How to Honor Mother of The Bride (17 Ideas to Include Mom)
Your wedding day isn’t just a big moment for you…it’s a huge day for your mom too.
She’s been there every step of the way, dreaming about this moment and working to make it perfect for you. Whether she’s been hands-on with planning or cheering you on from the sidelines, your mom has likely poured her heart into helping you make this day special.
That’s why it’s so important to find meaningful ways to honor your mom on your wedding day.
In this post, I share 17 ways that you can honor the your mom.
Enjoy!
1. Get Ready Together
Spending the morning getting ready together is a great way to bond with your mom on your wedding day.
- Let her be part of the fun while you’re getting hair and makeup done.
- Snap some mother-daughter pictures while she helps with your dress or veil.
- Gift her a matching robe or a special hanger for her outfit as a keepsake.
- Take a moment to relax and enjoy each other’s company before the big event.
Related blog post: 50+ photos of the mother of the bride zipping up the bride’s wedding dress
2. Plan a Mother-Daughter Dance
A mother-daughter dance is a beautiful way to share a special moment with your mom during the reception.
- Pick a song that holds meaning for both of you, like a childhood favorite or a sentimental tune.
- Keep it simple, or choreograph a fun routine if that matches your personalities.
- Invite other mothers and daughters to join partway through for a heartwarming moment.
- Use this as a chance to show your appreciation for her love and support.
3. Walk Down the Aisle with Your Mom
Including your mom in this special moment is a beautiful way to honor her on your big day.
- Have her walk beside you alongside your dad or on her own.
- If you have two moms, ask them both to walk you down the aisle.
- Let her “give you away” as a symbol of her love and support.
- This is a meaningful gesture that will create unforgettable memories.
4. Have a First Look with Your Mom
Take a private moment before the ceremony to show your mom your complete bridal look. Her reaction will be priceless, filled with love and pride.
- Ask your photographer to capture the moment for a keepsake.
- Make it even more special by giving her a little gift or note during the first look.
- Use this time to share a hug, happy tears, and a quiet moment together before the excitement begins.
5. Surprise Her with a Thoughtful Gift
Show your mom how much you appreciate her with a meaningful gift on your wedding day.
- Write her a heartfelt note to thank her for everything she’s done.
- Choose something sentimental, like a framed photo of the two of you or a piece of jewelry she can wear.
- Keep it personal—a small, thoughtful gesture will mean the world to her.
- Present it during a quiet moment together or as part of a speech at the reception.
6. Borrow Something Special from Her Wedding Day
Including something from your mom’s wedding in your look is a sweet way to honor her.
- Wear her wedding veil or jewelry as your “something borrowed.”
- Incorporate a piece of her gown into your bouquet wrap or garter.
- Use an heirloom brooch or charm to add a personal touch to your dress or accessories.
- This thoughtful gesture will make her feel even more connected to your special day.
7. Use Her Favorite Flowers
Incorporating your mom’s favorite flowers into your wedding is a simple yet meaningful way to honor her.
- Add her favorite blooms to your bouquet or centerpiece arrangements.
- Use her favorite flowers to create a beautiful corsage just for her.
- Incorporate the blooms into ceremony décor, like the aisle or arch.
- This small detail will show her how much her preferences mean to you.
8. Thank Her in a Speech
Take a moment during your reception to publicly thank your mom for everything she’s done.
- Mention her love, support, and role in making your wedding day possible.
- Share a favorite memory or touching story to make it personal.
- Keep it heartfelt and sincere—she’ll treasure your words forever.
- If you prefer a private moment, express your gratitude during the morning prep or at a quiet time during the reception.
9. Honor Her Traditions
Including your mom’s cherished traditions is a meaningful way to celebrate her on your wedding day.
- Ask her about cultural or family traditions that are important to her.
- Incorporate these into your ceremony or reception, such as a unity candle or special prayer.
- Highlight traditions from her own wedding, like a specific song or ritual.
- This thoughtful gesture will make her feel respected and included in your celebration.
10. Complete the Rose Ceremony
The Rose Ceremony is a touching way to honor your mom during your wedding.
- Present her with a single rose as a symbol of love and gratitude.
- Include your partner’s mom in the ceremony for a special family moment.
- Ask your officiant to say a few words about the importance of mothers.
