Mother of the bride duties encompass a wide range of responsibilities that begin before the engagement is announced and continue even after the wedding day. The mother of the bride is often a source of emotional support, a key logistical helper, and, above all, a calming and guiding influence for her daughter.
- Emotional support: Provide encouragement, listen actively, and help your daughter navigate the emotional ups and downs of wedding planning.[1]
- Communication liaison: Serve as a point of contact between the couple and extended family, helping to share updates and manage expectations.[1]
- Organize or host pre-wedding events: Traditionally, the mother of the bride organizes the engagement party if the couple desires one.[2] She can also coordinate introductions and meetings between both families if needed.[7]
- Assist with wedding planning: Offer to help with tasks such as venue scouting, guest list creation, and incorporating family or cultural traditions if the couple wishes.[3][7]
- Help with attire: Accompany the bride to dress shopping and fittings, and coordinate your own outfit to fit the wedding’s style and color scheme, ensuring open communication to avoid clashing styles.[1][2]
- Vendor coordination: Act as a liaison for wedding vendors, assist with reading contracts, and help ensure all logistics run smoothly.[5]
- RSVP tracking: Help the couple follow up with relatives and family friends who have not responded to invitations.[2][7]
- Host out-of-town guests: Be the primary hostess for out-of-town guests, provide welcome bags, and serve as their point of contact during the wedding weekend.[3]
- Day-of support:
- Get ready with the bride, helping her prepare, calm nerves, and ensuring all essentials are in place.[3][8]
- Welcome guests and participate in the receiving line or greet tables if there isn’t one.[3][7]
- Help oversee the bridal party and day-of timeline, stepping in as needed to solve any last-minute issues.[1]
- Offer a toast or speech at the reception if you wish, sharing heartfelt words with the newlyweds and guests.[1][3]
- Post-wedding assistance: Aid with thank-you notes, organizing gifts, and supporting post-wedding events.[1]
The mother of the bride’s role should ultimately reflect the couple’s wishes and needs—some brides seek hands-on help every step of the way, while others may prefer a more supporting presence. Flexibility, communication, and a loving attitude are key to fulfilling these duties joyfully and effectively.[8]
References
- [1] Duties of the Mother of the Bride – All About Mum
- [2] Wedding Etiquette: 18 Dos and Don’ts for the Parents of the Couple – Kennedy Blue
- [3] 14 Official Mother-of-the-Bride Duties and Responsibilities – The Knot
- [5] The Complete Guide to Mother of the Bride Duties – Alexandra’s Bridal Boutique
- [7] Mother of the Bride Duties: Everything You Need to Know – Minted
- [8] Mother of the Bride Duties Explained – Hitched
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