6 Creative Ways to Honour the Mother of the Bride During the Wedding

Your wedding day is a celebration of love, not just between you and your partner, but also the love that's shaped you throughout your life and who's been there from day one. Whether she's standing beside you or smiling down from above, honoring your mother on your big day adds an extra layer of magic to an already special occasion.

For brides lucky enough to have their mums physically present, we've got a treasure trove of ideas to make her feel like the superstar she is. But don't worry if your mum can't be there in person – we've included touching ways to keep her memory close to your heart as you walk down the aisle.

Traditional Ways to Honour Mum

First up, the walk down the aisle. It's a beautiful way to honor Mum and might just be the proudest mument of her life. Pro tip: Have tissues ready for both of you!

Then there's the mother-daughter dance – a few minutes where the world melts away and it's just you two swaying to "your song." Whether you choose a tear-jerker like "Landslide" or get the party started with "Dancing Queen," this moment is pure gold. Can't dance? No worries! It's all about the sentiment (and maybe a little bit of silly twirling).

And let's not forget the getting-ready ritual. Inviting Mum to be part of your prep squad isn't just practical (hello, extra set of hands for that tricky zipper!), it's also incredibly special. From the first swipe of mascara to the final adjustment of your veil, these quiet moments together will be memories you'll cherish forever.

For brides whose mums can't be there in person, consider setting up a special chair with her photo during the ceremony, or wearing a locket with her picture as you get ready. It's a beautiful way to feel her presence throughout the day.

Personalised Tributes

Maybe you could wear her favorite pearl earrings as your "something borrowed," or wrap her cherished locket around your bouquet. For an extra dose of aww, tuck a tiny photo of the two of you inside. If mum's no longer with us, wearing a piece of her jewelry is a beautiful way to keep her close to your heart as you say "I do."

Got a green-thumbed mama? Let her favorite blooms take center stage! Whether it's sunflowers, peonies, or good old-fashioned daisies, weaving mum's favorite flowers into your decor is a subtle but meaningful nod to her. Bonus points if there's a sweet story behind why she loves them. 

Now let’s talk tunes! Whatever her jam, make sure it gets some airtime at the reception. You could dedicate a special song to her during the party, or even surprise her by inviting her up for an impromptu dance when her favourite track comes on. For mums who are there in spirit, playing her favourite song can be a touching way to feel her presence on the dance floor.

Ceremony Inclusions

How about giving Mum the mic? Inviting her to do a special reading during the ceremony is like giving her a starring role in your love story. Whether it's a heartfelt poem, a meaningful passage, or even a few words she's written herself, hearing Mum's voice as you start this new chapter is guaranteed to bring on the waterworks (in the best way possible). If public speaking isn't her thing, no worries – she could write something for your officiant to read instead.

The unity candle ceremony is a classic for a reason, and including Mum in this moment can be incredibly special. Picture this: you, your partner, and your mum all joining together to light one big candle. It's a beautiful symbol of your families coming together, with Mum right there in the center of it all. For brides whose mums have passed, consider lighting a candle in her memory as part of this ceremony.

Reception Highlights

Dedicating a toast to your mum is a surefire way to make her feel extra special. Whether you do it yourself (cue the happy tears!) or ask your new spouse or best friend to say a few words, a heartfelt toast is guaranteed to make mum's heart swell with pride.

Or maybe you can take a trip down memory lane. How about creating a photo display showcasing your mum-and-daughter adventures through the years? From your first wobbly steps to your graduation day, and all the silly selfies in between – it's a great way to share your journey with your guests. For brides whose mums can't be there, this display becomes an even more touching tribute. 

And now for the sweetest part – literally! Why not surprise your mum with a special mother-daughter cake or dessert? It could be a miniature wedding cake just for the two of you, or perhaps her absolute favourite pud. Imagine her face when you present her with a plate of her beloved lemon drizzle or a trifle just like she used to make. It's a delicious way to say "thanks for everything, Mum" and create a lovely little moment amidst the reception whirlwind. 

Fashion Connections

Ever sneaked a peek at your mum's wedding photos and thought, "Wow, she was a total knockout!"? Well, why not bring a bit of her bridal glamour into your own big day look? You could incorporate a piece of her wedding dress into your outfit – think using some of the lace for your veil, turning a segment of the fabric into a wrap, or even having it sewn into your dress as your "something old". If Mum's dress is still intact and you're feeling brave, you could even have it redesigned into a thoroughly modern gown.

Not keen on altering Mum's dress? No worries! You could still give a subtle nod to her bridal style. Maybe you love the neckline of her gown – why not echo it in your own dress design? Or if she rocked some fabulous 80s puffy sleeves, you could incorporate a modern take on volume in your own sleeves. It's all about finding that sweet spot between vintage charm and your personal style.

Matching accessories or colours with your mum's outfit is a lovely way to show you're in sync. You could both wear the same shade of lipstick, sport similar hair accessories, or even rock matching shoes (comfy dancing flats, anyone?). If you're feeling bold, why not ask your mum to wear a dress that complements your wedding colours? Just be sure to run it by her first – we want Mum feeling fabulous, not like a walking colour swatch!

For brides whose mums can't be there, consider wearing a piece of her jewellery or incorporating her favourite colour into your outfit. It's a beautiful way to keep her close as you walk down the aisle.

Involving Mum in Planning

Planning a wedding can feel like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle, right? Well, who better to help you keep all those balls in the air than your mum? Involving her in the planning process isn't just about getting an extra pair of hands on deck (though that's certainly a bonus!). It's about honoring her role in your life and creating some fabulous pre-wedding memories together.

Maybe she's a whiz with spreadsheets and could help manage the budget. Or perhaps she's got the patience of a saint and could handle wrangling the seating chart. Whatever her superpower, there's bound to be a wedding planning task with her name on it.

But it's not all about logistics. Some of the best planning moments are the ones that let you bond. Fancy a day of cake tasting? Or maybe you need a second opinion on floral arrangements? Or you want someone to help you practice your first dance without stepping on your toes? Bring mum along!

For brides whose mums can't be physically present, you can still involve her spirit in the planning. Maybe you choose flowers she loved or incorporate her favourite colours into your theme. You could even set up a special planning station at home with her photo, letting her "oversee" your decisions.

Remember, involving your mum isn't about handing over control of your big day. It's about creating opportunities for her to share in the joy and excitement of this special time. So don't be afraid to delegate, collaborate, and yes, even occasionally disagree (it's not a proper mother-daughter project without at least one heated debate over centre pieces, right?).

Remember, the key to these tributes is that they're meaningful to you and your mum. They don't have to be big or flashy – sometimes the most special moments come from those little details that only the two of you truly understand. 

Happy Planning!