I am often asked, "How can I include mum in my wedding ceremony?" With dad walking his daughter down the aisle, many brides want to find a way to give mum a significant role in the wedding ceremony too.
There are quite a few ways to include mum and make sure that she feels extra special on your wedding day. Here are a some of my favourites:
13 Ways to Include Mum in Your Wedding Ceremony.
1. The Mothers Bridal Walk
It can be lovely to have your mothers walk down the aisle with you as part of the processional. As the music starts, both mum’s walk down the aisle together. A kiss for each other at the end of the aisle before taking their seats; then the processional begins.
2. The Collective Giving Away
Both mum and dad of the Bride (or Groom) walk down the aisle together and when the question is asked, “Who presents Jane to be married to Robert?” both say “We do”.
3. Giving the Bride Away
Many couples enjoy a very traditional Processional where Father walks the Bride down the aisle. But when a bride does not have the luxury of having her father with her, mum becomes the obvious choice. It is a very special and proud moment for you both.
4. The Blessing
Why not include a special segment in the ceremony that is all about the parents? Thank them for their influence, guidance and love over your lifetime. Make a particular point of honouring your mothers. Then have them come forward and kiss the bridal couple as a symbol of their blessing to the marriage.
5. The Ritual
Apart from the swapping of rings, some couples opt for a wedding ritual of some sort. For example;
Sand Ceremony
6. The Reading
Mum could be asked to do a reading at the wedding. Something along the lines of:
7. Present the Rings
At the part of the ceremony where the bridal couple exchange their rings, each mum could be asked to come forward and present the ring to their son or daughter. Each ring could be housed in its own special box to be given to mum to have as a keepsake..
8. Rose Ceremony
After the ceremony has been completed and the legal paperwork has been signed, some couples will choose to give each other a rose as their first gift of love. As the newly weds are introduced and they walk down the aisle together, they give their rose to their mother. Mum can then take this rose, have it dried, framed, and kept as a token of their love.
9. Legal Witness
Giving your mother the honour of being your witness on the legal paperwork would make them feel very special indeed. This certificate is a lifetime memento of your special day, and has your mum’s signature there forever.
10. Bridal Party
One of my Brides actually chose to have her mother as one of her bridesmaids. This is extremely unique. She had such a wonderful relationship with her mum, not only as a mother but as a friend, so having mum as part of her bridal party was an easy choice for her.
11. First Kiss, Last Kiss
Generally speaking, your mum is the first one to give you a kiss when you are born into this world. At a specific time in the ceremony, we could give your mum the opportunity to give you the last kiss before you take your vows to become husband or wife. This is also a special moment to honour all that your mum means to you. It is especially beautiful if we keep this as a surprise! There’s never a dry eye in the house!
12. Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue
Mum could give you some jewellery to wear. You could remodel her wedding gown. Maybe borrow something that she holds dear to her – perhaps something she wore to her own wedding.
My Precious Traditional Wedding Items
13. In Remembrance
If mum is no longer with you, there are a number of ways to honour her in the ceremony:
One final suggestion. When getting yourself ready for your big day, try to have a special moment with your mum. Just the two of you together; have a laugh; cry happy tears; just enjoy that personal time together. These are the very special times that create everlasting memories.
There are so many different ways to to include mum in your wedding ceremony and to honour her. I would love to hear if you did something a little bit out of the square! Drop me a comment be;ow and let me know.
What ever you decide, I wish you all the best!
Joyce.