Traditionally the the mother of
the bride took
on a major role of planning the wedding, but these days, with many
couples working they will pay for the wedding themselves, or split the
costs with their parents.
Her role will depend on how much
the bride wants to include her. Among her duties that she will perform
are:
Before the ceremony
She hosts the first engagement party.
Attends all the showers planned in the bride's honor.
She should not host a shower herself.
Helps with the wedding plans.
Selects her clothing for the wedding and lets the
groom's mother know of her choice.
Shares a special item with the bride, perhaps a piece
of
jewelery she wore on her own wedding day, or provides her with all or
some of the items, for "something old, something new, something
borrowed, something blue.
Helps her daughter dress.
During the ceremony
In some cases walks the bride down the aisle. It is
customary at a Jewish wedding for both parents of the bride to walk her
down the aisle. Also if the father of the bride has passed away or not
involved in the bride's life, the the bride's mum can escort her down
the aisle in his place.
She is the last person seated before the procession
begins, which is a signal that the bride is soon to arrive.
She should be seated in the front row on the bride's
side.
May light a candle from which the bride will later
light, a unity candle with her groom.
During the reception
Stands in the receiving line with the bride and
groom. The
receiving line can take place straight after the ceremony or as guest
are arriving at the reception.
The bride's mum can be announced at the reception
just ahead of the groom's parents and the bridal party.
She acts as an official hostess of the
party mingling and greeting guest.
