Mother’s Day: how your mum can be involved in your wedding

This Mother’s Day, celebrate the woman who helped shape you.

With Mother’s Day right around the corner, we thought it would be a great time to reflect on how you can involve your mum in your wedding.

Mother-of-the-bride and mother-of-the-groom are essential roles as they stand alone, but if you’re looking for more ways to integrate your mum, we have some ideas. Your wedding day is one of the most emotional moments of your life. And it’s not just emotional for you, but for your mum and dad too. Your mum is on hand for everything: she’s been your go-to advisor, your dress-shopping buddy, or your unofficial wedding planner. It’s worth honouring her in a meaningful way. 

Here are 10 thoughtful, stylish, and heartfelt ways to involve your mum in your wedding day to celebrate Mother’s Day.

Walk down the aisle with you

It is traditionally a father’s role to walk his daughter down the aisle, but many brides are bucking tradition. Wanting to sideline the old school notion of “from one man, to another”, many brides are inviting both parents to “give them away”. It doesn’t have to be your dad alone. Having your mum walk with you is a beautiful, modern way to show her importance in your life.

Share a ‘first look’ with her

First looks are an important part of getting ready. Your mum might never have seen you this dolled up or as a bride before. It’s often saved for just the partner or the dad, but a ‘first look’ with your mum is a special moment as well. It can be just as moving as the one with your partner. Word of warning: tissues required.

Get ready with her

You’ve got your bride tribe, sure. But who says mums can’t be part of the crew? Let her join your bridal party prep: robe, champagne, the works. It’s a chance for some relaxed bonding time and fabulous photos – ones that can be used for all future Mother’s Day celebrations.

Sew a message or heirloom into your dress

Did your mum save a piece of her wedding dress, a handmade handkerchief or a note? Incorporate it into your look! It’s subtle and sentimental, but it will mean the world to mum.

Let her say a few words

Speeches don’t have to be reserved for the father-of-the-bride. Let your mum at the mic (if she’s comfortable with it!). If speeches aren’t her thing, a reading or a poem could be a little less stressful. 

Dance with her

You’ve all heard of the father-daughter dance and the mother-son dance, but a mother-daughter dance? That sounds like so much fun! Crank up some ABBA or Celine Dion and have a dance with your mum. Nothing shows bond and a fun connection like daggy dancing to a dancefloor classic.

A corsage or matching bouquet

It’s a small detail that could go a long way. A matching corsage to your bouquet will make her feel included. It’s a way for her to complement her daughter on the wedding day. She can also plan her outfit around that, which will make your wedding photos even more elegant.

Display a photo of her on her wedding day

Sometimes you can forget though all the hubbub of wedding planning that there’s one person who’s (probably) done all this before – your mum! Celebrate your mum as a bride as well by creating a mini photo display of your parents’ and grandparents’ weddings. It’s nostalgic and sweet, and makes for a beautiful trip down memory lane whilst celebrating your future.

Ask her to help with a special tradition

Your mum could give you her blessing or put you into your veil. Something that is just between you two, and a moment for to remember.

Write her a letter

Some mums (and dads!) don’t want the attention. Whether trying to divert it back to you or simply just nervous with an audience, it’s not for everyone. So, if your mum is more of a church mouse than emcee, write her a handwritten letter. It might not seem like much to you, but your mum will definitely put it in her special box of memories and bring it out to re-read.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers-of-the-bride and groom. It’s a big step to give their child away!