With this comprehensive guide, you’ll understand the importance of wedding etiquette for the parents of the bride. Learn everything you need to know to make your daughter’s special day unique, from traditional approaches to new trends. Hence, whether you’re a seasoned wedding attendee or a first-time parent of the bride, this guide will help you navigate the etiquette of this important day. Let’s check with Viva Wedding Photography!
The Roles Of The Bride’s Parents At A Wedding
Historically, the duties of the bride and groom’s parents were well-defined. The bride’s parents were responsible for the wedding ceremony and celebration, while the groom’s parents were responsible for the rehearsal dinner and other chores.
On the other hand, as weddings have grown increasingly individualized and self-planned, it is no surprise that these traditions have changed over time.
Your status of involvement in your daughter’s wedding day as a parent or step-parent will vary depending on your relationship with them and their preferences for your involvement. Besides, parents’ expectations and traditional roles have become less important in this generation, and the couple’s needs and requests take precedence.
Although there are traditional roles that parents can satisfy, it’s essential to have open communication with everyone involved to establish clear roles and responsibilities. Doing so can reduce stress for the couple during the wedding planning process. So, these traditional roles’ specific duties and responsibilities are listed below.
The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Etiquette for Parents of the Bride
Wedding Etiquette For Mother Of The Bride
Our list of traditional responsibilities below outlines various tasks typically assigned to the bride’s mother leading up to, during, and after her daughter’s wedding day, related to wedding etiquette for mother of the bride, allowing her to complete them easily.
Unofficial advisor
The bride’s mother traditionally serves as an unofficial advisor to the couple, providing guidance and support throughout the wedding planning process. Your roles usually include:
- Selecting and ordering wedding stationery
- Drafting invitation wording
- Managing RSVPs
- Compiling guest lists
- Coordinating ceremony and reception arrangements
Serve as a liaison
It’s important to communicate clearly between the bride and groom’s families throughout the wedding planning process, so it’s beneficial to designate someone as the liaison. This person will maintain open communication and ensure everyone remains informed and included in the decision-making process, preventing anyone from feeling excluded.
Support finding the perfect wedding dress
Finding the perfect wedding dress is a significant and sentimental experience for any bride, and having a mother by her side can make it all the more meaningful. Thus, your presence is especially cherished as you have likely anticipated this day since your daughter’s birth, and your input may be invaluable. Whether the bride needs assistance choosing her dress or deciding on bridesmaid attire, the mother will undoubtedly be thrilled to provide her support.
Having the first choice of wedding attire
As per the “mother of the bride dress etiquette” tradition dictates, the bride’s mother is typically given priority in choosing her attire for the wedding. Once the bride’s mother has selected a suitable color and style that adheres to the couple’s preferences, she should inform the mother of the groom, allowing her to choose an outfit that is complementary in style.
By doing so, both mothers can coordinate their ensembles elegantly, adding to the overall aesthetic of the wedding while adhering to proper dress etiquette.
Assist the bride in preparing for her wedding
Assisting the bride with preparations for the wedding day is a traditional role of the bride’s mother. She is typically present to help the bride with tasks such as dressing up and applying makeup. Having the mother of the bride nearby while her daughter gets ready can give her peace of mind that everything will run smoothly and provide her with a trusted voice of guidance and support. Also, the mother of the bride should give herself some time to get ready for the event, and then she should join the bridesmaids in walking the bride to the wedding site.
Seating on the left of the aisle
After walking down the aisle, the bride’s mother takes her seat in the first row to the left of the aisle; this is related to wedding etiquette for mother of the bride. This arrangement is based on the tradition of seating the bride’s family on the left side of the aisle, allowing the bride’s father and groom to see each other during the ceremony.
Assist in managing wedding gifts
Assist in managing wedding gifts during and after the day. It is important to keep track of gifts received and the guests who gave them so the couple can send out their thank-you notes after the wedding. The newlyweds will greatly appreciate your help organizing all the love guests give them.
Be someone the bride can lean on
Offer yourself as a dependable person of support for the bride throughout the wedding planning process, as well as on the big day and beyond. Be available for her to lean on whenever she needs someone to confide in or seek guidance from, and let her know that she can count on you to be a stable and encouraging presence throughout all the ups and downs of this important milestone.
