This Mother’s Day, we’re exploring ways to honor mom on your wedding day.
From walking you down the aisle to helping you into your gown, moms often play an integral role behind the scenes—and in our hearts. Whether she’s your biological mother, a mother figure, or the woman who’s always been your biggest cheerleader, your wedding day is a beautiful opportunity to show your gratitude in ways big and small.
Keep scrolling for our top 10 ways to honor mom on your wedding day.
*Featured photo from Stephanie & Olu’s Wedding | Captured by Stanlo Photography
#1. Write a heartfelt letter.
Couples often exchange love notes before walking down the aisle. Why not make a similar gesture for mom? Express your admiration, love, and thanks for everything they’ve done to support and prepare you for this exciting next chapter. Don’t overthink it. Just write from the heart.
#2. Rewear (or repurpose) mom’s wedding dress, veil, or accessories
Not only is wearing mom’s wedding attire a meaningful gesture, but it’s also a more sustainable option. It might even bring the newlyweds good luck! For instance, at Atiera and Joshua’s wedding, the bride wore her mother’s veil from her wedding day. Her parents, who tied the knot over 40 years ago, are still happily married today!
At Reena and John’s vibrant Hindu and Nigerian wedding, the bride repurposed her mom’s old jewelry to create “something new” for her wedding day attire. Reena shares, “I found actual coral beads from some of my mom’s old jewelry and various shops in India, and had a necklace and bracelet made out of the beads.”
#3. Honor mom through culture
At Alyssa and Drew’s wedding, they honored Alyssa’s mom’s culture by wearing traditional Japanese attire.
Alyssa shares, “For our Japanese ceremony, I was wearing my mother’s kimono and my grandmother’s obi (sash), which was given to her by my great-grandmother. Drew was wearing a custom-made Montsuki Haori Hakama (Japanese formal attire for men) with my mom’s family crest sewn into it.”
#4. Incorporate flowers with meaning
Flowers are often incorporated into weddings simply for their beauty, but they also have very distinct meanings. For example, Orchids symbolize luxury, beauty, love, and strength. An Iris represents faith, hope, and wisdom, while Peonies symbolize prosperity and good fortune.
To honor mom, consider infusing flowers with meaning into your wedding decor, such as adorning her seat with blooms for the ceremony. Or, if she adores a specific flower, you can give her her very own bouquet to make her feel extra special!
#5. Give gifts from the heart
Per tradition, couples usually exchange gifts before the ceremony. Why not gift mom something special, too? Whether that’s jewelry engraved with a meaningful phrase, a silk shawl to keep them warm during the reception, or any other token of appreciation, as long as it’s a gift from the heart, they’ll LOVE it!
#6. Create a “loving memory” table
While not everyone has the blessing of having their parent(s) present to walk them down the aisle, there are still heartfelt ways to honor their memory and feel their presence in spirit. Honor your mom and other loved ones who have passed on with a “Loving Memory” table dedicated to them. Incorporate photos from your childhood, items that spark a favorite memory with them, or light a candle in their honor.
(Below: Raeshon & Kimberly’s Wedding | Captured by Alternative Standards)
#7. Surprise your spouse with sentimental wedding attire
If your spouse has lost their mom or a loved one, surprise them with sentimental wedding attire. For MunaLuchi bride, Chanell, she wanted to honor her husband Otis’s mom with a special tribute inside his jacket. While getting ready, Otis discovered the beautiful portrait of his mother that she had discreetly embroidered on the inside lining. With the portrait placed close to his heart, the emotional unveiling gave him an unforgettable piece of her presence and unconditional support.
Click here to read Chanell & Otis’s wedding feature.
#8. Ditch traditional flower girls, and let your mom(s) participate!
Aneka and Dwayne didn’t shy away from incorporating their moms into their wedding. In addition to getting them necklaces and earrings, they let their mothers be their flower girls. Click here to read Aneka & Dwayne’s wedding feature.
Golden flower girls in action…
#9. Go all out with your mother-daughter dance, or dedicate one in their honor
The mother-daughter dance is pretty common at weddings. To make it an extra special moment with mom, consider choreographing a routine together (like Stephanie and her mom below!), or taking dance classes with a professional to really wow your guests.
My mom and I KILLED the dancefloor with Haitian gospel music!
– Stephanie Voltaire
To honor moms who have passed on, consider dedicating a dance in their honor. At Brittany and Jōvan’s wedding, the bride and her sister, Nicole, took to the dance floor to honor their mom.
Brittany shares, “I said a few words on the microphone about my mom and how I wanted everyone off their feet dancing to one of her favorite songs, ‘The Show’ by Doug E. Fresh. The DJ played the song, and on the projector were videos of my mom dancing. Then my sister Nicole and I were on the dance floor doing some dance moves our mom taught us. I could feel her presence in the room, and it was beautiful seeing everyone dancing together.”
#10. Take a quiet moment together
Sometimes the biggest way to acknowledge your mom on your wedding day is simply sharing a quiet moment. Take this time to ask for guidance, express thanks for their support leading up to this momentous moment in your life, or pray together for a fruitful, healthy, and long-lasting union.
Ultimately, while your wedding day is all about celebrating you and your partner, honoring the important women in your life can make this special occasion even more meaningful. Whether that’s mom or another parental figure you cherish, we hope these ideas help spark your own heartfelt gestures.
Happy Mother’s Day!
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