From the moment you learn of the news, emotions churn and thoughts race. A wedding approaches. Whether your only son is taking the hand of his high school sweetheart or your youngest daughter finally decided to join her siblings in taking that walk down the aisle, impending nuptials can be a source of exquisite pleasure as well as enormous stress for the parents of the intended.

The good news is that by following simple protocols and traditions you can go a long way towards alleviating the fears and enhancing the joys of anticipating a wedding in the family.

Depending on your families' traditions and wishes, the extent of the bride and groom's parents' involvement may range from mere blessings and good wishes to complete planning and financial help. Most important is the communication between prospective family members as to who will be responsible for each phase of the celebration.

Traditionally, the bride's Mother assists the bride with choosing the wedding's theme and style. This includes the ladies' attire; the floral theme and who will be attending. They make the announcements to the world and together, bride and Mother invite the family and friends they feel would both enhance and enjoy the spirit of the ceremony.

The Mother and bride also often decide details such as the food and music for the reception.

The Father of the bride has a more definable set of responsibilities. He enjoys the supremely proud moment of walking his baby down the aisle and giving her away. He also has the unenviable pleasure of writing the check to cover most of the wedding's expenses. By playing his cards right and lending a hand in choosing locations and services for the big day, the bride's Father may even be permitted to attend his new son-in-law's bachelor party.

The Mother and Father of the groom usually take care of such amenities as hosting the engagement party and rehearsal dinner. They may even offer to pay for different expenses. The honeymoon, rehearsal dinner, attendant's gifts and guest accommodations are popular choices.

As there are no set standards of wedding etiquette, it is important for both sets of parents to meet soon after the engagement is announced to disperse the responsibilities and avoid unnecessary grief down the road.

By lending a guiding hand and a glimpse into your own wedding experiences, you can show your children how to avoid the stereotypical wedding pitfalls; the unfinished dress, the wilted flowers or even the dreaded out of focus wedding pictures. Through love, trust and respect you can help your children begin their married lives with memories that they will cherish forever.