Mother's Day is fast approaching, and with this comes the worry of buying the right present. Mum does so much, how can we possibly repay her? For many mothers, they'll be sat there thinking they don't want the fuss, maybe just a cup of tea and a lay in. However, it's important we show them that they're worth the extra day of love and affection. The mother-of-the-bride is a special role, and I'm sure one all mums look forward to. The extra support we get from our mums on our wedding day is three-fold, so let's unpack them and remind ourselves why we should be treating them on the 30th of March 2025.
Leading up to the wedding: The role the mother-of-the-bride plays before the wedding day is vital. As you may probably know (or will soon know), there is a lot of planning that goes into the big day and takes a lot of hard work from many people; knowing that your mum will be there for all of it is a massive relief for many brides. But what can mum do to help?
Emotional support – no one gets it like mum! On the build-up to your wedding day, you are going to need her now more than ever, and she will be there for you without a question.
Help with planning. It really does take a village to raise children and plan a wedding, two things your mum has already done, so now is the time to cash in her pearls of wisdom. Keep mum involved in the planning process and see what she can add.
Go wedding dress shopping with you. There are only a small group of people you can have with you for this shopping trip, and your mum being one of them is an extreme honour. Also, we all know that no one is as honest as our mums are when it comes to new clothes. If it doesn't look right, she'll be the first to tell you and if it's the one, she'll be the first to cry.
Remind you of wedding traditions. As the saying goes, 'something old, something blue, something borrowed, and something new', but how on earth are we supposed to get all of these? Luckily, this is where mums come in again to save the day! No doubt, you will be passed down something to carry with you on your special day, or your mum will have some funny stories about what she gathered for hers.
Touring venues. The modern couple can't always get the same time off to go explore the gorgeous venues the UK has to offer, but you know who does? That's right, mum is here again to save the day and go adventuring with you. She has a good eye for what you are looking for and isn't afraid to ask the hard-hitting questions you're too shy to voice.
On the day: You've done your planning, the dress has been bought, and the day has finally come. You will likely wake up with a zoo of butterflies in your tummy, but we promise this passes!
Get ready with you. One of the beautiful things about wedding days is that two worlds collide and people who have never mixed before are building new friendships. Having your mum get ready with you and your wedding party is remarkable and will make the morning so much better for you. It also means that mum is on hand to calm any wedding day jitters that may arise.
Walk you down the aisle. Not all brides choose to have their fathers walk them down the aisle, this is for a myriad of reasons but all that matters is that the bride and their betrothed are happy. It's becoming more common that brides are choosing their mothers to walk them down the aisle and this further solidifies the important role they play.
Host the reception. Of course, you and your partner will be officially hosting the wedding reception, but there are far too many people to catch up with, to then also have time for pictures, and all the other things newlyweds must attend to. The mother-of-the-bride is the best stand-in to the relatives you couldn't get to in time. The best part is that she'll probably just do this without you having to ask. Thanks, mum!
After the wedding: The big day has been and gone, you've basked in the newlywed bliss, and you may have even returned from your honeymoon! But how else can your mum help post-wedding?
Help with 'thank you' cards. As the main event is so hectic, you're not likely to get around to saying thank you to everyone on the day, plus you may have received some lovely gifts that you want to show thanks for. Mum may know your cousin Paul better then you do, so can offer the personal anecdote to add to your heartfelt thank you.
Go through the wedding album. What are mums there for, if not to go through the wedding album countless times? She may even help you build one, if you decide to get the pictures printed off. Mums are stereotypically very crafty, so she probably already has the supplies waiting at home.
If the above didn't highlight to you how special and important mums are, then I'm not sure what will. From the moment we are born, they are a cornerstone of our lives and are always there to offer a guiding light. Mother's Day is coming, so it's time to treat mum to something special, and spend some quality time together!
(Written by Isabelle Chamberlain, Editorial Assistant)
