It is lovely that you would like your Mum to give you away and is perfectly acceptable for this to happen. For a four year old, May 2006 is a lifetime away so it is probably best to not give her too much information until nearer the time. Early next year, you could talk to her about how Mummy is going to be the princess for the day but reassure her that she will be important too. Arrange a special treat for her bedroom on the night of the wedding to take her mind off the four poster bed!

Dear Amanda It's fine for your mum to give you away and this is actually quite common. Once your mum has walked you down the aisle, she can take her seat as normal. As far as your little girl is concerned and her presumption that the four poster is for her (who can blame her?), this is not too difficult to manage. Could you delegate the decision to the venue itself and just explain that it is an 'adults only' four poster bed and the hotel does not allow children to sleep in it. Its only for mummies and daddies who have got married that day as it's a special 'wedding day bed'. You could explain that when she's getting married, she could have her turn then. Also, why not give her an incentive to stay in her own bed by buying her a new bedtime friend (teddy?) and pyjamas to sleep in, in her bed. She may feel its a little more special then. I suspect that she'd be too tired at the end of such a lovely day anyway and you might find she just falls asleep wherever you put her. Best of luck! Siobhan

It is a lovely idea for your mother to give you away - I am sure she will be delighted at the prospect. As for your daughter she is just so excited about it all - just be strong with her and tell her she will not be sleeping in the four poster bed. Keep reinforcing this in the lead up to your wedding she will get the message - she will just be trying her luck like most four year olds. Good Luck MRS S