Mother’s Day, as we celebrate it today, started as a religious event. People in the UK traditionally returned to their ‘mother church’ on the fourth Sunday of Lent for a church service. The mother church was usually the local parish church where your Christening took place or the main church or cathedral in the area.

Many working-class people, such as domestic servants, were given the day off to visit church for the occasion, often with their own mothers and family. It was uncommon for entire families to have time off together, and they often celebrated accordingly. As the fourth Sunday in Lent usually falls in mid-spring, people would pick wildflowers to give to their mothers or place in the church. The day became known as Mothering Sunday.

Over time Mothering Sunday has evolved into Mother’s Day - a tradition of giving cards, gifts, and flowers and spending quality time with your mother. It’s an opportunity to say thank you for everything your mum has done for you.

One of the best ways to show your mum how much she means to you is with a heartfelt Mother’s Day message, whether that's in a card or alongside a bunch of flowers. This page will help you choose the perfect Mother’s Day messages for your mum this year.

Mother’s Day messages for all mothers

Every mum is different, but each is precious to us in our own way. Send her a classic declaration of love with one of these beautiful heartfelt messages.

• Happy Mother's Day to the best mum in the world! Have the most comfortable of days. You deserve it.

• Mum, you’re my best friend, and I'd be lost without you. Thanks for everything you do for me. I love you to the moon and back.

• Mum, I’m looking forward to seeing you soon and giving you a big hug. In the meantime, I hope that these flowers brighten your day.

• Happy Mother’s Day, Mum! You inspire me, and I can’t imagine life without you.

• Wishing you all the love in the world on Mother’s Day. Thanks for everything you do for the kids. They love you to bits.

Mother’s Day messages from daughters

As a daughter, mum is often the first person who inspires and guides you as you grow from a girl into a woman. Be sure to tell her how wonderful she is at teaching you important life lessons, providing a safe place when things go wrong and putting up with teenage tantrums!

• Thank you to the woman who taught me to be the best version of myself, who supports me and showers me with love. Happy Mother’s Day.

• Mum, thank you for your love and support each day and for being there for me through thick and thin.

• Thank you for being the most incredible Mum in the world. I feel so happy and proud to be your daughter.

• You are the most caring and loving person I know. Thanks for bringing me into this world and being there for me every day. I love you, Mum!

• Mum, what would I do without your wisdom, love and support? Thanks for everything you do for me. Happy Mother’s Day.

Mother’s Day messages from sons

Can’t find the words to say how special your mum is? Let her know how much she means to you and how her love has shaped you into the man you are today. These heartfelt Mother’s Day messages nestled in a bouquet of her favourite flowers are sure to do the trick.

• Mum, you are my biggest inspiration and influence. Thank you for everything you have done to support me and for making me the man I am now.

• Have a wonderful Mother's Day, Mum! I love you more than words can say!

• I am so blessed to have a Mum like you. Your unconditional love has shaped me into the man I am today. Happy Mother’s Day.

• Mum, I love you with all my heart. You mean so much to me. Wishing you a Happy Mother's Day!

• I don't say it often enough, but I love you, Mum. You’re the most important woman in my life and such an inspiration to me. Happy Mother's Day.

Mother’s Day messages for new mums

Being a new mum is an exciting new chapter in life, but adjusting to the sudden responsibilities of caring for a newborn can be tough. Telling her how much of a brilliant mother she already is and how much you believe in her is guaranteed to make her day. So, we've got some lovely messages to help you say exactly that.

• This is the beginning of a new, exciting journey through motherhood. Enjoy your very first Mother's Day!

• Thank you for our beautiful baby - the best gift you have ever given me. Happy Mother’s Day to a wonderful mummy.

• I'm so excited to share the journey of parenthood with my love and best friend. Happy first Mother's Day!

• Thank you for bringing our first child into the world – they are perfect. You are an amazing Mum. Have a wonderful Mother's Day!

• I'm so proud of you for bringing our baby into the world! You are an amazing wife, and I’m so excited to be on this journey with you. Happy first Mother's Day.

