Mother’s Day is on March 27, and after the past couple of pandemic years, we could all use an excuse to make a fuss over Mum. For a while, having everyone in the same venue was but a distant memory. But this isn’t the case anymore, with in-person events making a comeback in 2022.

As an event creator, Mother’s Day gives you the perfect opportunity to organise events for mums where people can truly celebrate that re-connection. And since we’re as excited as you are about the return of in-person events, we’ve come up with some great ideas to help your eventgoers show their appreciation.

How do I organise a Mother’s Day event?

Thinking about your audience is a good place to start. By their very nature, Mother’s Day events should focus on mums and motherhood, but these words can mean different things to different people. Your event can reflect that. It’s a good idea to think more broadly about the caregivers in our society – they include biological mothers, stepmothers, adopted mothers, foster mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunties, single mothers, and mothers from a same-sex partnership – so you need to think inclusively.

Hosting free Mother’s Day events is a wonderful way of bringing your whole community together. As always, make sure everyone can physically access your event and that cultural diversity is respected – accessible and inclusive events mean no one is left out, gaining you credibility as a responsible event planner.

Most COVID-19 restrictions have now been lifted, but as an event organiser, you can still be mindful. Measures such as allowing for safe distancing or providing hand sanitation stations and good ventilation help keep everyone safe. Some people may still be unable to attend in-person events, so adding a hybrid element to your event ensures equal access for your virtual guests.

Since Mother’s Day is a great opportunity to plan community-style events, you could consider working with local businesses or partnering with local craftspeople. It’s a way of enhancing the quality of your event and can help to benefit the wider community. People are keen to reunite after lockdown, so, when hosting a Mother’s Day event, let it reflect that by celebrating every mum in your diverse local community.

With all that in mind, we’ve come up with lots of Mother’s Day event ideas that can be adapted to ensure that your attendees have the best experience.

Unique ways to celebrate Mother’s Day

Now that in-person events are a reality again, you can start getting creative. There are many different types of events you can host to celebrate Mother’s Day – here’s a selection to get you thinking.

1. Cookery or bakery masterclass

A cookery or bakery demonstration is a great opportunity to learn new recipes, techniques and sample the results. Invite local experts to provide a masterclass, like The Dusty Knuckle Bakery with its bread-making workshop. Or, you could base your theme around a specific cuisine to make your class stand out.

2. Afternoon tea

Afternoon tea is the perfect treat. Follow the example of Biggin Hill Memorial Museum and serve your sandwiches and scones with a glass of Prosecco.

3. Mother’s Day brunch

Brunch has become more popular than ever. Depending on your guests, bottomless brunch is even better. Radisson RED is taking it a step further with a three-course brunch and classic tunes from down the decades.

4. Farmers market

Whether indoors or outdoors, farmers markets can be a great way to showcase local produce and for mums to pick up a few treats. Make sure there are lots of tasty snacks to sample, too

5. Pop-up shops and displays

Give businesses the chance to tempt your guests by showcasing their products. Local shops selling clothes, jewellery and crafts all work well here.

6. Wine tasting

Wine or fizz tasting events naturally lend themselves to Mother’s Day. Harvey Nichols has organised a Kylie Minogue wine tasting event especially aimed at mums, for example. It would be rude not to have some cheese to sample as well.

7. Whisky tasting

For mums who prefer whisky, why not organise a whisky tasting event like WHISKI Rooms Shop?

8. Cocktail class

Time to dust off those cocktail shakers. Invite a mixologist to teach your guests the latest cocktail recipes.

9. Gin making

Flavoured gins are all the rage. Provide tasters and recipes, or better still, partner with a local distillery to run a gin-making class.

10. Foods from around the world

To celebrate different cultures, invite local suppliers to run food stalls. Negotiate so that Mum gets a special treat.

11. Flower arranging

Spring is in the air and nothing says Mother’s Day like fresh-cut flowers. Work with your local garden centre to give a demonstration where every mum gets a discounted plant or packet of seeds.

