Let's face facts: whether they're like a second set of parents to you or one of your least favorite duos on the planet, marrying their daughter means you're stuck with them for life. The sooner you score points with your soon-to-be mother-in-law, the easier this wedding planning process and everything that follows will be.

But how? GroomGroove.com has compiled a list of five simple ways to melt even the iciest mother-in-law's heart.

Compliment Her Daughter

This may seem elementary, but it's something you might forget to do amidst all the madness. Tell your mother-in-law how lucky you feel to have found her daughter; tell her how beautiful, intelligent, and kind your future wife is, and how grateful you are for all the hard work she's putting into the wedding.   This lets your fiancée's mother know that her daughter is appreciated and will not be taken for granted in the future. It's also a nice reminder that she's done a good job raising her daughter.

Include Her

The mother of the bride is often next in line after you and your bride-to-be in terms of wedding planning involvement. Even if your future bride is ready to strangle her own mother over divergent tastes, you can make a point of listening to mom's ideas and asking what you can do to lend a hand. Whatever you do, we advise you never to get in the middle of a mother-daughter wedding squabble . Usually these things have a tendency of working themselves out, and siding with either one of these women is likely to land you in scalding hot water. Remain completely neutral and upbeat until you're safely alone with your fiancée.  

If your fiancée's mother suggests a "Snow White and Seven Dwarfs" themed-reception that makes both you and your future bride cringe, smile and compliment her creative thinking. Let your future mother-in-law know that you will certainly consider the idea, and that she is an asset to the process.

If much of the decision-making will be done by you and your fiancée, be sure to reserve some of the smaller tasks for your future mother-in-law. For example, say you're "really stuck" on the table settings and the wedding favors...maybe she could help? She will be more than happy to dive in and take over, and this will keep her occupied while you and your fiancée focus on other things independently.

It's The Little Things

Mother and daughter have set up a virtual battle station at your dining room table to plot the seating arrangements. This is your opportunity to enhance their experience without breaking your back or your bank. Offer to make them coffee or tea, some sandwiches, or bring out a few snack foods on a tray. Women aren't generally into chips and wings, though, so try to think of more feminine offerings: grapes, strawberries (just wash and serve!), crackers and dip (cheap and easy), or a combination of cheeses and cold cuts. (Just slice up the cheese, and roll the cold cuts into tubes. Of course, the more variety, the better, depending on your time and budget. It's amazing how much small gestures like this will endear you to your future mother-in-law.

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