As parents, we all want to see our daughters walk down the aisle on what is, hopefully, one of the best days of their lives. Most mothers like to play an active role in their daughters’ big day and the preparation leading up to it, perhaps because it helps them relive their wedding somehow.
However, many others prefer to take a back seat and let the bride do everything exactly as they envisioned. But since you’ve found your way to this blog, we think you want to take responsibility for her day!
In this blog, we’ll discuss the most important tasks you should know to assume your role and confidently enjoy this special journey together.
Understanding Your Role As A Mother Of The Bride
You’ll indeed have a long list of responsibilities, from pre-wedding planning to the big day and post-wedding planning. Here are some duties you can start with:
Announce The Engagement
One of the first and most exciting duties is announcing the engagement. You share this very traditional duty with the bride’s father. Unlike in previous days, when a couple gets engaged, the bride’s family formally announces the engagement by printing it in the local newspapers, society papers, or church newsletters.
Of course, we no longer announce engagements like this today. You can simply share the news with close family and friends or help your daughter plan a formal announcement, like a party or social media post. It’s all about sharing the joy and starting the celebration!
Co-host The Bridal Shower
Generally, the maid-of-honor’s job is to throw the bridal shower and plan everything. But as the bride’s mother, you will be invited, so you could offer to help. For instance, you could offer to host the party at your house or take care of catering or any other aspect.
However, let the maid-of-honor take the calls here while you can support them; it’s their occasion to shine!
Help With The Guest List And Seating Charts
Guest lists and seating charts are just among the hundreds of essential tasks on the to-do list, like booking a venue and building a wedding budget, but you can take this off their hands. Help with the guest list; you can list your side of the family that will be invited and coordinate with the in-laws to ask about their guests. Once you’ve created the list’s first draft, it’ll be much easier for the couple to review it and add the names of people you’ve missed or remove the ones they don’t want at the wedding.
Try to do the same for the seating charts and offer to help with the invitations.
Find Her A Perfect Wedding Gown
Every bride wants to look gorgeous on their wedding day, and as their mother, you probably want nothing less for them. You should let them know you’re there to help them find the best wedding gown they’ve ever seen.
Plan a fun-filled weekend dedicated to finding the perfect wedding dress! Make appointments with her favorite designers, enjoy brunch together, and celebrate when she finds the one. Pay attention to the dress length, ensuring it complements her height and the wedding venue. Also, don’t forget to take many pictures of her trying on dresses—a memory you’ll cherish for years!
Coordinate With The Groom’s Family
Another important part is coordinating with the groom’s family. This means communicating with them in advance, getting to know them, and ensuring everyone is on the same page about wedding plans.
It will help you talk about any traditions they follow and things like their special requests. Working together can help create a smooth and enjoyable experience for all involved.
Be The Official Hostess At The Wedding
As the bride’s mother, you are the official hostess for the ceremony and the reception afterwards. This includes welcoming guests, making sure everyone feels comfortable, and helping to set a warm, friendly atmosphere.
You might greet people as they arrive, answer any questions they have, and generally ensure things run smoothly. Also, take care of any last-minute arrangements and décor crises!
Help The Bride Get Dressed
While your daughter probably has her entire bridal party and professionals to help with her hair and makeup details, she’d want you, as her mother, to be there for moral support.
Step up and help with anything from arranging her bouquet to ensuring her dress drapes are just how they should be.
Carry A Bride Emergency Kit
In typical mom fashion, you have to be ready for any emergencies. Pack an emergency kit and take it to the wedding venue. Ideally, your kit should have everything from bobby pins to safety pins, a mini sewing kit, double-sided tape for clothes, and painkillers.
If the dress goes wrong or someone needs a quick fix, you’ll have everything you need to save the day and keep things running smoothly. It’s all about being prepared so the bride and everyone can enjoy the day without stress!
Be Active During The Ceremony
Your daughter will most likely walk down the aisle with her father, so you must be there before they arrive. Traditionally, the bride’s mother walks down the aisle with her son or other male family relative right before the bride arrives. This lets everyone know that the bride will be there soon, and the ceremony will start.
Please make sure to sit on the left side of the pew in the first row—your husband will join you there later!
Get Your Perfect Mother Of The Bride Gown!
This is the most crucial part of your mother-of-the-bride duties: You must find a gorgeous dress for yourself—something your daughter would be super proud of.
Of course, as elegant as it is, white is out of the question. Choose something else that’s beautiful and elegant but doesn’t take the limelight away from the bride.
Wrapping Up!
This journey you both share can be both exciting and overwhelming, but knowing your essential duties helps ensure everything goes smoothly. From supporting your daughter in dress shopping to handling last-minute emergencies, your involvement is key to making her wedding day memorable. It is a special time for both of you, so cherish each moment and enjoy the process.
If you’re searching for elegant wedding dresses and mother-of-the-bride dresses, look no further than Terani. Known for our stunning designs and exceptional quality, Terani Couture offers a wide range of beautiful options to make the day special. Explore our collection and find the perfect pieces to complement your daughter’s wedding dreams.
