From the bridal shower to the rehearsal dinner, Moms play an integral role in the planning of their child’s wedding. Both the Mother-of-the-Bride and the Mother-of-the-Groom have traditional duties to perform, and it is important to make sure everyone knows their expected responsibilities so that the day goes off with as little stress as possible.

Traditionally the bride’s family pays for the wedding, but many are moving away from that custom. Still, if the parents of the bride are paying for the day, the mother-of-the-bride may have more say as to the details of the day. Regardless, she is most often the go-to contact for vendors, from photographers to caterers to florists. Let Mom field the phone calls, make the smaller decisions and answer the easy questions – not to mention consolidate the larger issues – so that the couple is not inundated with calls.

Sentimental Tip – Give Mom a beautiful journal with creative ideas and inspirational quotes or personal notes; not only will she be organized, but she will have a keepsake.

The mother of the bride also traditionally collects and curates any family traditions or rituals that may be important to incorporate. She is expected to take advice from the bride as to color and style of dress, and once chosen, she should coordinate with the groom’s mother, so the style of the day is cohesive. Speaking of the mother of the groom, she has a few traditional roles as well. Once the engagement is announced, it is customary for the groom’s parent to call the bride’s parents to arrange a dinner to get to know each other, as well as to discuss the wedding. On the eve of the wedding, it is also generally left to the Mother of the Groom to hostess a party, although the details are completely up to them. Given that the wedding day is filled with formal traditions and toasts, this wedding eve dinner is a great opportunity for fun, lighthearted tributes and for many of the couple’s friends and family to have a say.

Once you have met with Gordon Boswell’s and chosen your florals, Mom can be the main point of contact, to help choose the bouquets, boutonnieres, and corsages; as well as to help design the centerpieces, aisle arrangements, and flowers on the cake. We look forward to meeting you – and your Mother – to help plan your very own special wedding day.