It’s the mother of the bride or groom’s job to look her best on her child’s wedding day. But it takes work!
Fortunately, many options are available to make you feel and look great. Follow these five style tips to find the perfect dress!
Look for a Shapely Silhouette
When shopping for mother-of-the-bride dresses, look for a silhouette that flatters your body type. A-line and fit-and-flare designs highlight your smaller top half while skimming over your hips and thighs. Hemlines that fall right below the knee will elongate your frame and slenderize your legs. Try a style with sleeves that hit at the elbow or just above the shoulder; these look less formal than full-length sleeves but still, give you a nice amount of coverage.
If you’re a plus-size mom, consider purchasing a dress with built-in shapewear. This will eliminate any extra pulling on the fabric in specific areas, create a smoothing effect, and help you feel more confident on your big day.
Check out this petite modern sheath dress for a mother-of-the-bride figure-flattering and on-trend dress. It features a V-neckline, faux wrap bodice, short flutter sleeves, and a floral print that covers the entire silhouette. Pair it with a stylish wrap and dainty earrings for a sophisticated and versatile look that works well at casual and formal weddings.
Choose Your Colors Wisely
The color of mother of the bride dresses will significantly impact your overall look. Choosing a color that complements your skin tone and matches the wedding theme or season is essential. For instance, a rich sapphire blue outfit would look fabulous at a winter wedding, while a frosty pink or ice blue shade would pair perfectly with an outdoor summer affair.
It would help if you also considered the bride’s choice of colors for her bridal party when choosing your outfit. While matching the bridesmaids is unnecessary, some mothers prefer a cohesive aesthetic with their daughter’s bridal party.
Ultimately, it all comes down to what your daughter wants. If she prefers that you wear a particular shade, then, by all means, do so! However, don’t force a color that you don’t like or feel comfortable in. It’s your special day, and you deserve to be happy with your appearance. It’s also a good idea to consult with her before shopping so that you don’t end up with a dress that clashes with her vision.
Don’t Forget About Comfort
Even the most flattering mother-of-the-bride dress can still look frumpy if uncomfortable. This is especially true if you’re wearing a gown that’s too tight or clings to your body in ways that aren’t comfortable. Look for a style with looser, flowing fabric to help you feel confident and comfortable.
Similarly, it would help if you avoided dresses that are too short for the occasion. For example, if your daughter’s wedding takes place outdoors, you should avoid wearing a mini-dress that will get caught on branches or leaves as you walk down the aisle.
It’s essential to remember that the bride wants you to be happy with your look, too. While it’s OK to offer suggestions about colors, silhouettes, and formality, Coleman says that micro-managing the bride’s wardrobe can come off as controlling. Instead, try to open up a line of communication with her early on in the process. This way, she’ll be more receptive to your input when purchasing her dress.
Don’t Ignore Your Mother’s Requests
Once upon a time, brides’ moms were expected to wear matronly dresses in Easter egg pastels or washed-out shades of beige. Certified etiquette coach Carolyn Powers says it’s up to the mother of the bride or groom to select a dress that fits her style and complements the wedding aesthetic.
Depending on the season, some mothers prefer wearing lighter chiffon or lace dresses for springtime events. At the same time, others love to go with a floral print or pastel shade for summertime weddings. For fall or winter weddings, heavier fabrics like velvet and wool are more appropriate, while rich colors such as burgundy, scarlet, and crimson make stunning options for a mother-of-the-bride dress.
When choosing a mother of the bride or groom dress, the best thing you can do is ask your daughter or son what they’d like to see you wear on their special day. Then, choose a look that makes you feel confident and happy with your choice. That way, you can focus on enjoying the celebration and celebrating your child’s significant milestone with them!
Don’t Overdo It
Traditionally, the bride’s mother chooses her dress first and then communicates it to the groom’s mother so that both women select attire of similar formality in harmonious colors. However, it’s not essential to match gowns unless the bride wants you to, and in any case, it’s best to make your decision sooner rather than later so that you can secure your dress with plenty of time for alterations (should you need them).
A shawl or blazer can help keep you warm for winter weddings, while spring and summer weddings call for dresses with floral prints or pastel hues. Sleeveless options are also famous for mothers of the bride and groom, but capped or full-length sleeves may be preferable for those who want coverage.
Whatever style you choose, remember that confidence is the most essential accessory. When you feel like your most confident self, your beauty convoy will shine through and complement the stunning bride. And that’s what everyone wants to see!