Traditionally, the bride's mother has absorbed most of the pre-wedding responsibilities, while the groom's family assumed more of a back seat. Nowadays, both moms take on a significant role in the planning process, especially if the two families are sharing the financial burden. No matter what the case, here's what's expected of the mother of the groom.

• When the engagement is announced, call the bride's parents as soon as possible. Express your happiness and invite them over for cocktails or out to dinner.

• Host a dinner to introduce the bride to the groom's side of the family.

• Be aware of expenses typically covered by the groom's family and offer financial assistance, if appropriate, to the groom.

• Offer to help scout out wedding and reception sites and ask friends for recommendations for caterers, florists, and vendors.

• Offer to serve as the main contact for wedding professionals -- especially if the wedding is taking place in your town and the groom no longer lives there.

• Draw up the guest list for the groom's family after asking the couple how many guests you are able to invite.

• Help the groom choose family or ethnic traditions to incorporate into the ceremony or reception.

• Attend bridal shower and buy a gift.

• Obtain information on where the couple is registered and spread the word to your side of the family.

• Consult the bride's mom on her wedding-day outfit. Shop for your own about 4-6 months before the wedding.

• Keep track of your RSVPs and offer to make calls to obtain last-minute responses for anyone on your side of the list (3-4 weeks before the wedding).

• Traditionally, plan and host the rehearsal dinner with the groom's dad (plan 6 months before the wedding; host the day before).

• Stand in the receiving line after the bride and groom (along with the groom's father).

• Sit at the parents' table (if there is one).

• Dance with the groom during the mother/son dance -- click here for great song ideas.