Role Of The Mother Of The Bride

Role Of The Mother Of The Bride: not unlike the bride’s father, the bride’s mother has to tread a very fine line. We have to face up to the fact that, generally speaking, as women we are far more emotional than our male counterparts and that can lead to a number of “interesting” situations! There are several roles a mother can play, but the one that you end up with should be the one chosen for you by your daughter.

Traditional

Traditionally the bride’s mother takes on the planning of her daughter’s wedding. She will:

- organise her own and husband’s/partner’s outfit
- help choose the wedding dress and accessories, oversee fittings
- help select bridesmaids dresses and accessories
- compile the guest list
- order the stationery and oversees the printing
- send out the invitations
- select a florist, choose the flowers with her daughter and order the flowers
- oversee any decorations for church, e.g. pew ends and reception venue
- order or make the cake
- order or make the wedding ‘favors’
- book and host the wedding reception (catering, music, entertainment)
- book the photographer and/or videographer
- plan and book accommodation for guests, particularly overseas guests

Nowadays, the trend is for the bride and groom to take responsibility for the planning and organization of their wedding. Perhaps this is because more bride and grooms are paying for their own weddings.

Role Of The Mother Of The Bride: Personal Duties

Even if you have a modern bride in your midst, it does not prevent certain duties being carried out:

- assisting your daughter dress and fixing her veil
- keeping an eye on any young flower girls or bridesmaids
- help calm your daughter’s pre-wedding nerves
- be present during the signing of the register
- participate in the processional and recessional
- making the pre-requisite cups of tea and sandwiches
- keeping calm if not everything goes to plan

In some instances a wedding planner will be engaged. If the mother wishes to engage a wedding planner it is for her to pick up the expenses having first discussed this with her daughter. If the daughter wishes to engage a wedding planner then she will pick up the expenses, having first discussed it with her mother.

Click on the following link for: the role of a wedding planner.

Family Support

Finally, however busy the bride’s mother she should not forget she has a husband and possibly other children/grandchildren who also need her time and attention. It is very easy to get caught up in the preparations and let other important things slip. You are not intended to be Superwoman, even though you may feel, and often act, like a Fairy Godmother with a magic wand.