Reinforcing the bride’s confidence
Make it a point to frequently remind the bride of her innate beauty and radiance, and always strive to maintain a positive and uplifting attitude. Consistently offering encouragement and support to the bride during the wedding planning process is crucial, and the bride will undoubtedly appreciate these heartfelt gestures. By keeping a positive mindset and reinforcing the bride’s confidence, you can help ensure this special time is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.
Provide family heirlooms
As the bride’s mother, you can play a significant role in helping the bride choose something old or something borrowed to wear on her wedding day. This may include suggesting a veil, garter, or jewelry, such as a grandmother’s heirloom earrings or a cherished family necklace. If there’s an opportunity, you could lend the bride your wedding dress or a grandmother’s wedding gown that can be incorporated into her wedding-day look.
Participates in the parent dances
The bride’s mother typically participates in the parent dances during the wedding reception. Following the bride and groom’s first dance, she may be requested to dance with her escort, usually the bride’s father, during the “parent dance” section. It is also traditional for her to dance with her new son-in-law to celebrate their newly formed family bond.
Stand in the receiving line
Traditionally, it is normal for the mother of the bride to stand at the head of the receiving line to greet guests after the wedding ceremony and before the reception. As the reception hostess, you are vital in welcoming guests and ensuring they feel appreciated and valued.
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Wedding Etiquette For Father Of The Bride
Traditionally, some specific roles and responsibilities are commonly associated with the bride’s father on the wedding day, related to wedding etiquette for the parents of the bride. Consider utilizing the following traditional roles to guide you for various essential duties so you may play an active and meaningful role on this momentous occasion.
Support the bride’s mother
Offer your assistance to the mother of the bride with all of the important details involved in the wedding planning process. While the bride’s father may have fewer designated responsibilities than the mother, he can still play an essential role in offering his insights and opinions on matters such as selecting the perfect venue or arranging guests’ travel accommodations.
By lending a helping hand and providing valuable input, the father of the bride can contribute significantly to ensuring that the wedding day is a seamless and memorable experience for everyone involved.
Readily available for any unforeseen issues
Make yourself readily available to step in and assist with any unforeseen issues or emergencies that may arise throughout the wedding planning process and on the big day itself. Although the bride’s father may have fewer designated responsibilities, this allows him to be a reliable support system for the entire wedding party. By being prepared to step in and help out whenever needed, the bride’s father can help ensure that the wedding day runs smoothly and that all involved can enjoy a stress-free and joyous celebration.
Spend some quality time with your daughter
Before the start of the wedding ceremony, it is expected for the bride’s father to spend some quality time with his daughter, perhaps to offer some last-minute words of wisdom or share a special moment. Following this, the father of the bride will have the honor of accompanying his daughter to the wedding venue, a meaningful and symbolic gesture that marks the beginning of a new chapter in both of their lives.
Escorts your daughter down the aisle
One of the highlight moments in a wedding ceremony is when the father of the bride escorts his daughter down the aisle, signifying the passing of the torch and the bride’s transition from one family to another. This time-honored tradition serves as a poignant reminder of the love and support that the bride’s father has provided throughout his daughter’s life and serves as a heartwarming tribute to the special bond between a father and his daughter.
Takes a seat on the left of the aisle
As the wedding ceremony commences, the bride’s father will typically take his seat on the left-hand side of the aisle, where the bride’s mother will join him, related to wedding etiquette for parents of the bride. This seating arrangement is a traditional symbol of support and solidarity as the bride’s parents come together to witness their daughter’s marriage and offer unwavering love and guidance throughout this momentous occasion.
Stand in the receiving line with the bride’s mother
Following the wedding ceremony and preceding the reception, it is typical for the bride’s father to stand alongside the bride’s mother in the receiving line. This allows the couple’s guests to offer congratulations and well wishes to the newlyweds and their families.
As a proud and supportive father, standing in the receiving line offers the opportunity for the father of the bride to share in the joy and excitement of his daughter’s special day while warmly welcoming loved ones to this unforgettable celebration.
Acts as the host
As the reception gets underway, the bride’s father assumes the role of host, welcoming guests and ensuring that the event runs smoothly. From ensuring that supplies are fully stocked to writing necessary checks to vendors, he takes care of the important details so the newlyweds can enjoy their special day.
