Mothers of the Bride (and the groom) play a pretty important role in planning the wedding. They are there to offer suggestions, comfort the bride when she’s super stressed, and make everything work out the way they’re supposed to. It’s just what they do, right?
With all the hard work she’s put in, not to mention all the wedding pictures she’ll be in, it’s super important that the Mother of the Bride (MOB) look good. Actually, she should look great, just not too great.
Picking out the perfect MOB dress can certainly be tricky. The MOB should look and feel great on the big day, but it’s uber-important that she not upstage the bride—not always an easy task. It’s always best to see what the bride thinks of her mother’s dress before the wedding bells ring, but these four tips will keep the MOB from making any huge mistakes in picking out her duds:
- Don’t Wear White: This one requires little explanation. The MOB (and anyone else) should never, ever, (ever) wear white unless the bride specifically asks her to. Which she won’t, so just don’t do it. Never. (Ever.)
- Collaborate with the Mother of the Groom: Traditionally the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom wear similar colors, if they can agree. It is at least worth talking about so they don’t clash horribly.
- Consider the Formality of the Wedding: The MOB shouldn’t wear a casual sundress to a black tie wedding. This tip is pretty much common sense.
- Think of the Wedding Colors: Though the MOB probably won’t be donning the same colors as the wedding party (though she could), she should remember she’ll be posing in a LOT of pictures. She should take care to select a color and style that won’t clash with everyone else’s attire.
In essence, the MOB’s attire should be classy, elegant, and stylish, but it shouldn’t outdo the bride’s efforts. There’s a fine line of what looks great and what looks too great, but if she’s careful she’ll find the perfect dress that she and her daughter will both love!
January 14, 2008
My mom wore a beautiful dark purple dress, which was one of my colors. Definitely no white though, too distracting from the bride
January 19, 2008
As an owner of a bridal online store, specializing in mother of the bride and groom dresses (www.audreysmotherofthebride.com), you did write a very interesting article on what the mother of the bride should wear.
However, I have a suggestion and that is for MOBs and MOGs to shop early. There is already so much work to be done and the mothers almost always shop late and find that she cannot find something to wear as every other MOB has the same idea. Quite a few dresses are 8-12 weeks of waiting time. Do not add more stress and worry, shop early!
January 19, 2008
That’s definitely good advice Audrey! I’m sure you see it more than anyone, but the MOB and MOG want to look their best too. Considering how much time the bride gives herself to find the perfect dress for her and her bridesmaids, the MOB and MOG should definitely plan early as well!