Celebrating Mom
By Kat Mendenhall
Like most brides, the first thing I did when I got engaged was pull out my phone and call everyone I know … starting with my mom! After all, it’s an important day for her too and I knew that she was the one person on the planet that would be as excited as I was. Every girl has that special woman in their life. It may be their mom, but it may also be an aunt or grandmother. On your special day, remember to celebrate the person who helped you become the blushing bride you are today. Here is our inspiring list to help you get started.
1. Bring a memory alive. Think back to something you have always loved about your mom and incorporate it into your event. It could be using her Snickerdoodle cookies as your guest favors (with her recipe of course) or using roses from her garden in your centerpieces. Think of something that is a warm memory and have it as part of your day.
2. Give her some sparkle! Give mom a little more bling than the average corsage by incorporating a beautiful pin or broach. Find one that coordinates with your wedding colors and have something special engraved on the back.
3. A very special walk down the aisle. The popular tradition is to have your dad walk you down the aisle. A new trend invites you to have both your mom and your dad give you away.
4. Share her style. Does your mom have a special string of pearls or a pair of earrings that you have always adored? Ask her for your something borrowed for your wedding day. You can wear them or ask your florist to include them as part of your bouquet.
5. Have “one-of-those-days”. Every girl knows what a “Mommy & Me” day looks like. Those times growing up spent lunching, shopping and gossiping. As we grow older, those days become hard to come by. In the hectic haze of planning a wedding, set aside some time to have “one-of-those-days” again with your mom to let her know just how much you like her company. It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you enjoy it together.
6. Get away! Enjoy a weekend away with your mom to relax and enjoy some bonding time. Celebrate with an old fashioned sleepover. Think chick flicks (wedding-themed), pampering and junk food. Stay up all night talking about how wonderful your soon-to-be-hubby is.
7. Ask your mom to help you get dressed. It can get pretty hectic on your wedding day with your bridesmaids and friends wanting to spend time with you. Once your hair and makeup is complete, ask your mom to help you put your dress on. It will be a memory she will cherish. Give her that moment with you before your big moment arrives.
8. Say thank you… and mean it. Moms don’t hear it enough. Take some time to speak from the heart and thank her for everything she has done to support you and the relationship you have with your fiancé. Celebrate with a special gift and the acknowledgement she truly deserves.
9. Honor her cause. If you lost your mom or can’t have her with you on your day, include her by honoring a cause that is close to your heart. In lieu of favors, donate money to a nonprofit; place awareness bracelets and the meaning at each setting so your guests can share in your cause as well.
10. Include her. Your mom wants to cherish all of your big moments with you. Invite her along to pick out your wedding dress, try on shoes and celebrate at your bridal shower. Include her in your pre-wedding celebrations and ask her to help plan some of the details. Allow her to share in your joy as you get ready to walk down the aisle and towards your happily ever after.
Photo by Vesic Photography
