Mother Etiquette

It is not an absolute rule that the groom's mother be invited to the bridal celebration. In current times it is generally understood that a bride wants to party with her friends on her last night out, although it is considered polite to invite both mothers if the bride's mother has been invited to come along.

One way to side-step the issue is to organize a compromise, such as a two-part bachelorette party that invites mothers for the dinner but leaves them behind when the serious partying behind. Another option is for the bride to invite her own and the groom's mother for an afternoon tea, where the three ladies can get to know each other better in a comfortable environment.