The mother-of-the-bride plays a big role in her daughter’s big day. Here are a few wedding dos and don’ts for any mother-of-the-bride:
TRADITIONAL? YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE!
If you are to be a Mother of the Bride, you don’t need to dress in a matronly or traditional way just because you’re the Mother-of-the-Bride. Whilst it’s always nice to get your daughter’s seal of approval, a slinky number or a trouser suit may better match your style than the typical knee length dress and jacket. Remember, it’s your day to look fabulous too!
DO CHECK THE COLOURS
Get your daughter or her other half to run your outfit choice by the Mother-of-the-Groom. This can help to avoid clashing colours or (God forbid!) turning up in practically the same outfit.
DON’T WEAR IT IF YOU DON’T WANT TO
Hats are no longer seen as essential wedding day dress code, even for mothers of the bride and groom. If you want to wear a hat or fascinator, go right ahead. But if you don’t suit a hat or don’t want to incur the cost of one, there’s no need to make it a part of your outfit.
DO GIVE A FAMILY MEMENTO
Rustle up some old family mementoes or traditions your daughter might like to include in her big day – it could be an old piece of jewellery or a flower each generation has chosen to include in their wedding bouquet. You could also aim to provide her with something old, something new, something borrowed or something blue.
DO INVITE WHO YOU WANT
The guest list is a common cause of wedding planning woes. Try to be flexible. Just because you were invited to long-lost Auntie Joan’s daughter’s wedding doesn’t mean your daughter has to invite Auntie Joan to hers.
DON’T FORGET IT’S NOT YOUR WEDDING
You’re bound to have an opinion on the wedding dresses your daughter tries on. You’re well placed to advise her on the most flattering styles for her figure. But don’t forget that it’s your daughter’s wedding dress, not yours. Recognise when you need to step back and allow her to make her own decision.
DO GET A PHOTO OF YOUR DAUGHTER & YOU
Ask the wedding photographer to get a picture of just you and your daughter. An informal snap of you getting ready, or all togged up just before you leave for the ceremony will be a something you can both treasure for years to come.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE TRADITIONAL. BE YOURSELF!
These days, brides don’t stick to wedding tradition in quite the same way. Don’t get too het up about how things used to be. Instead, go with the flow. Your daughter’s day should be a reflection of who she is and what she likes, not what other people expect.
DO BE SUPPORTIVE
Be supportive of your daughter. Getting married and planning a wedding are both huge undertakings. She may want to offload some practical tasks or just need a shoulder to cry on. Try to be available for both whenever you can.
Your daughter may want you as confidante, advisor or even second in command at times during the wedding planning process. Being Mother-of-the-Bride can be tough! But always bear in mind the things she’ll want most of all – for you to have a ton of fun on her wedding day and share in the excitement as the day draws closer.
Remember, to cherish all those special moments both for bride and mother and the rest of the bridal party you definitely need a wedding video. Contact us to check if we are available.