All too often the mother of the groom doesn’t have a role to play in the ceremony and yet she has played a big part in the upbringing of the groom. I was unexpectedly included in the ceremony when the celebrant chosen by my son and daughter-in-law to be suddenly took ill just as the ceremony began. I stepped in and carried on to complete the ceremony. Of course this is a highly unusual and not a way I ever envisaged that I would be included in my sons ceremony. For a less dramatic inclusion, here are a few ways to include the Mother-of-the-Groom.

A reading : providing MoG is confident to be able to step up and engage in public speaking, this would be an appropriate way to include her

Stand by the groom whilst he waits for his bride to arrive ; this is a particularly special touch

Signing of the register ; there is no hard and fast rule (other than the witnesses must be over the age of 18) as to whom signs the register, so to have both mums witness this significant part of the ceremony is a special role for the day and it’s on paper.

Presenter of the rings ; allowing MoG to be the ring bearer can address a fear of public speaking

Walking down the aisle with the Groom - why not have parents escort the Groom to the Celebrant just prior to the Bride arriving