DEAR ABBY: I am in my last semester of graduate school. I am also in the midst of planning a June wedding. I already have contracts with the caterer, florist, photographer, etc., but my mother still complains about "loose ends." We have agreed on almost everything -- except for one thing: the wedding night.
My mother says that after the wedding reception, the bride and groom "traditionally" go back to the mother-of-the-bride's house to say thank you. After that, we can be free to go to our hotel room.
Abby, my wedding reception will end around 10 p.m. My mother's house is 30 minutes in the opposite direction. The flight to our honeymoon destination leaves at 9 o'clock the following morning. If we go from the reception to my mother's house, we won't get to the hotel until after midnight. My fiance thinks this is another way Mother is trying to control me.
Have you ever heard of my mother's "tradition"? -- WHAT'S UP WITH MOM?
DEAR WHAT'S UP: No, I haven't. I think your fiance is on to something. Take your mother aside at the reception and thank her profusely for all she has done. Then put on your running shoes and head for the hotel.