How to involve out of town parents

Maybe have her help you research for some stuff? Maybe ask her to look/think of ideas for favors or centerpieces, etc.?

I have this problem too. My mother lives a little less then 3 hours away from me. I was going to wait to buy my dress until she could come up to see it, unfortunately the price is going up at the salon so I had to get it without her. I think she feels like she is just a guest. I feel bad about it. My FH family is in Philadelphia and we live in Denver, so it's hard for me to get them to feel like they are a part of anything because they are so far away. Just send pictures and get approval on everything. That's what I am doing.

My mom lives 2 hours from me but in the same town I was getting married in so I had her do research for me. She contacted the bakery, florist and reception site whenever I needed something. Easily something I could have done on my own but I wanted to include her. She also made all my favors but that was because a hurricane kept me from getting to her to help. I also ran alot of things by her like my photo list and seating chart. I had the final say but I wanted her to know her input was important. I also emailed her almost everyday talking about the wedding.

Talk to her more often and if nothing else, consider skype. Set up a video conference and talk with her about the plans, etc.

Include her in the decisions you're making and maybe even set up a time to spend a day with her doing 'wedding stuff'. She just wants to be 'included'....

My mom lives 8 hours away and my FMIL lives 3.5 hours away. I'm the only girl for my mom and FMIL has my FH (who has been married before) and another son who is married but didn't get to do much with either wedding. I had my mom come in town to go dress shopping with me but had pre looked so we only looked at my top 4 and I had her pick an additional one she loved for me to try on. I also went to visit my parents over Thanksgiving and ordered my veil from a local shop there so my mom could be a part of that. The venue, photographer, etc. had to be picked without her but when she was in town I scheduled a cake tasting and took her on a tour of our wedding venue which she loved. For FMIL I took her to a bridal show one weekend when we went to visit. I didn't need anything but she had fun. I also text pictures to both of them all the time about gifts or ideas. They seem to appreciate it. Even pics when the invitations came in. FMIL says she feels apart of it by knowing when things happen.

My mom lives 3 hours away and she hates that she can't be here to help with the wedding planning. I made sure I saved dress shopping just for her and even though I knew I didn't want a big fussy ballgown, I tried some on just for her. I also try to call her and ask for her advice and keep her updated on the planning. FH and I have made all of the big decisions, but I am letting her help with little stuff. She has picked up a few decorations for me, got my favor boxes, and has started looking for bridesmaid jewelry. I just try to keep her informed. I send her pictures of wedding stuff I buy, which she likes. At first, she felt like I wasn't including her, but once I explained that FH and I had to make the big decisions ourselves, she calmed down. Just try to keep her informed and ask for her advice, even if you know what you are going to do. It will make her feel better.

Thanks for the advice guys. I feel like I've been talking about her with all the choices but maybe I was doing more telling than asking.... so I will try to ask more for advice. I think she needs more hands on stuff so when I visit for Christmas this week I will do some DIY's with her help hopefully.

I unfortunatly bought my dress without her which makes me sad, but it was the perfect dress and soooooooooo cheap so i couldn't pass it up. thats what I get for going out and dress shopping "just for fun" lol

I'm the opposite. My mom lives less then 3 miles from me and I'm having a hard time getting her involved. Every time I try she has an excuse on why she can't. She is getting better but still very frustrating.

My FMIL live in IL and we live in TN. She is actually making all of my bouquets and such. I talk to her on the phone, email and txt her inspiration pics for her to go off of. Even non floral related things I shoot her pics of so she can feel included.

I am giving my Bridesmaid projects.. Like I have 2 that want to help with the flowers but those two don't get along and with schedules I wont be able to hang with one. So each is doing 2 sets of flowers.

You just have to pic something that you kinda of care about and let her do the whole thing.. Music is another.. Center pieces. This way she will feel included.