25 Ways to Include Your Mom in the Wedding

Announce Your Engagement in Style -171202

Whether your parents knew it was coming or not, finding out that your daughter is officially engaged is a major milestone. Put some extra thought into how you'll announce the news.

Choose a Special Song

Is there a song your mom always sang to you as a child? Or a song that always makes you think of her? Surprise her by choosing that tune for her ceremony entrance.

Walk Down the Aisle

Invite your mom to join you and your dad for your walk down the aisle. 

Wear Her Veil

Borrow your mom's veil, and make sure your photographer captures a photo of her placing it on your head.

Something Borrowed

Wear a piece of your mother's jewelry on your wedding day. Bonus points if she wore that piece on her own wedding day as well. 

Wear a Piece of Your Mom’s Gown

Or wrap the stems of your bouquet with the sleeve.

Wear a Piece of Your Mom's Gown

You can also turn a piece of lace into a garter.

Wear a Piece of Your Mom's Gown

If your mom is okay with you cutting a piece of her gown (is anyone really ever going to wear it again?), there are so many ways you can incorporate it into your own wedding-day look — like turning a piece into a pendant necklace.

Give a Gift From the Heart

It's tradition to give your parents a present before the wedding, but it doesn't have to be costly. A heartfelt letter can mean more than anything.

Treat Her to a Pre-Wedding Spa Day

Tensions run high during the wedding-planning process. Even the closest mother/daughter duo are likely to have an argument or two. Plan a day where you can melt the stress away together at a spa.  

Photo Credit: Kip Meyer

Give a Toast at the Shower

These days, it's more and more common for the mother of the bride to host the bridal shower. Be sure to take a few minutes to thank her for her support.

Make Her Gown-Shopping Experience Special, Too

Don't let Mom's attire feel like an afterthought! Plan a special day out with just her, instead of trying to find her gown while picking out your own or while shopping with your bridesmaids. 

Take Her Gown Shopping

Your mom will be completely honest with you about what looks good (and what doesn't), and there's nothing better than seeing the look on her face when you've found "the one."

Hit Up Bridal Shows Together

Back when Mom got married — in the pre-Internet days — bridal shows were the best way to discover local vendors. Attending shows together will likely serve as a fun bonding experience that'll bring back memories of her own wedding-planning process.

Gift a Photo Album

Don't forget to give her some pictures from the big day! Work with your photographer to create a mini parent album.

Celebrate a Post-Wedding Brunch

Extend the celebration by enjoying brunch together the day after the wedding.

Use Her Cake Topper

Vintage cake toppers are back in style; go for the real deal and borrow the topper from your parents' wedding.

Create Meaningful Favors

Whether you bake something together, handcraft the packaging, or just add tags to pre-made favors, work together with your mom to make it special.

Give Her Your Bouquet

Instead of tossing your bouquet, present it to your mom. 

Photo Credit: Angel Canary Photography

Showcase Her Favorite Recipe

Is your mom known for her cooking? Have your caterer recreate one of her favorite recipes to serve during the cocktail hour or reception.

Play Her Wedding Song

If she and your father are still married, make sure your DJ plays their wedding song and dedicates it to them.

Mother/Daughter Dance

There's the first dance, the father/daughter dance, the mother/son dance… why not add a mother/daughter dance? 

Display Family Wedding Photos

Honor your past by putting family wedding photos on display.

Multi-Generational Photos

Gather your mom and your grandma for some photos you'll all treasure.

Blessing of the Rings

Before you and your new husband exchange rings, invite your mom to say a special blessing to commemorate your marriage.