How to Honor Mothers in a Wedding Ceremony

Your mother is an important part of your wedding day.

Honoring your mother at your wedding is a great way to show her how much you love and appreciate her. Sometimes, a mother may feel nervous or upset about her child growing up and getting married. This is an excellent reason to honor her and make her feel special at your wedding. A bride can also honor her deceased mother on that special day.

Instructions

Honoring Mothers who are Present at the Wedding

1. Invite your mother to serve as your matron of honor.

2. Introduce your mother at the start of the ceremony by asking her to stand or address the attendees. Say a few nice words about your mother at this time and let her know how much you appreciate everything that she has done for you. Ask the clergyman to say a blessing over your mother at this time, if you are having a religious wedding.

3. Write personalized vows for the wedding ceremony and incorporate the love that you have for your mother into your vows. Provide a short complement to your mother. For example, say something like, "I hope that I can follow in my mother's excellent example and love and cherish you with all of my heart."

4. Ask your mother to join your father in escorting you down the aisle. Alternatively, if your father is deceased, ask your mother to be your escort.

Honoring Deceased Mothers

1. Wear your deceased mother's wedding dress, veil or another beloved article of clothing that she wore on her wedding day.

2. Play your mother's favorite song during the ceremony or a choose a song that reminds you of her. Ask the officiate to announce that the song is dedicated to your mother and ask that all the guests share in a moment of silence in her honor.

3. Light a candle for your mother at the beginning of the ceremony. This light will serve as a reminder to you throughout the wedding that your mother is with you in spirit.

4. Place your bouquet or a flower from your wedding ceremony at your mother's burial site directly after the wedding. This will allow you the private time with your new husband to honor your mother.

Tips & Warnings

• Wearing an article of clothing your deceased mother wore on her wedding day is an excellent way to honor your mother, while not causing a lot of grief and sadness during your ceremony.

References

• Wedding Channel: Honoring Your Elders at your Wedding
• The Knot: Maid of Honor - Can Mom Be the Matron of Honor?
• The Knot: Wedding Family Matters - Honoring a Deceased Parent at a Wedding?