- This simple yet meaningful gesture will be a moment she’ll always cherish.
11. Include Your Mom in the Wedding Ceremony
Give your mom a special role in the ceremony to show how much she means to you.
- Invite her to light a unity candle or assist with another symbolic act.
- Ask her to do a reading or share a meaningful piece of advice.
- Include her in a cultural or family tradition that’s part of your ceremony.
- This thoughtful inclusion will make her feel honored and appreciated.
12. Highlight Her Talents in Your Wedding
Celebrate your mom’s unique skills by involving her in a meaningful way.
- Ask her to craft DIY decorations, wedding favors, or welcome bags.
- Include her favorite recipe in the menu or as a take-home treat for guests.
- If she’s a great organizer, have her help with timelines or guest seating arrangements.
- Letting her showcase her talents will make her feel valued and part of the celebration.
***Related blog post: 35 common mother of the bride responsibilities (how mom can help)
13. Present Her with Your Bouquet
Instead of tossing your bouquet, honor your mom by giving it to her as a keepsake.
- Present it to her during your reception speech or at a quiet moment.
- Let her know how much her love and support have meant to you.
- She can preserve the bouquet as a cherished memory of your special day.
- This heartfelt gesture will mean more than words can express.
14. Include a Mother-Daughter Photo Display
Celebrate your relationship with a beautiful photo display at your wedding.
- Include pictures of you and your mom from childhood to now.
- Add photos from her wedding day to connect her story to yours.
- Expand the display to feature both sets of parents or grandparents for a family tribute.
- Place the display at the reception entrance or near the guest book for everyone to enjoy.
- This heartfelt touch will create a nostalgic moment for her and your guests.
15. Invite Your Mom to Special Wedding Planning Parties
Make your mom feel included by inviting her to join fun wedding prep activities.
- Plan a wine night to assemble guest gift bags or welcome baskets together.
- Have her help with DIY projects, like creating centerpieces or table décor.
- Include her in food or cake tastings for a fun bonding experience.
- These moments let her feel involved while creating special memories together.
***Related blog post: How mom’s can help their daughters with the wedding
16. Include Your Mom in Your Bridal Party
Honor your mom by making her an official part of your bridal party.
- Invite her to be a bridesmaid or even your maid of honor for a unique twist.
- Use the title “Mom of Honor” to celebrate her role in your life and wedding.
- Let her join in the fun activities like dress shopping, bridal showers, and bachelorette events (if it fits your vibe).
- This special gesture will make her feel incredibly valued and included in your big day.
17. Thank Her
Your mom has likely poured her heart into making your wedding day special, so take the time to truly thank her.
- Write her a heartfelt letter to read on the wedding morning.
- Include her in your reception speech and express your gratitude publicly.
- Share a personal story or favorite memory that highlights her love and support.
- Surprise her with a thoughtful gift that shows how much she means to you.
- Make time for a private moment during the day to say thank you face-to-face.
This simple yet powerful act will show her how much you value everything she’s done for you. It’s a gesture she’ll treasure forever.
Collaborate with Your Mother-in-Law
Involve your mother-in-law by giving her a special role in the wedding planning process.
- Invite her to help design or plan the rehearsal dinner.
- Ask for her input on menu selections, décor, or the schedule for the evening.
- Use this as an opportunity to bond and show her you value her opinion.
- This thoughtful gesture will make her feel appreciated and included in the celebration.
Honor Your Mom When She’s No Longer Present
If your mom is no longer with you, honor her memory with meaningful gestures.
- Reserve an empty chair at the ceremony decorated with a photo or flowers.
- Attach a locket with her picture to your bouquet or wear a piece of her jewelry.
- Include a tribute in your program or light a candle in her honor.
- Incorporate a design motif, like butterflies or her favorite flower, into your décor.
- These touches will keep her presence felt on your special day.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, not just for you but for your mom too. Taking the time to celebrate and honor her will make the day even more meaningful.
Whether it’s a big gesture like walking down the aisle together or a quiet moment to say thank you, every intentional effort shows your appreciation for her love and support.
Choose the ways that feel most special and authentic to your relationship. No matter how you involve her, she’ll cherish the thought and care you put into making her part of your big day.
More Wedding Planning Ideas and Tips
Here are a few blog posts that you might find helpful when planning your wedding:
