In preparing a wedding, or during the wedding and reception, what are the responsibilities of the mother of the groom? There’s more to it than picking from mother of the groom dresses. The mother of the bride’s role is to ensure that the bride’s plans are carried out as planned. The maid of honor ensures that bride will be carefree before, during, and after the wedding by serving the bride in every way she can. While the best man assists the groom from getting the marriage license to wearing the tuxedo to providing the first toast to the married couples. What about the role of the mother of the groom, then?
Upon the announcement of the couple’s engagement, it is the responsibility of the mother of the groom to reach out to the bride’s parents, to invite them over to your house, or agree to meet somewhere else, so that the two families can meet. If it’s geographically impossible to do either, then a snapshot of your family with a brief introduction of each member would suffice. What’s important is you extend the congratulations from the groom’s family to the bride’s family, and make them feel comfortable and welcome.
In helping out in the wedding preparations, it will be up to the bride to decide if she wants to involve the mom of the groom, as she will naturally enlist the help of her own mother already. If the bride doesn’t ask the mother of the groom to help, then just accept this graciously.
The groom’s mother should allow the mother of the bride to buy the dress first. Then upon the advise of the mother of the bride, she will then look for a complimentary dress, making sure that the their dresses are color and design coordinated.
It’s also the responsibility of the groom’s mother to arrange for the accommodations of the groom’s relatives who will be coming from far areas just to attend the wedding.
If there’s just one bridal shower and the groom’s mother knows the people who will be attending, then it’s also expected of her to attend. However, if the group will be composed of younger people, she shouldn’t attend anymore.
The rehearsal dinner will be the chief responsibility of the groom’s parents, and this is where the mother of the groom’s planning and coordination skills will be put to a test, in terms of assuring that the meal, venue and budget of all concerned are met.
In the wedding ceremony itself, there is not much expected for the groom’s mom, except to accompany her son (together with her husband), to the walk to the altar to wait for his bride, and to light the family candle in the ceremony, if there’s any.
During the reception, the groom’s mother stands in line to receive the wedding guests and introduce friends and family to the bride and her family. Then later, she will have her turn to dance with her son in the mother-groom dance tradition, which is often the first to be called.
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