• Happy first Mother's Day! You’re already the best mum in the world to me.

Mother’s Day messages for Step-Mums

Step-Mums do a brilliant job of inspiring and mentoring us through the years, and they deserve Mother’s Day wishes too. Send her a message to tell her how much of a star she has been.

• To the best maternal figure I could ask for, Happy Mother’s Day. I love you, and I am proud you are a part of my life.

• We may not be related by blood, but you have always been like a mother to me.

• You are a part of who I am and having you by my side fills me with hope and happiness.

• To the best Step-Mum in the world, I am so happy you joined our family! Happy Mother's Day!

• Thank you for raising me, supporting me and being there for me through thick and thin. I’m so lucky to have you in my life. Have an amazing Mother’s Day!

• You are my best friend, and you'll always be. Thank you for guiding me through life and helping me become a better person.

Messages for a mum who is far away

Whether you live in different cities, countries or continents, it’s not always possible to see your mum on Mother’s Day. We've rounded up some messages that will go the distance this Mother's Day.

• I miss you, Mum. I can't wait to be reunited so we can celebrate properly. Have a wonderful Mother's Day, and thanks for everything!

• We might be apart, but you're still in my thoughts every day. I love you, Mum. Happy Mother's Day!

• No matter the physical distance between us, you’re always in my thoughts. Happy Mother's Day.

• Sending all my love from across the sea on Mother’s Day. Have a wonderful day, and we’ll see each other again soon.

Messages for someone who’s like a mother to you

Sometimes women in our lives are like a mother to us; A grandma, a teacher, an older sister, or a mother-in-law. Whether they care for us, mentor us, or are simply there when we need them, Mother's Day is the perfect time to show how much you love and appreciate them.

• Happy Mother's Day to the most amazing woman I know! You are just like a Mum to me!

• You've been like a Mum to me in so many ways. Have an amazing Mother's Day!

• I want to tell you how much you mean to me on Mother's Day. I am so glad you are a part of my life!

• You’ve been like a mother to me, and I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done for me. Happy Mother's Day.

• You mean more to me than I can say. I love you to bits and wish you a Happy Mother's Day!

Short and sweet Mother’s Day messages

Is your mum not one for gushing declarations of love? Keep it short and sweet, and let the flowers do the talking with these Mother’s Day wishes.

• You're a blessing to our family, Mum!

• Hugs and kisses, love you, Mum!

• Warmest Mother's Day Wishes!

• Thanks for all that you do for me!

• Lots of love. You are the best Mum!

• To the best Mum in the whole world!

Mother’s Day quotes

If you're stuck for words of your own, then borrow someone else's! Here are some of the best, most beautiful quotes from all sorts of people, ideal for adding a little sparkle to your Mother's Day card.

• "My mother is a walking miracle." – Leonardo DiCaprio

• "My mother, she is beautiful, softened at the edges, and tempered with a spine of steel. I want to grow old and be like her." – Jodi Picoult

• "Acceptance, tolerance, bravery, compassion. These are the things my mum taught me." – Lady Gaga

• "Mama was my greatest teacher, a teacher of compassion, love and fearlessness. If love is sweet as a flower, then my mother is that sweet flower of love." – Stevie Wonder

• "My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it." – Mark Twain

• "My mother taught me to be nice to everybody…She said, 'I want you to always remember that the person you are in this world is a reflection of the job I did as a mother'." – Jason Segel

• "It's a funny thing about mothers and fathers. Even when their own child is the most disgusting little blister you could ever imagine, they still think he or she is wonderful." – Roald Dahl

• "There's no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one." – Jill Churchill

• "I want my children to have all the things I couldn't afford. Then I want to move in with them." – Phyllis Diller

• "Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother." – Oprah Winfrey

• "A mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity. It dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path." – Agatha Christie

• "The natural state of motherhood is unselfishness." – Jessica Lange

• "A mother's love endures through all." – Washington Irving

• "A mother's arms are more comforting than anyone else's." – Princess Diana