What are some ways to cope with post-wedding depression in the mother of the bride?

Post-wedding low mood is common for parents, especially the mother of the bride, because so much planning and emotion has been poured into one day. The sudden quiet can feel empty. Start by naming it kindly. Say something like, "It's normal to feel flat after all that excitement." That validation helps more than you might think.

Keep her connected to the wedding after the event. Ask her to help you write thank-you cards, sort photos, or return hired items. That gives her a gentle role and a reason to stay involved. Arrange a few casual dates, like a lunch or a walk, where the wedding is a happy topic, not a closed chapter.

Encourage her to share her favourite moments. Look through the album together, or watch a short video of the speeches. You could also suggest she writes a little diary of her memories, which can turn sadness into gratitude.

If her low mood persists for more than a few weeks, or she stops eating, sleeping or seeing friends, encourage her to visit her GP. Depression is treatable, and there is no shame in asking for help. Remind her that your marriage is the start of a new chapter for your whole family, not the end of something.