Many people think of the mother of the bride's entrance as being a big part of the ceremony. But the truth is, it's not a ceremonial entrance at all. What do you think? Here's my reasoning.
The MOB gets escorted to her seat because in a well-run formal wedding, all female guests should be escorted to their seats by an usher, even if they arrive with their husband or another male. And since the MOB is hostess -- therefore working to make sure all her guests are settled -- she is seated last.
I think it just seems more ceremonial because everyone else is seated, and waiting, and because they know that her arrival means things are about to begin. It seems like it's part of the processional, instead of prelude to it. And that has led people to invent rituals like the seating of the groom's mother, and even the seating of the grandparents.
None of these are traditional, and none of them require special music. These elders can be honored with front- and second-row seats, corsages, a mention in the program, and your undying affection. But when they arrive, they should be seated promptly, not left hanging around in the back waiting to go in. And, creating more pomp and circumstance may simply bog down the start of the ceremony.
Yet, people do these grand entrances anyway -- and family members by now may expect them, and be hurt if the ceremonial aspect is omitted. (And lots of online sources list the "order of events" to include fancy entrances for grandparents and parents.)
What's your plan for the seating of parents and grandparents?
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From: Ray | 5/11/10 at 12:33 pm
I definitely plan on including them in the processional with music. They are hugely important in our lives and deserve a little 'shine.' Not to mention, they are paying for it! lol