A good mother knows her sense of style, and if she respects the bride’s opinion while keeping to appropriate traditions, she can rock any mother-of-the-bride dress.
She can even opt for a pantsuit or jumpsuit if that feels more natural. Remember to add a shawl or pashmina for removable coverage.
Style
As the bride’s mother, it’s essential to remember that the entire bridal party will wear matching outfits, so it’s a good idea to consider that when shopping for your ensemble. That being said, etiquette allows for some flexibility when it comes to mother of the bride attire, and in most cases, the couple will be able to guide you in what is appropriate for their wedding day.
Mothers looking for an on-trend, stylish yet non-frumpy option will want to consider dresses with a more fitted silhouette or figure-hugging style. The flattering sheer flutter sleeves and beaded embellishments add the proper glamour for an evening event.
A sleek pantsuit or jumpsuit might be the best fit for a more casual mother of the bride outfit. The wide variety of colors and fabrics available make this option an excellent choice for any season or theme, and there are plenty of chic styles to choose fromโwe’re currently head-over-heels for this textured style with beaded floral appliquรฉs.
While there are no steadfast rules when choosing attire, many brides appreciate their mothers keeping their outfits simple and elegant to not compete with the bridal gown. Having an honest conversation about this with the bride early in the process will help ensure that everyone’s expectations are aligned and that the bride’s mother can feel comfortable and confident in her chosen outfit on her daughter’s big day.
Length
While it’s not a requirement, most mothers prefer to wear long dresses or gowns at weddings. This is mainly because they feel it creates a more formal and sophisticated look, which is especially important in photos. However, a short dress or pantsuit is also perfectly acceptable and can be equally elegant.
When looking for a mother of the bride outfit, it’s best to wait until your daughter has chosen her bridesmaids’ dresses. This way, you can select a color that complements the bridesmaids’ dresses. Alternatively, ask her for a fabric swatch of the color you’re interested in wearing and take it with you when shopping. This will help you find a matching shade more easily.
It’s advisable to avoid patterns that are too loud or currently in fashion. They can look dated in photos years later, so it’s best to stick with a classic floral print or a simple solid.
If you’re looking for a dress or pantsuit that is both fashionable and age-appropriate, visit a boutique store. You can receive more personalized attention from them, and they will ensure that your outfit fits perfectly. Additionally, you can seek their advice on the best accessories to pair with your new outfit and how to style it.
Fabric
Traditionally, mothers of the bride are encouraged to choose outfits that match or pleasantly contrast with the bridal party attire. This helps ensure a cohesive look for the wedding pictures, but the mothers don’t need to be restricted to white or ivory hues. The modern mother can opt for a dress in a similar color to the bridal gown or even a more muted shade, such as burgundy.
The fabric of the outfit is essential as well. The clothing should be both comfortable and suitable for the event. For example, you should avoid dresses made from stiff, scratchy fabrics or those with a lot of embellishment.
Depending on the climate where the wedding is taking place, mothers may consider adding a shawl or pashmina to their ensemble. This is especially true if they’re wearing a dress in a color that’s not the same as the bridesmaids’ dresses. In these cases, the mother can use the shawl to add a pop of color or warmth. The mother-of-the-bride can pair her dress with a chiffon kimono or bolero for a more elegant, trendy look.
Coverage
The mother of the bride or groom holds a unique role in the wedding party. She plays a huge role in planning and deserves to be considered her best on her daughter’s big day. While some mothers may feel that they must dress up too much, many ways exist to achieve a sophisticated and elegant look without going over the top. The key is to keep the attention on the bride and not distract her with too much bling or a flashy gown.
It’s on trend for the mother to match her bride’s dress, but it’s essential that she appropriately does this and compliments rather than copies. A softer shade of the same color works well, as do darker shades in the same family.
As you shop for your formal outfit, remember it should be comfortable. The wedding day will be long and busy, so avoid spending it with your arms or legs stuck in tight straps. It would be best to avoid any dresses that are too tight or pulled at the wrong place. Selecting a fabric suitable for the current season and enhancing your skin tone is also essential. For example, warm skin tones work best with yellows, golds, oranges, and corals, while cool skin tones can be enhanced by shades of green, blues, or frosty pinks.
