Being the mother of the bride or groom can be one of the most exciting yet stressful moments in a woman’s life. Fortunately, dress norms are changing, and today’s mothers have more options than ever.
Start shopping well in advance to make the process of finding the perfect mother-of-the-bride dress easier. This will give you time to browse, try on different styles, and even make alterations if necessary.
Set a Budget
Once upon a time, moms were expected to wear matronly dresses in Easter egg pastels or washed-out shades of beige. Thankfully, this tradition isn’t necessarily in place anymore, and many moms can now freely express their sartorial style on their daughter’s big day.
When shopping for a mother-of-the-bride dress, setting a budget before heading out to shop is important. This will give you an idea of what styles are within your price range and help you avoid the disappointment of finding a dress that is too expensive.
It’s also a good idea to start shopping for a mother-of-the-bride dress well in advance so you can take your time and find the perfect gown. By starting your search early, you can compare prices, colors, and other details that can influence your decision. You’ll also have enough time to order a custom-made dress if necessary.
Choose Your Style
Looking for a Mother of the Bride dress can be as stressful as searching for the perfect wedding gown. Finding a style that flatters your shape and suits your taste is important. You’ll also want to consider current fashion trends, seasonal color palettes, and wedding formality.
It’s a good idea to start shopping for your dress at least six months in advance. This will give you enough time to find the perfect dress and allow for any necessary alterations.
When choosing your mom’s dress, you’ll want to coordinate with the bridesmaids’ dresses, but you don’t have to match them exactly. Instead, try to find a color that complements their dresses but doesn’t draw too much attention away from the bride. Neutrals are always a great choice; pastel colors like lavender or baby blue can be particularly flattering. If you’re looking for a pop of color, metallic styles are super chic and always on-trend.
Coordinate With the Bridesmaids’ Dresses
Although mother of the bride dresses doesn’t have to match the bridal party’s attire, it can be helpful to coordinate with the wedding color scheme when selecting your dress. This will ensure that you’ll be stylish and complement the wedding photos.
For example, if the bridesmaids wear burgundy gowns for the winter wedding, a mother-of-the-bride dress in burgundy could look stunning. Additionally, if the bridesmaids have chosen navy dresses for the spring wedding, a mother-of-the-bride dress with a cobalt blue sheen would be a great choice.
Add chic accessories to complete your look once you’ve found a dress that flatters your figure and fits the wedding theme. A pair of sleek heels, a stylish coat, or a clutch bag can quickly make you look frumpy to sophisticated! Lastly, remember to read customer reviews before making your purchase. This will give you a better idea of how the dress will fit in real life and help you avoid dresses that may seem too small or large in the pictures online.
Coordinate With the Wedding Theme
The bride may have a color in mind for both mothers, but she might also say, “Pick whatever suits you.” If she has a specific dress in mind, that’s the only shade she wants you to wear.
But if she doesn’t, try to pick a shade that coordinates with the wedding theme. For example, if the bridesmaids wear light pastel shades for a summer wedding, choose a cream, ivory, blush, or mauve color for the bride’s mother.
Similarly, if the bridesmaids have chosen jewel tones for their dresses, a sapphire blue outfit looks beautiful on the bride’s mother. And if the groomsmen are wearing navy, then mom could opt for a deep blue like emerald green or even a navy pantsuit. It will make for a cohesive photo look and add an extra touch of elegance to the event.
Find a Dress That Flatters Your Body Type
When choosing the right dress, it’s important to consider your body type. The perfect mother-of-the-bride dress should flatter your figure while highlighting your best features. For example, if you have an apple body shape, you should choose dresses with a lower waistline to balance your heavier upper body. Also, you can try dresses with sleeves or necklines that are slightly off the shoulder to elongate your torso.
In addition to considering your style, you should pay attention to color. While traditional mother-of-the-bride dresses tend to be neutral colors, it’s okay to experiment with bolder shades if that’s what suits you better.
Finally, remember to factor in alterations and fittings when determining the cost of your dress. A well-fitting dress can distinguish between looking just “OK” and drop-dead gorgeous! With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to find the perfect dress to complete your daughter’s wedding day look.
Complete Your Look
A metallic mom-of-the-bride dress is an excellent choice to add extra glamour. These dresses come in various colors and are great for achieving a chic, non-frumpy look. They’re also perfect for warmer-weather weddings, as they can be worn with a lightweight shawl for additional coverage and a touch of sophisticated style.
While traditional etiquette suggests that the mother of the bride and groom choose their outfits separately, you can open up the lines of communication with the other mother and share your options for the day. This will help you both stay in sync on issues like color coordinating, potential clashing, and level of formality. Plus, it’ll eliminate the chance of one mother being over or underdressed! For the best results, shop for your mom’s dress at least six to eight months before the wedding date. This will give you plenty of time for shipping and alteration.