Additionally, the father of the bride has the honor of giving a wedding toast to the couple, expressing his love, pride, and best wishes for their future together. Overall, the bride’s father is vital in creating a memorable and joyous occasion for all who attend.
Participates in the traditional “Father-Daughter Dance”
The bride’s father also shares a special moment with his daughter during the traditional father-daughter dance. Before the dance, it is not uncommon for the father to select the perfect song for their dance, adding a personal touch to this cherished moment.
The father-daughter dance is a time-honored tradition that symbolizes the special bond between a father and his daughter and serves as a heartwarming tribute to the love and support they have shared throughout the years.
Wedding Etiquette For Parents Of The Bride
Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but it can be made easier when both bride’s parents work together to share responsibilities. Here is a helpful list of traditional wedding responsibilities for the bride’s parents, specifically related to wedding etiquette for parents of the bride, that you may use as a starting point to create your customized wedding roles list.
Sending out engagement announcements
Following the engagement, it is typical for the bride’s parents to inform the local newspaper by sending out engagement announcements. This announcement helps the couple inform their close friends and family and allows the community to share their joyous news. If the groom’s parents reside in a different town, the bride’s parents may also consider submitting an announcement to the local newspaper in their area.
Be the ultimate hosts
Be the ultimate hosts for the wedding and reception, arguably their most important role. In most cases, the bride’s parents are the ones who pay for the wedding ceremony and reception, making them the hosts/hostesses. This important responsibility includes determining the final guest count, ensuring the guests feel welcomed, and ensuring everything goes smoothly.
Ensure the smooth closing of the reception
Ensure the smooth closing of the reception, which is also part of the host/hostess role. As the last two to leave the reception, the bride’s parents should oversee the event’s closing, ensuring that everything is properly taken care of, including wedding gifts for couples transported to the newlyweds’ home.
Provide cultural and religious customs
To ensure that the bride and groom are aware of religious and cultural wedding traditions, parents should take the initiative to inform them about the customs and practices included in their wedding. Additionally, they can suggest other traditions that the couple may want to consider incorporating into their ceremony.
Help organize the seating chart
As part of their duties, the father and mother of the bride may help the couple with seating arrangements for the reception, especially for family members and their friends. Since the couple may not be familiar with all the family dynamics, it can be helpful to have parents’ input on who should be seated together to ensure a harmonious celebration.
Wedding Etiquette For Divorced Parents Of The Bride
Navigating weddings with the divorced parents of the bride can be challenging, but following proper wedding etiquette for divorced parents of the bride can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable celebration for all. Here are some helpful tips to consider:
Communication is key
Open and honest communication is paramount for a harmonious wedding celebration with divorced parents. It is crucial to involve all parties, including the bride, groom, parents, family members, and wedding planners, in proactively discussing the situation and addressing potential issues.
Determine roles and responsibilities
Once open communication has taken place, it’s important to clarify the roles and responsibilities of each parent involved in the wedding planning process. This includes determining who will walk the bride down the aisle, who will give speeches, and who will be responsible for covering certain expenses.
Be respectful and civil
It is important to set aside any past differences and ensure that the wedding planning process and the wedding day remain respectful and cordial for the sake of the bride and groom, regardless of any prior discord or disagreements.
Consider separate seating arrangements
If there is a possibility of tension between the divorced parents, it may be advisable to seat them separately during both the ceremony and the reception. This can help to minimize any uncomfortable interactions or potential conflicts.
Focus on the celebration
Remember that the wedding day is a celebration of the love between the bride and groom, so it is important to prioritize their happiness and put any personal issues aside between family members.
>>> Read More:
- Wedding Invitation Etiquette Guides To Avoid Mistakes With Your Dear Guests
- The Best Rehearsal Dinner Etiquette Tips For A Perfect Event
In conclusion, navigating the etiquette of the bride’s parents during a wedding can be difficult, particularly for divorced parents. However, with open communication and focus on the couple’s happiness, the day may be memorable and pleasurable for everybody. So, you may ensure a smooth and successful ceremony by adhering to this wedding etiquette for parents of the bride.
