It is crucial that the mother of the bride feels comfortable. She should avoid choosing dresses in which she will be too constricted or shoes that will ache her feet before the reception.
It is good practice to start shopping for the mother of the bride’s dress about six months before the wedding date. This will give her plenty of time for alterations.
Color
While the bride’s dress should be the main focus, the mother of the bride’s attire also deserves some attention. The dress’s color should match the season and the wedding theme or colors. For example, a short cocktail dress in bright yellow is not appropriate for a winter wedding.
Traditionally, mothers of the bride wear neutral colors that are understated and won’t compete with the brightness of the wedding gown. Cream, ivory, blush, beige, and taupe are great options for a mother-of-the-bride dress. However, try pastels like lavender, baby blue, or soft pink to add warmth and contrast. These dresses are perfect for spring and summer weddings, as they are light, airy and bring a cheerful glow to the bride’s big day. Jewel tones are another popular option as the mom of the bride attire. Red dresses are stunning and look elegant for fall and winter weddings. However, it is best to run your chosen shade with the couple and ensure it complements the bride’s dress and any other bridal party members’ outfits.
Some brides want their mothers to match their looks, while others are happy for the MOB and MOG to choose whatever they feel most comfortable wearing. The latter scenario is okay, but asking the couple for a clear picture of their wedding vision and the tone they want to set on their big day is important.
Length
Traditionally, the mother-of-the-bride dresses should match in length those worn by the groom’s mothers. This will create a harmonious look in wedding pictures and is a good way to make everyone feel included. However, this is not an absolute rule, and the moms may choose a different dress length for their reasons. This might include whether their children are wearing short or long dresses, the time of day and season of the wedding, or the theme and setting of the event.
Moms should also consider the areas of their figure they want to highlight and look for a gown that showcases those features. For instance, some moms like to show off their legs in a knee-length gown or short dress, while others prefer a longer style. Similarly, some moms might love the look of high necklines, while others favor cap sleeves, off-shoulder, or cold-shoulder styles. Other embellishment options can also help moms decide what look they want. For example, lace and beading add formality to a dress, while sequins and beading can be more playful for an evening wedding.
Style
It’s also a good idea for mothers to talk with the bride about her wedding vision. This can help them determine if she prefers matching her mom and the other mothers or wants to stand out in photos subtly. Moms should avoid attention-grabbing colors that might steal the spotlight from their daughters on their special day. For example, if the bride’s mother has a warm skin tone, she should avoid yellow and red shades and opt for warmer hues like gold, amber, coral, or peach. Cooler skin tones can opt for frosty pink, ice blue, and lavender shades.
It’s also a good idea for the bride and groom to facilitate discussions between the moms to discuss outfit ideas and prevent faux pas from being immortalized in wedding photos. And, while it is not traditional for the MOB and the MOG to wear complementary colors, they should discuss their color choices in advance, especially if the bride would prefer matched outfits for photos.
Comfort
Whether she’s dancing the night away or relaxing in her front pew, mom should be comfortable on her daughter’s big day. If she’s uncomfortable, her nerves will show through in her demeanor, which is never good for the bride and groom.
The bride’s mother must look stunning and feel comfortable in her dress. Avoid anything too tight or figure-hugging, and steer clear of anything overly short or saggy. These dresses may look great in the store but won’t be flattering in photos. The traditional lace sheaths don’t box in mothers of the bride; today’s mothers can choose from a wide range of styles that suit their personalities and fit the tone of the wedding. When in doubt, ask the bride what she envisions for her mom’s attire; if she’s looking for a particular color or style, it’s essential to keep that in mind as you shop.
According to experts, some moms like to match their outfits with the bridesmaids’ colors, but this is only sometimes necessary. Instead, the best idea is to wait until the bridesmaids have chosen their dresses. This will make finding a matching hue for the bride’s mother much easier. If you need more clarification on the shade, ask your daughter to send a swatch or fabric sample, which will be helpful when searching for the perfect dress.
