So, your daughter is getting married. Congratulations! This is an exciting time for any mother and of course, you’re eager to get involved – but what do your duties entail, exactly? If you’re not sure what is expected of you in the lead up to the wedding and on the big day itself, take a look at this round-up of the ultimate mother of the bride responsibilities.
Providing support
First and foremost, your role as mother of the bride is to provide support and advice to your daughter whenever she may need it. Planning a wedding is super exciting, but it can also be very stressful, so she’ll be looking to you to be there for her along the way. Offering words of love and support in the run up to the wedding will help more than you could imagine and the bride will no doubt feel grateful that she has such an amazing mum.
Helping with the planning
On the more practical side of things, the mother of the bride typically has a part to play in the planning of the wedding. How closely you’ll be involved will depend on the happy couple’s plans and personal preferences, but you should expect to be asked for your advice and opinions regarding certain matters along the way. Your daughter may want you to help her decide on a venue, to book catering, to sort the flowers or get involved with the decorations, so you should be ready to assist when needed. The best thing you can do is to offer to help, but to also be aware of when assistance and opinions aren’t wanted.
Dress shopping
Traditionally, the mother of the bride will accompany her daughter in the search for a wedding dress. As someone who knows her personality and style better than most, your judgement will be invaluable during this crucial process. When helping the bride choose that all-important dress, offer your honest feedback and nod of approval, making sure she feels happy and confident with her final choice.
Helping with the guest list
Of course, the bride and groom have the final say when it comes to their guest list, but the mother of the bride is often called upon for support. You may be asked to help out by providing names and addresses of friends and family, and you can also lend a hand with the tricky task of cutting down the list if needed.
Communicating with the mother of the groom
Traditionally, etiquette dictates that the mother of the bride is second in line to choose her dress, and that she in turn contacts the mother of the groom to describe her chosen outfit. While this is a rather old-fashioned approach and may not be the custom for your daughter’s wedding, it’s still a good idea to get in touch with the groom’s mum. By discussing outfits together, you can make sure you don’t clash with one another on the big day and avoid any awkward surprises.
When looking for your own dress, you should follow the lead of the bride to help you decide on a colour and style. A mother of the bride may be the perfect choice, as there are so many elegant options to choose from as well as a beautiful range of complementary jackets and accessories.
Helping the bride get ready on the day
Helping to dress the bride and being around to support her on the wedding day is certainly a duty you can expect to fulfil. If your daughter will be wearing a veil, it’s traditional for the mother to place it, but you’ll also be there to keep her calm and to make lasting memories on one of the happiest days of her life.
