15 Ways to Show Your Love for Mom on Your Wedding Day
Make sure mom feels appreciated on your wedding day — it's a big deal for her, too! — by finding ways to include and honor her throughout the day.
Photo: Alena Bakutis Photography
Mother’s Day is just one day a year — so why not spread the love by honoring your mom at your wedding, too! There are lots of ways to include mom in the wedding (and ways to honor her at your wedding, too), with gestures both large and small.
Here are some special ways to include mom in your wedding and show her some love.
Gift her a gift
It doesn’t have to be anything huge – a handwritten note on pretty stationery, a handkerchief embroidered with a personal message, or a pretty picture frame with a sentimental photo – but it’s a good idea to show your appreciation on the day of your wedding with a gift for your mom. Take our quiz and find out which thank-you gift you should give your parents.
Let her get ready with you
Your mom will be honored to spend those last few pre-wedding moments with you. She’ll be able to calm those jitters, help you get dressed, and provide a few last-minute words of wisdom.
Wear her veil
Wearing your mother’s wedding dress is a big commitment – and it suit your style. Instead, don her veil during the ceremony. It’s a beautiful touch that adds a vintage touch to your wedding-day look.
Carry a special bouquet
There are several ways to incorporate your mom into your bouquet. Incorporate her favorite flower into the arrangement, use lace from her wedding gown to wrap the handle, or use one of her brooches as an added adornment. If your mother has passed away, attach a locket with her photograph inside to your bouquet handle for a sweet and sentimental gesture.
Photo: Tyler Boye Photography
Wear her jewelry
For your “something borrowed,” wear a pair of your mom’s earrings or a bracelet you've always admired. Don’t raid her jewelry box without asking first, but chances are, she’ll be glad to lend you a piece for your big day.
Give her some flowers
Even though it’s your big day, your mom should stand out, too. Give your mom (and all important women in you life for that matter) a special wrist corsage or nosegay to wear or carry.
Publicly thank her
Giving her a gift is one thing, but take it a step further by showing your gratitude at the actual event. Write a personal note in your ceremony programs, make a short thank-you speech at the end of the reception (use our handy wedding thank-you speech guide), or dedicate a special song to her. We also like when brides give their mother their bouquet at the end of the night.
Save her a seat
Usually, the mothers have seats reserved in the front row of the ceremony – create a sweet sign to showcase her saved seat. If your mother has passed away, you might place her photograph or favorite flower on a chair in the front row, to reflect her presence.
Have her escort you down the aisle
Yes, tradition says that father-of-the-bride escorts the bride down the aisle. But we think you should do whatever feels right. So if you want your mom to escort you down the aisle, go ahead! Or maybe have both parents walk with you. Base your decision on whatever will work best for you and your family situation.
Photo: Mandy Owens Wedding Photography
Take a photo like this
We adore images like the one above that show three generations of women. Make sure to take a moment to pose for some special photos with the important women in your life.
Display her wedding photo
We love this idea. Decorate a corner of your reception with family wedding photos – parents, grandparents, siblings, etc. Your guests will love taking a trip down memory lane.
Let her help you
Your mom may enjoy contributing to your wedding by working on her own project. We’ve seen moms handwrite signs, jarring jellies or salsas to give out as favors, or even help seal and stamp invitation envelopes. Don’t force your mom into a project, but if she is willing to help, let her.
Use her cake topper
A fun way to celebrate your parents is by using their cake topper on your wedding confection. If it doesn’t suit your style, display the topper near your cake instead of on it.
Celebrate her cooking
Is there a special dish your mom makes that your family just loves? If it's not a family secret, share the recipe with your caterer and have them incorporate her dish into your wedding meal. Or bake some of her famous cookies or other treats to provide as favors.
Perform a special dance
The mother-son dance is a sweet reception tradition. Work together to choose a song that’s meaningful to both groom and mom (check out a few of our favorite picks here). And don’t feel constrained by tradition – we've seen several brides dance with their moms to a special song at the reception, too!
