"It was customary for the bride's family to host the top table, so the mother of bride and father of the bride would sit on either side of the happy couple, as a reflection that the bride's family would have paid for the entire event and demonstrate their status as the hosts," Emma reveals.
The parents of the bride always sit in the first pew or row on the left, facing where the ceremony will be held; the groom's parents sit in the first row on the right. At same-sex marriage ceremonies, the couple might assign each family a side, and seat guests on "Bill's side" or "Kevin's side" accordingly.
The Top Table. Traditionally, the top table is the table at the head of the reception room where the newlyweds, their parents, the best man and the maid of honour sit facing the guests.
The bride's parents and grandparents are seated together, often with their children, children's spouses, and grandchildren if space is available. The groom's parents and grandparents are seated at another table, often with their children, children's spouses, and grandchildren if space is available.
The Bride's Mother
The mother of the bride's entrance signals that the processional is about to begin. Once they reach the end of the aisle, they take their seat to the left of the aisle in the first row.
A: The Mother of the Bride is special. She needs to stand out a bit from the bridesmaids, so her dress should complement rather than match the bridesmaid's dresses. For example, the MOB could wear a dress in a similar color to the bridesmaids but in a deeper shade.
The groom's parents precede the bride's mother during the processional. Here's a rundown: After the ushers have seated all of the guests, the grandparents start up the aisle, followed by the groom's parents. Then the bride's mother takes her turn. She is the last to be seated before the bridal party procession begins.
Mother of the bride
The mother of the bride is the last person seated before the officiant, groom and best man take their places at the altar. She can walk alone or be escorted by her son, son-in-law or another relative. She is seated on the left side in the first row.
Mother-of-the-bride responsibilities include helping the couple put together the guest list and also assisting with putting together the seating plan. Your opinion on where people should sit will be valued, and another set of eyes on the seating plan as a whole is always helpful.
From walking down the aisle first to last, the traditional order is: Mother of Bride, Mother of Groom, Grandparents of Bride, Grandparents of Groom, Groom, Officiant, the Wedding Party, Maid of Honor and Best Man, Ring Bearer, Flower Girl and lastly the Bride and her Father.
In Australia, we tend to have the Groomsmen and Bridesmaids on the Top Table, with the parents seated with other guests. Now there are many reasons to make up your own rules around Formal Seating Plans.
On the Wedding Day
On the day of the wedding, the mother of the bride should be prepared to help the bride with whatever she might need. This might include playing hostess, helping guide out-of-town guests, or being ready with a tissue box!
Traditionally the parents of both the bride and groom sat with them on the bridal table along with the best man and chief bridesmaid. Below are examples of bridal table arrangements that include parents.
The parents of the couple often sit opposite each other at a large family table, with grandparents, the officiant and other close friends.
At the wedding reception the head table is where the Bride and Groom sit. From there it is completely up to you on who else you want to sit with you. Depending on the arrangement, some or all attendants and parents may join you.
The mother of the bride should avoid trying to control every aspect of the wedding, criticizing the bride's decisions, or creating unnecessary drama.
As with most beauty questions, there is no hard-and-fast rule. Some brides may offer to cover hair and makeup services in order to thank the wedding party for being a part of their special day. On the other hand, sometimes the mother of the bride will bear the cost of hair and makeup.
Congratulations to our beautiful daughter on her big day! Wishing you all the best in life, that you may succeed in everything your heart desires, and that your love brings you joy and comfort no matter where life takes you. Congratulations, my dear, for finding your one true love.
A mother of the bride speech should:
Pay tribute to the bride and share stories and memories of her from childhood and today. Talk about meeting their new husband or wife for the first time, getting to know them and welcoming them into the family. Offer wise and funny advice to the couple.
Most Helpful Response. This is one of the happiest days of your life so sharing this special moment with loved ones will always be treasured. Generally if you choose to have bridesmaids they will get ready with you along with of course, the Mother and Father of the bride and any sibilings.
The table of honor—located near the head table—is where the parents of both the bride and groom, the wedding officiant, and sometimes grandparents sit during the reception.
The bride and groom are the first to exit during the recessional. They are then followed by the flower girl and the ring bearer. The maid of honor and best man will then make their way down the aisle, followed by the remaining bridesmaids and groomsmen. The bride and groom's parents will then exit.
As the wedding begins, the groom's mother will be escorted down the aisle, to the first pew, right-hand side, by the head usher or a groomsman who is a family member. A nice touch includes the groom escorting his mother down the aisle. As the groom's mother is escorted to her seat, her husband will follow along behind.
In a traditional wedding ceremony, the processional begins with the bride's mother before the groom, best man, wedding party, flower girl, and ring bearer follow. The bride, who is escorted by her father, is the last to make her way down the aisle.