12. Gardening masterclass

In the same way, organise a gardening masterclass with an expert on hand to give mums useful tips and advice.

13. Pottery painting

Pottery painting is a lovely way to get the whole family involved. The price of the ticket can include decorating an item of pottery to take home.

14. Painting class

A painting class gives attendees the chance to have fun and get creative. Shine Events is hosting a Mother’s Day sip-and-paint event, including a freestyle art session and complimentary cupcake.

15. Soap or candle-making class

Scented candles and soap make treasured gifts. Provide an instructor and all the ingredients for this relaxing activity. Combining it with lunch makes the day extra special.

16. Pamper sessions

Mums definitely deserve some downtime, and who doesn’t enjoy a spot of pampering? Work with local businesses to provide pampering treats like pedicures and manicures, make-up classes or massages.

17. Dance workshops

Give mothers the chance to learn a few new moves and have a few giggles with the help of an instructor and a local venue.

18. Keep-fit class

For mums who prefer the more active approach to blowing off steam, host an exercise class. Aerobics, step, Zumba? Think about what your guests might prefer, recruit local instructors, and then turn up the volume.

19. Film screening

Watching a movie together is a bonding experience. Screen a movie that resonates with your audience. Popcorn and hot dogs are optional.

20. Karaoke

Give mums the opportunity to take centre stage, whether that’s in-person or at home. An old-fashioned sing-a-long is a crowd-pleaser, too.

Create special Mother’s Day experiences at home with virtual events

You want your event to be accessible to everyone – with this in mind, virtual or hybrid events still have their place. Many of the in-person events can be adapted to accommodate your virtual guests, but here are a few more ways to get them involved.

21. Virtual brunch

Prior to the event, send a list of tasty recipes and liaise with local businesses for concessions on ingredients. Or follow Smeg UK’s lead and organise an online cookery demonstration aimed at making Mum breakfast in bed.

22. Chocolate masterclass

Chocolate and Mother’s Day are a natural pairing. Take inspiration from Seed Chocolate‘s evening of chocolate escapism. Attendees get free samples of chocolate and a printed score sheet.

23. Beauty masterclass

Host an online class with hair and make-up tips for mums across all age groups. Free samples always go down well.

24. Fashion tips

Invite local businesses to give fashion advice and tips on the latest trends. Livestream a fashion show with your virtual guests getting a front-row seat.

25. Flower fun

Flowers can be celebrated online, too. Rose & Rhubarb have an evening dedicated to the art of making gift bouquets. Floral kits are delivered to participants’ doors before the event.

26. Expert speakers

Whether it’s a local historian or an intrepid traveller, listening to a passionate speaker brings virtual attendees on the journey without having to leave their living room.

27. Literary event

Reading is the perfect way for mums to get time to themselves. Invite an author to read to guests or host a book-appreciation event.

28. Virtual concert

Livestream local musicians or singers to bring the community together around mums. RESOUND Choir is hosting its free online Joy! concert to welcome spring.

29. Online quiz

Theme your quiz around mums or influential women. Think of fun prizes for the winners or pledge to make a donation to a chosen charity.

30. Virtual relaxation session

Invite mums to partake of some gentle relaxation or mindfulness in the comfort of their own home. Partner with an instructor who can lead the session and give useful relaxation tips. Providing goodies like scented candles or essential oils helps to set the scene.

31. Yoga class

Led by a yoga teacher, teach your guests how to master the moves and breathing that bring inner peace.

32. Virtual exercise class

Livestream a session where mums can work out together. Remember to cater for all abilities and include a cooldown.

33. Jewellery-making class

Jewellery is a way for mums to treat themselves or for others to make them something special. Send attendees the materials needed and help them get creative.

34. Virtual photographic exhibition

Choose a topic you know your guests will enjoy. Better still, ask them to send in photographs and stage an online exhibition.

Planning a Mother’s Day event?

Mother’s Day is a special time for families to celebrate. Sign up to Eventbrite and let us help you stage perfect Mother’s Day events.