Tips for Styling a Mother Of The Bride Dress

When some people think of mother-of-the-bride dresses, matronly looks come to mind in pastel or beige colors. Luckily times have changed and now moms can wear more fashionable-looking dresses. However, with more freedom, confusion about what to wear can become overwhelming. Not to worry — below are tips for styling a mother-of-the-bride dress to make you look and feel fabulous on your child’s big day!

Tips for Selecting a Mother-of-the-Bride Look

It’s important to follow the bride’s cues when it comes to color, style and dress code. If you are a mom currently searching for a Mother-of-the-Bride or Groom look, ask the couple for some guidelines and follow suit.

Complement the Wedding Party

Traditionally, the mother of the bride’s outfit shouldn’t necessarily match the wedding party but instead complement it. Preferably the mother of the bride should choose a dress in the same color family as the bridesmaids’ dresses. Examples of complementary colors are black, grey and silver or cobalt blue and navy. The most popular colors for mother-of-the-bride dresses are navy or royal blue, followed by blush or a shade of nude. It should be safe to say that white or other shades in that color family should be avoided unless the bride requests a certain shade. If you still aren’t quite sure which color to wear, ask the bride if she has any preferences.

Can You Wear Prints?

Yes, you can, as long as they are elegant, fine floral prints. Stay away from any design that will be too distracting in wedding photos. Patterns can be dated easily. If you want a print, make sure it’s a timeless option. Solids not for you but you don’t want a print? Go for something that has different textures instead.

Venue

As long as the bride approves, pretty much anything goes for mother-of-the-bride attire. However, it is important to pay attention to the venue and dress appropriately and accordingly. For example, what you wear to a beach wedding probably won’t be appropriate for a church wedding. Also, take into account weather and cultural or religious customs.

Plan Ahead

Moms should start searching for their dress no later than 3 months before the wedding, but preferably 6 months in advance. This allows enough time for special orders and alterations. Then you can figure out shoes, jewelry and also hair and makeup. It is also customary for the mother of the bride to buy her dress first and then share her choice before the mother of the groom buys her own. Another reason to get the dress early is that nothing will stress the couple more than finding out their parents haven’t picked out their outfits a couple of weeks before the wedding.

Modify Your Search Terms

When it comes to searching for your mother-of-the-bride dress, don’t type that into Google. The results you get will be limited. Instead, type in the kind of dress you are looking for along with the color. Typing in a style (short or long), sleeve length and color will show many more stylish dresses and options. For instance, if you are looking for a knee-length short-sleeved navy blue dress, type that in instead.

Highlight Your Assets

As a mother-of-the-bride, showing a lot of skin is a big no for a wedding, but that doesn’t mean you can’t draw attention to parts of your body you feel great about. If you have toned arms, pick a sleeveless dress. Find a belted dress to show off your waist. Or if you have amazing legs, pick a shorter knee-length dress or a gown with a tasteful slit. If you don’t know what your best asset is or you don’t feel comfortable showing anything off ,when in doubt, pick an A-line dress. A fitted bodice and a flared skirt are universally flattering on every body shape. Stick to silhouettes and fabrics that you’ve worn before. This is not the time to try something new and step outside the box. Don’t buy something you know you won’t feel comfortable in all day. Between the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception, you don’t want to have to worry about wearing something that you don’t feel comfortable in or that doesn’t fit properly.

Don’t forget the glam. Most times mothers often overlook themselves in favor of their children. Not only is it a big day for your daughter, but it is also a big day for you too! Don’t forget to get your hair and makeup done by a professional so you can look as elegant as you feel.