A quick and essential mother-of-the-bride checklist

Obvious statement of the day: mums are a special breed of superhero. They just seem to know how to get stuff done. Like, yesterday. If your mum is keen to get involved on your special day, share these quick and essential ways she can help out.

Feature image: from the wedding of Lisette + Ben
Related article: Follow this mother-of-the-bride fashion guide and dress to impress!

Engagement:

Is the happy couple planning on throwing an engagement party? If so, where are they thinking of hosting it? If they’re lacking space (and you’re not), it’s a sweet idea to offer to have the party at your place. It’ll introduce the bride’s and groom’s (or other bride’s) families if they haven’t already met and will create a homey atmosphere.
It’s a bit of an obvious job but help the bride out by informing your extended family of her engagement.

Planning:

If the bride is happy for you to get involved, help out with the planning! Keep in mind that it is her (and her partner’s) day but be there to discuss ideas and be her sounding board. Catch up for a get-together and look through magazines (we recommend Queensland Brides *wink*), websites, Pinterest boards and Insta together over a glass of wine and cheese or a good ol’ fashioned cuppa and sandwiches.
Help the bride put together a guest list. Make suggestions about who you’d like from your family to attend but be respectful of her wishes. You might want her great aunt there on the day, but try not to be annoyed if she’d rather keep things intimate.
Suggest family traditions or heirlooms if you have any. Do you have a pair of earrings from your grandmother’s wedding? Is there a cultural tradition your family usually includes in their wedding?
If it’s okay with the bride, offer to be her backup contact for any vendors. You know, just in case.
Okay, probably the most exciting part – the shopping! Go along with the bride to her wedding dress fittings and be honest (but obviously still respectful) of the bride’s tastes. If you think the dress just isn’t her, (kindly) say so. If you know that the fabric of a dress won’t be climate-appropriate for the wedding, inform her. You might have to be devil’s advocate at times but always be her number one cheerleader!
Is the couple wanting to incorporate unique knick-knacks and interesting details into their styling? Keep an eye out in antique centres, op-shops and little boutiques for cool items like glassware, candle-holders, rugs, cushions, bar carts, and vases.
Go to a cake tasting together. Do we even need to say why?
A fun way to get ideas for the big day is to get up early, get yourselves a coffee and go to the flower markets together. She’ll get an idea of what sort of flowers she loves and being surrounded by beautiful blooms is always a fabulous way to de-stress – especially during the planning process! Be sure to ask florists about what will be in season at the time of the wedding and if they have any suggestions for the style of celebration.

On the day:

Assist with the dressing of the bride and bridesmaids. Help her do up her dress, put on her veil (if opting for one) and go over the bridesmaids’ outfits with a lint brush – just for good measure. It’s also a lovely idea – if your bride is up for it – to get your hair and makeup done together. Share a cheeky drink, get all dolled up and hug it out if you both start to happy-cry –preferably before mascara is applied.
Help out with any last-minute errands. Does someone need band-aids? Did someone lose their lipstick? Has the bride forgotten the notes for her vows? Be the go-to person for any to-the-wire jobs.
Be there to greet guests when they arrive at the ceremony.
If the bride asks you to, walk her down the aisle.
Mingle with the groom’s or other bride’s family and get to know their parents a little more. If possible, invite them into conversations with your family to make everyone feel, well, like family!
At the reception, give a speech and share a few beautiful memories of the bride – with her permission, of course.
Offer to take any wedding presents home after the reception for the couple to pick up later. Chances are, the newlyweds will be spending the night somewhere after the big day or will be going off on their honeymoon.

Brides – looking for a way to honour your mum on the day? We’ve got plenty of inspiration for you…

Planning:

On the day:

Related posts: