-to-earth guide makes a perfect gift for every mother determined to give her daughter the wedding of her dreams.