Mother of the Groom Etiquette Questions Answered | Wedding Spot Blog (2024)

Just about everyone understands the role that the mother of the bride plays on the big day. But the mother of the groom’s role in the wedding can feel a lot squishier. Here are some answers to your basic questions about mother of the groom etiquette.

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What are the responsibilities of the mother of the groom?

It can be confusing to know what your duties are as mother of the groom. The mother of the bride takes care of many things, but the mother of the groom has a few responsibilities as well. Traditionally, the groom’s mother will take care of the rehearsal dinner arrangements and help prepare the guest list for the groom’s side of the family. Both tasks should be done with both the bride and the groom’s input. Any other responsibilities can be negotiated among the families.

What kind of dress should the mother of the groom wear?

Usually the mother of the groom should look stunning, but let the mother of the bride have the spotlight. If you want to stick to this tradition, it can be a good idea to let the mother of the bride choose her dress first. You want to make sure that you don’t look like you’re purposefully trying to outshine her or steal the spotlight.

Should the mother of the groom go dress shopping with the bride?

This is a “wait and see” situation. It’s important to let the bride invite you on this journey with her rather than inserting yourself into the process. If she doesn’t invite you to come dress shopping, don’t take it personally. It could be that she wants this time to bond with her mom, sister, or other family members before she becomes a part of your family.

Should the mother of the groom attend the bachelorette party?

Generally speaking, having a no-parents policy at both the bachelor and bachelorette parties is best. The bride might not be able to truly let her hair down if her future husband’s mother is nearby.

What should the mother of the groom know for the mother-son dance?

This lovely tradition is often a fantastic opportunity for mother and son to bond. Often the groom and mother of the groom will select their song together. The bride may get a say, but it should largely be a conversation between mother and son. Traditionally, the mother-son dance will take place before the father-daughter dance.

Now you know all about mother of the groom etiquette!

UP NEXT: Advice for discussing your wedding budget with your parents.

Mother of the Groom Etiquette Questions Answered | Wedding Spot Blog (2024)

FAQs

What color is the groom's mother supposed to wear? ›

According to Mara Urshel of Kleinfeld Bridal, a dress shop in New York City, pale pinks, greens, and blues are all popular colors; black is appropriate for only the fanciest weddings.

What is the protocol for the mother of the groom? ›

Traditionally, the groom's mother will take care of the rehearsal dinner arrangements and help prepare the guest list for the groom's side of the family. Both tasks should be done with both the bride and the groom's input. Any other responsibilities can be negotiated among the families.

Should the mother of the groom get hair and makeup done? ›

"Most brides we work with these days will find unique ways to include the [mother of the groom] in different activities, like picking up brunch for the bridal suite or making sure they get hair and makeup done with everyone," Again, even if the mother of the groom is just coming by for a short time, she should offer to ...

What does the groom's mother give the bride? ›

These items can include jewelry, watches, or a personalized handkerchief. Family heirlooms are warm tender gestures that symbolize the true delight that the mother of the groom feels about having her daughter-in-law marry into the clan.

How much money should the groom's parents give? ›

It used to be that the role of the bridegroom's parents was restricted to hosting the rehearsal dinner and leading him down the aisle, but that is no longer the case. In a recent poll by wedding enthusiasts, the Groom's parents cover up to 24% of the wedding costs.

Who walks the groom's mother? ›

The groom might opt to escort his mother down the aisle and to her seat in the front row, followed closely behind by the groom's father. This gives the groom an opportunity to give his parents a hug before taking his place at the altar.

Is it OK for the mother of groom to wear the same color dress as mother of bride? ›

The color of the mother of the groom's dress should complement, but not match it. This is easier than it sounds because no two hues are exactly alike.

How should the mother of the groom wear her hair? ›

Consider Your Dress – Your hairstyle should match your dress. If you're wearing a simple dress, you might opt for a more intricate updo or a half-up style with waves. If your dress is more elaborate, consider going for a sleek updo with a bun or chignon on your nape.

What does a mom give her son on his wedding day? ›

A personalized photo album or picture frame is a timeless and sentimental gift your son and daughter-in-law will cherish for years to come. Fill the album with pictures of special moments and memories that they have shared together, or choose a beautiful picture frame to display a favorite wedding photo.

Who pays for mother of groom hair and makeup? ›

Who Pays for the Mother-of-the-Bride and Groom's Beauty Team? As with most beauty questions, there is no hard-and-fast rule. Some brides may offer to cover hair and makeup services in order to thank the wedding party for being a part of their special day.

What does the mother of the groom do the morning of the wedding? ›

She can spend a little time with both the bride and groom.

If that's the case, she may want to start her morning with the bride and her group, then leave once she has her hair and makeup done. After, she can head to the groom's getting-ready area to help him prepare for his walk down the aisle.

Does the mother of the groom do anything at the wedding? ›

If the couple is planning to have a receiving line, the mother of the groom (along with the father of the groom) should stand in it after the couple. If there's no receiving line, you'll want to go table to table to greet guests and thank them for attending—even ones you don't know.

Does the mother of the groom typically get ready with the bride? ›

Traditionally, the mother of the groom doesn't get ready with the bride and bridesmaids. However, it's totally up to you and how close you are to her!

Who stays with the groom night before the wedding? ›

Traditionally, the best man may stays with the groom the night before the wedding.

Does the mother of the groom have any responsibilities? ›

As the mother of the groom, you can always offer help with the wedding planning process. On the wedding day, be there to support your son in any way that you can. The best thing that you can do is to help bridge your families, welcome wedding guests, and soak in all the special moments of this defining day.

Who does the mother of the groom get ready with? ›

Traditionally, the groom's mother stays with her son on the morning of the wedding, and there's nothing wrong with maintaining the custom. She may feel more comfortable being surrounded by her own family members, and she'll certainly want to be there for photos with her son anyway.

Is the mother of the groom supposed to give a shower? ›

The Mother of the Groom Can Co-Host the Bridal Shower

If the mother of the groom is very close with the bride, then she may feel as though it's her duty to pitch in, too. If your mom, sister, or friends are on board with the idea of a co-host, then this is an entirely acceptable route.

What is the mother-son tradition at a wedding? ›

The groom will take his mother out on the dance floor for a special dance together for this tradition. It is a time for the groom to focus on his mother and create a special moment together one-on-one. Traditionally, the bride will have a similar dance during the reception with her father.

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