As it turns out, Mother of the Groom etiquette goes beyond "wearing beige and keeping your mouth shut."

First off, let me congratulate you on your son's soon-to-be nuptials! Hopefully, you're excited for the happy couple and are looking forward to becoming a true-blue Mother-in-Law. While it may not seem like it, the Mother of the Groom does play a significant role in the wedding festivities and the events leading up to the big day. The Mother of the Groom carries the stereotype of the Bitter Betsy who's watching an interloper take away her precious baby boy. Following the etiquette rules below will help stave off any potentially negative situations and make you look like a hero in your daughter- or son-in-law's eyes.

1. Contact the other set of in-laws frequently.

This helps establish a relationship that'll go beyond the wedding day.

2. Only offer suggestions when asked.

Planning a wedding is frustrating enough and the last thing a frazzled couple needs is unnecessary commentary. If anything, just offer a check to offset a few costs.

3. Go to all the events you're invited to.

Many brides will invite their groom's mothers to go wedding dress shopping or to a shower. This is a great way to get to know your son's intended and meet other members of the wedding party.

4. Research the wedding traditions of your son's fiance's ethnic, cultural, or religious background.

If your son's fiance is Indian, wearing red to the wedding is an absolute no-no. If your son is marrying a Catholic, don't be surprised if there's a mass involved. If the kids are getting married in Palestine, the groom's family pays for the wedding. Knowledge is power and prevents a lot of surprise faux pas. 

5. Foot the bill for the Rehearsal Dinner.

Custom dictates that the Rehearsal Dinner (or Welcome Dinner) is paid for by the groom's parents. If cost is an issue, pare down the guest list to just members of the wedding party instead of all the guests who just got into town. 

6. Ask what the Mother of the Bride is wearing to the ceremony before you buy your dress.

This allows you to either coordinate colors/dress styles prior to purchase and keeps you from upstaging the Other Mother, which will only add on more wedding day stress.

7. Do not wear white or anything similar to what the bridesmaids are wearing.

I think this one is a no-brainer. This is not your time to shine, do that on the dance floor during the mother-son dance.

8. Host a shower.

Hosting a bridal shower or a kitchen shower is a great way to get involved in the festivities and strengthen the bond between you and your son's fiancée. 

9. Wrangle your side of the family. 

As your own family's matriarch, you can avert any chaos incurred from any wild cousins or overserved uncles and get the family members together for the round after round of group photos. Do what you have to do, even if it means bringing out your inner mafioso (all mothers have this power).

10. Enjoy the wedding day!

Weddings can be intensely stressful, but once you've gotten your son to the altar and had your little dance, you can just kick back and relax. You're not responsible for cleanup or any bridal damage control, so cheers!

Have any other tips for Mothers of the Groom? Let us know in the comments