Where Should the Groom's Mother Get Ready for the Wedding? (2024)

FAQs

Where Should the Groom's Mother Get Ready for the Wedding? ›

For starters, it is quite common for the groom's mom to be with the bride the morning of the wedding. "Most often times we see the mother of the groom getting ready with the mother of the bride in the bridal suite," says Manda Worthington, event planner, founder, and CEO of Mae&Co.

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.

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.

Seating Family

The parents of the bride sit in the first pew or row on the left, the groom's parents sit in the first row on the right, leaving the two spaces closest to the aisle for the groom and best man. Space permitting, extra chairs may be placed in front of the right hand pews for the groom and best man.

Who Gets Ready With the Groom? There is no strict rules. Most of the time, the groom will be surrounded by their best groomsmen (where sometimes fathers are included).

What Colour Can the Mother of the Groom Wear? Opt for colours that complement the wedding palette. Jewel tones, pastels, and navy are popular choices that photograph well and add a touch of sophistication.

For a Non-Denominational or Secular Wedding

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.

Family heirlooms

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.

On your actual wedding day, one of the major responsibilities the mother of the groom can take on is making sure that the people at the wedding they know (family and friends) are taking their seats at the ceremony on time, are all set with transportation to and from the venue, and don't get lost—especially if you're ...

Seating married parents

The parents of the bride always sit in the first pew or row on the left, facing where the ceremony will be held; the groom's parents sit in the first row on the right.

What does the mother of the groom pay for in a wedding? ›

The groom's family traditionally paid for all costs associated with the rehearsal dinner and honeymoon, wedding day transportation, and the officiant. The groom paid for the bride's engagement ring, wedding ring, and groomsmen gifts. It is also common for the groom's family to pay for the alcohol at the reception.

While this speech has traditionally been given at rehearsal dinners, it's not unusual for the mother of the groom to speak at the wedding reception, either. If you're struggling to put words on paper to express the joy, happiness, and love you have for your son, you're not alone.

Even if the mother of the groom wants to get her hair and makeup done elsewhere, she should try to stop by the bridal suite (or wherever the bride is getting ready) for at least an hour or so before pictures or the ceremony begins—especially if the bride extends an invite.

Typically, as per tradition, the mother of the groom will bring a gift for the bride to the bridal shower. It can be something small and thoughtful. However, if she cannot attend the shower the bride's side of the family hosts, maybe because of distance, she can host her own.

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

The mother of the groom can give a speech or just a toast at the rehearsal dinner, as she is one of the hosts of the event. There are some details that a speech should include, such as special memories, stories about the couple, and of course, the toast.

Sometimes, yes, if the bride invites her to come along, and the groom's mom wants and is able to go. However, unless the shopping trip also involves the groom's mom buying a dress for herself, she doesn't need to be there. In fact, no one needs to be there, the bride can go shopping by herself if she wants.

Conclusion. As the groom's parents, the best wedding etiquette you can perform is being there to support your son. Welcoming wedding guests and making sure that everyone is comfortable is always a good idea for the big day.