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.

Learn more about mother of the groom etiquette:

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.

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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 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.

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

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.

Should the mother of the groom carry a purse? ›

With so many one venue weddings, I am constantly asked by my mother of the bride and mother of the groom clients if they should carry a handbag. My advice is always that an outfit is not complete without a bag and that is especially true if you are wearing a hat.

Does the mother of the groom give a gift to the bride? ›

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.

How much money should 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.

What should a mother say to her son on his wedding day? ›

To my son and his bride, I want you to know that I will always be here for you, supporting you and cheering you on every step of the way. I wish you a lifetime of love, happiness, and adventures together.

Who walks the mother of the groom down the aisle? ›

Usually the parents of the groom walk down the aisle together ahead of the mother of the bride, occasionally one of the ushers, groomsmen or family members will walk the mom down, followed by the father (or father figure). My father walked me down the aisle in my first marriage.

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.

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

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.

What should a mother wear to her son's wedding? ›

Elegant evening gowns, lace midi dresses and chic jumpsuits are all fab options for moms. Use the couple's set wedding dress code as a guide to finding the color and formality of your fit. Formal weddings require an upscale dress or pantsuit, while the outfit can be more relaxed for a casual wedding.

Is there a tradition for mother of the groom? ›

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.

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

BY PROFESSIONAL SPEECH WRITERS, SPEECHY. Mothers saying a few words at weddings is happily a growing trend. And with nothing to go on in the etiquette books – it's always been the men doing the talking, after all – there are no set rules for mums to follow.

Are you supposed to invite mother of groom dress shopping? ›

So do you have to invite her along on your wedding dress search? The choice is really up to you. If you'd rather share this time with just your mom and, say, your sister, then do it. You can have a private moment with your fiancé's mom at the wedding if you want, before the ceremony begins.

What does the mother of the groom traditionally pay for? ›

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.

Does a mother of the groom walk down the aisle with her son? ›

He walks down the aisle escorted by his parents, with his father on his left and mother on his right. It is customary for the parents of the groom to stand with the couple under the chuppah, on the left side, for the duration of the ceremony.

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.

Who walks the mother of the groom out? ›

As the wedding begins, the groom's mother will be escorted down the aisle, to the first pew, right-hand side, by the head usher or a groomsman who is a family member. A nice touch includes the groom escorting his mother down the aisle. As the groom's mother is escorted to her seat, her husband will follow along behind.

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