Mothers and Daughters

Posted by brideblog

Posted: May 12, 2008 - 8:41 am

In honor of the Mother’s Day season, let’s spend some time honoring the mother of the bride. While it may not be the oldest profession or even the second oldest profession, the job of the “mother of the bride” might be one of the most prized roles in the wedding party, and one of the many high notes in the symphony of motherhood. It can also be The Mother of all mother/daughter bonding experiences, aside from her “baby havin’ a baby.”

Every mother wants her bride to be happy on that special wedding day, but everyone knows that if the mother of the bride isn’t happy, no one’s going to be happy…

So many emotions the mother must be feeling to see her daughter get married: excitement, joy, pride, nostalgia, mild anxiety maybe? and depending on the groom, relief?, grief?... All sorts of psycho-analytic opportunities. The mother of the groom is most likely riding the same emotional roller coaster. And yet, on the special day, mothers of the couple always look beautiful, calm and collected… how do they do it??!!...

The mother can sometimes be the voice of reason (emphasis on sometimes) during the wedding planning process. Take for example the story about Kelly and Duke. A follow up conversation with Kelly informed me that her mom talked her brother into waiting until next year when they could plan more, allow more time for friends and family to plan, and not steamroll forward to have the wedding this summer. It also allows extra time for Kelly's brother to smooth things over with his disapproving future father-in-law. Or at least consider not living in the same town as his future in-laws. Word to the Mom.

I feel very fortunate to be so close to my mom, even with 3,000 miles between us. I miss seeing her on a regular basis but can’t deny that the distance helped our relationship “grow up.” Due to family circumstances, I have asked my mom to walk me down the aisle. It’s not traditional, and I’m the first in my circle of friends and family to take this path. But things being what they are and all things being equal, I wouldn’t have it any other way. My mom and I were at dinner when I asked her. Tears, hugs, the whole thing, but it was a very special moment of decision, and I’m looking forward to having her at my side. I already know she’s going to look just beautiful, wearing an age-appropriate ensemble which we’ve already discussed.

Happy Mother’s Day Season… You moms do good work.

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