Your wedding day is going to be filled with lots of emotional and unique moments – and your mom should be a part of the day as well! She’s likely been dreaming of this day right along with you throughout your childhood. Maybe she’s been helping you with the wedding planning, took you dress shopping, or is just excited to celebrate with you on the day. Finding way to include your mom who is sentimental and special will create a memory you’ll never forget.
Dads usually get the big moments on a wedding day from doing a first look with their daughter to walking her down the aisle, and possibly even giving a toast! It’s time for mom to shine on the wedding day and give her a little spotlight. There are many ways you can honor her and your relationship on the wedding day. Let’s dive into the unique, sweet, and emotional ideas to include your mom and make her feel extra special on the wedding day!
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1. Helping You Get Ready
The start of the day can be hectic and busy and having your mom by your side can be a calming presence. This is the most common way to include your mom on the wedding day.
This intimate time of day is a great moment to include your mom to make it even more special. She can help you button up your dress, place your veil, and just be there to support you emotionally.
These are always some of the sweetest moments for me to photograph. I typically photograph this moment letting the moment naturally unfold and scheduling enough time for the two of you to have an emotional moment once you’re fully ready and dressed.
It’s the perfect time for her to give you any last-minute advice, exchange a gift, or simply share one last hug before you head down the aisle.
2. Wear Your “Something Borrowed” From Her Jewelry Collection
Often times brides will follow the “something borrowed, something blue, something old, and something new” saying. Borrowing something from your mom’s jewelry collection can be a great way to include her on the wedding day! It’s also a great way to have a sentimental moment if she’s helping you to get ready as she puts the jewelry on you.
Incorporating your mom’s jewelry on the wedding day is an easy and meaningful way to make sure she’s honored. Whether it’s a family heirloom piece or something she wore at her own wedding, this is a fun way to include her.
If jewelry isn’t your thing, you can always include other sentimental items she may have like a handkerchief to wipe your tears.
3. Do A Special First Look Moment With Her
A first look moment doesn’t just have to be with your partner! Typically we’ve done these between the couple but you can do these with your parent, in-laws, grandparents, and more!
If your mom isn’t helping you get ready, this is a perfect way to still include her in the early part of the wedding day. It is always a winning moment full of emotion that will absolutely be unforgettable.
Picture her reaction when she opens her eyes and sees you for the first time in your wedding dress looking like a bride. Lots of tears, hugs, and emotions. This is also a perfect quiet moment to connect and share a special moment before the exciting chaos of a wedding day begins.
4. A Special Gift or Letter Exchange
Another favorite moment I’ve gotten to photograph is a gift or letter exchange. A heartfelt letter can go a long way in making your mom feel special. As a bonus it makes for a great keepsake for her!
This is great for brides who appreciate quality time to quietly sit with your mom while she reads over your letter after helping you get dressed or doing a first look. Thanking her for her support and love over the years and you’re guaranteed to make the both of you cry.
You can also surprise her with a wedding day gift. Whether it’s a special customized handkerchief or a unique piece of jewelry, there are endless options for a sweet gift to give your mom. There’s lots of customizable options on etsy if you’re struggling to find something!
5. Have Her Walk You Down The Aisle
Traditionally your dad would walk you down the aisle but there’s no rule saying you can’t include your mom! I’ve seen brides be walked down by just her mother or both the bride’s parents making for a very emotional moment.
This is an intentional way to honor her place in your life. Her helping in giving you away is definitely an emotional moment to share. It’s also a way of showing the love and support she’s given you that’s led up to this moment.
Giving you away would be especially meaningful if your mom was your primary caregiver or if your father isn’t able to be a part of the moment. Sharing this sweet moment with her is an amazing memory you’ll both remember forever.
6. Dedicate Your Flowers To Her During The Reception
A trend I’ve seen a lot more lately is dedicating your flowers to your mom. It’s a way to acknowledge her that is more subtle if she doesn’t like too much attention on her.
You can keep the moment private by handing her your bouquet after your ceremony or during a more quiet moment during the reception. Or if you want to publically acknowledge her I usually see this moment started by giving a thank you to the mother of the bride. Include some sweet words about how she raised you or thank her for her help with wedding planning. Then gift her your flowers.
7. Give A Toast To Thank Her During The Reception
Your wedding day is full of toasts! Include one to thank your mother for her role in your life and her help with wedding planning. This is a great chance to celebrate everything she’s done for you.
You can share a sweet memory from your childhood or just thank her for her support. The bride giving a toast at the wedding is always a good personal touch. Guaranteed to be a highlight of the night! It’s also a good way of including your guests in the dynamic of your relationship.
Not everyone likes a public moment though! If you or your mom prefer a private moment you can take her aside instead. Step away from the reception and thank her privately for everything. Make sure to let your photographer know if you’d like this photographed! It isn’t about having an audience, it’s the sentiment of making her feel appreciated.
8. A Mother-Daughter Dance At The Reception
The father of the bride usually gets a sweet dance on the wedding day. Let’s switch things up and include your mom! It’s a unique way to give her a moment to shine. Choose a sentimental song that’s special to the both of you to make this even sweeter.
You can do this as it’s own dance or stop the father-daughter dance halfway and swap to your mom. No matter how you do it, it’s going to be a memorable moment for everyone!
I hope you found some sweet ways to include your mom on the wedding day!
Including your mom in these sweet ways will create memories that last for a lifetime. Whether you decide to do a first look, gift, or first dance, these moments are all about you and her. Celebrate the love between the two of you!
Your wedding day is about starting your new life together and paying respect to the people who have been by your side. That’s what makes it unforgettable. If you want to chat more about your wedding day and how we can make it unique and special fill out my contact form!
