How to Include the Mother of the Bride

The bride's mother often serves as unofficial wedding consultant, but her role as MOB can encompass so much more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Invitations
• Thank-you Greeting Cards

1. Solicit her assistance in all aspects of the planning - she can help with everything from wedding and reception locations and details to helping in the selection of the bride's honeymoon ensemble.
2. Ask her to help you shop for a wedding dress and then offer to shop together for the one she will wear.
3. Get her advice on the guest list.
4. Be sure she is invited to every event concerning the wedding.
5. Reserve for her the head of the receiving line - tradition calls for her to be the hostess of the line.
6. Line up her dance card - starting off with the groom.
7. Discuss any family heritage that could be included in the ceremony or reception.
8. Lean on her for much needed emotional support in these hectic but joyous times.

Tips & Warnings

• In Jewish ceremonies, both the mother and father escort the bride down the aisle.
• Keep in mind that often times the MOB has been waiting for this moment longer than the bride, so be patient with her ideas and opinions. After all, she is probably footing the bill.
• OK, so she is your mother; she wants the best for you, took care of you when you were sick - but it is still YOUR wedding, be sure to hold true to your ideal wedding - not hers.

Who Can Help:

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