It was pouring buckets when we arrived at the church. My daughter, her hair freshly coiffed and her bridal veil firmly attached, waited for the rain to subside before getting out of the car.

An hour later the clock struck noon and the photographer called for the bride, now dressed in arguably the most beautiful wedding gown I've ever seen. The rain had diminished to a steady sprinkle.

By the time the ceremony began, the sun was shining. It was yet another lesson I'd been reminded of since I began helping plan my daughter's wedding months ago - if you don't like Iowa weather, wait five minutes.

I gleaned much from the wedding planning process. First and foremost, I learned exactly how glad I am my other child is a boy. But I also was reminded of practical things with real crossover applications - like remembering what things you can control and which things you can't. Like the weather.

So for other moms helping plan The Big Day, I offer these wedding day nuggets of wisdom:

Keep tissues handy. The emotional waterworks can spring at any time.

Spanx shapewear is a gift from God.

Alcohol-free receptions save a whole lot of people a whole lot of embarrassment.

Really, really, really, really like cake. Because you're going to be eating it for several days following the nuptials.

At the reception, seat the officiating pastor and his wife at your table. It will keep your husband on his toes.

Weddings can be tough on family dynamics, and no one should ever be made to feel like an outsider. Stepmothers, stepfathers, stepsiblings, etc., are real family, and the words and actions of all in attendance should reflect that.

Be prepared to sweat some of the details. For example, candle lighters can't light candles without lighters. Uncle Vic's Zippo will do the trick in a pinch, but is a touch less elegant than most brides prefer.

Want to cram 20 members of the wedding party into a stretch limo? Simple yoga techniques work well.

If you can no longer tell the difference between Aunt Ruth and Uncle Earnest, "So nice to see you both" is a lifesaver.

Children add a dose of humor at weddings. When a downright adorable flower girl would rather be held by her mother than trot down the aisle in a pretty dress, it's OK to snicker. When the 3-year-old sister of the bride shouts, "Daddy, don't forget about me!" as the bride is given away, a belly laugh is in order.

When you're blinking soap bubbles from your eyes outside the church after the ceremony, remember: It could have been rice.