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2. Overruling the bride and groom. They've made their plans, so let them stick to it. One of the top mistakes is giving them the old "We're paying for it!" argument when they confront you about how you called the caterer and changed 'a few things.' This is a time of change. So if you've been a hands-on parent even into the bride or groom's adult life, it's time for you to step back and not try to control things.

3. Speaking badly of the bride, groom, or their family to others. Even if you're totally frustrated, your words live on forever. So don't vent about how selfish the bride is, or how uninvolved the groom is, or how tacky the bride's mother's ideas are to other people. Because word gets around, and these judgments come back to bite you. If you have to vent, do it into a journal instead.

4. Asking others to give a shower. You can't ask someone else to give a shower as a way for you to slide underneath the traditional etiquette rule that parents don't give showers on their own. While it's true that more mothers are co-planning showers with the bridal party, they're asked by the group. You can't obligate an aunt or family friend to throw the shower for them, even though you have good intentions. Just let the Maid of Honor know that you're willing to chip in and help with whatever's needed.

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