The mother-of-the-bride's duties include: Helping to choose the wedding gown and accessories, bridesmaids attire, flower girls and pageboys, wedding reception entertainment, florists, and transport (depending on how involved the bride would like her mother to be)
Not only is she responsible for the bride's very existence, but she is also considered a host of the wedding—or perhaps the host, depending on whether or not she's footing the bill. As expected, this role comes with a great deal of honor, as well as ton of mother of the bride etiquette rules to follow.
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!
The mother of the bride is traditionally escorted by her son if she has one. Otherwise, any close male relative, the best man, or a groomsman walks with the mother of the bride during the procession.
While every wedding is different, the mother of the bride typically delivers their speech during the wedding reception following the father of the bride's speech. In some instances—whether the father is deceased or unable to attend—the mother of the bride will kick off the wedding toasts by going first.
The mother of the bride should avoid trying to control every aspect of the wedding, criticizing the bride's decisions, or creating unnecessary drama.
The bride can choose to dance with a father-figure such as an uncle or brother, or even her mother. While the son can also choose to dance with a mother-figure such as an aunt, grandma, or sister. Or don't even include the tradition at all, it is your night to create your own traditions.
In Christian ceremonies, the bride's mother is always seated last and the groom's mother is seated just before her. The seating of the bride's mother usually signals the ceremony is about to begin.
If the mother of the bride is taking part in the wedding processional, she is traditionally escorted by a close male relative like a son or brother or may enter alone. If the parents are divorced, she may be escorted by her partner. In some cases, a groomsman or best man will escort her down the aisle.
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.
Discuss the budget realistically and ask both mothers to be honest about what they are able to/would like to do. Traditionally speaking, though, the bride's family pays for the bulk of the wedding—venue, reception, photographer, flowers, etc.
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.
Honor attendants are usually a best friend or sister. Recently though, some brides have selected their mother for this role. It is perfectly fine to use the term 'Honor Attendant' and leave off the title of Maid or Matron if that works better for you.
It's a great idea to treat your mother throughout the wedding-planning process, but a special, custom gift can be given a few days or weeks before the wedding itself. The big day of will be busy for both of you, so schedule a fun date for just the two of you ahead of time.
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.
Who Walks Down the Aisle to Music? Processional music should be playing when any VIPs, including the officiant, grandparents, parents, wedding party members and the couple, are walking down the aisle.
The people who make up the wedding party (the bride and groom, the bridesmaids and groomsmen, the flower girl and ring bearer, or the father and mother of the bride) are basically the MVPs of the big day. Get bridal party fashion advice, etiquette tips, gift ideas, and more.
Family Tables
The parents of the couple often sit opposite each other at a large family table, with grandparents, the officiant and other close friends. Another option is for the parents to head their own tables, with their close family members and friends.
Where should parents and grandparents of the bride and groom sit? Depending on the size and shape of tables you have, it's common to have a family table where the bride and groom's parents and grandparents sit together. Or, each set of parents can host their own table and be seated with close family and friends.
5 minutes prior to ceremony: The groom's mother is escorted to her seat by the head usher, a son, or the groom. The groom's father follows and sits next to her.
The bride and groom will dance first. This is the usual format. Then the parent dances with the couple - the father with the bride and the mother with the groom. The groom's father will then dance with the bride and the groom with the mother-in-law.
In many cultures, it's traditional to have both the mother and father walk their daughter down the aisle. Some brides may find this more suitable rather than choosing just one parent to do the honor. If you prefer to be escorted by both your mom and dad, Erb says go for it!
What is the Order of Speeches at a Wedding? The traditional wedding speech order goes father of the bride, groom, best man and other toasts. "In same-sex weddings, it is also common for both partners to speak but sometimes only one does," explains Marc.