Although it's the bride and groom's special day, the mothers of the pair still play a significant role in the wedding ceremony. These attendees celebrate the union of their children after years of caring for them. They can also assist with wedding planning by providing input on the decorations, attending wedding dress fittings, or helping out when their kids need them most.
While they may not be formal members of the bridal party, the mothers of the bride and groom can implement small designs in their dresses to coordinate with their son or daughter. Whether it's the dress color or a small accessory, find out how to match the wedding theme and your children with these fashion tips.
Understanding the Wedding Theme
Pick out the right dress for the occasion by keeping the wedding theme in mind. The wedding theme revolves around the color palette, d cor, and the attire of everyone involved. Whether it's a rustic barn wedding or a glamorous ballroom affair, the theme should guide dress choices.
Colors and Patterns
The wedding colors for the venue and d cor stand out during the ceremony or the reception. Complement your dress to the arrangement flower or other colors used as d cor throughout the venue.
Patterns can also be playful yet elegant, depending on the event's formality. For instance, floral prints might suit a garden wedding, while intricate lace could be ideal for a more formal setting. Ask about the attire for the other attendees to stay on theme for the wedding day.
Venue Considerations
The venue can also be an important factor for your wedding dress. Outdoor settings may require lighter, breathable fabrics, whereas indoor venues might allow for more structured materials. Choose a dress style that you can wear comfortably during for both the ceremony and the reception.
Choosing the Right Silhouette
The mother of the bride or groom should wear a dress that is beautiful and extravagant without compromising on comfort. Look for a dress that matches your body type and style by determining the right silhouette for you.
Body Types and Flattering Fits
Before you browse the entire catalog of dresses, decipher which designs would best fit your body type. For instance, A-line dresses can be universally flattering, while empire waistlines can accentuate the bust and gracefully drape over the midsection. Choose the right length of the torso and skirt and make any necessary alterations before the big day.
Comfort Is Key
Unfortunately, some dresses that flatter your body type may be uncomfortable to wear for hours. Don't restrict your movement during the wedding—pick out a dress with comfortable and breathable fabric that allows for easy movement. After all, the mothers will be mingling, dancing, and celebrating throughout the event.
Along with mobility, consider dressing for the weather of the wedding. For example, dresses made from organic materials like silk and cotton are stretchy and comfortable, but silk is a lightweight fabric compared to cotton. Consider wearing a cotton dress for weddings in colder months and a silk dress for summer.
Balancing Formality and Personal Style
A formal event doesn't mean you must put aside your personal style. Wear a dress that is both on theme and represents your personality. Whether it's a sophisticated sheath or a romantic flowing gown, make sure it's one that makes you feel confident.
Coordinating With the Bridal Party
In a traditional wedding, the bride and groom will likely assign specific colors and styles for the bridal party. In these situations, many attendees will wear something different from the bridal party's color palette to help the party stand out. The mother of the bride and groom, however, could also wear the bridal party colors if that's what the bride and groom prefer.
Before making a final decision on your dress, determine if you want to coordinate with the bridal party or not. If matching is the plan, follow these tips for complementing their styles without outshining the bridal party.
Communication Is Crucial
Engage in open discussions with the bride, groom, and bridal party to see what color schemes they plan to wear for the wedding. Ask about the vision the bride and groom have with their bridal party and consult them for suggestions in color and style. These conversations will help avoid potential conflicts and create a cohesive look.
Complementing, Not Matching
Unless decided otherwise, the goal is to complement the bridal party, not match them exactly. If the bride and groom handpick the outfits for the bridal party, it's important to respect their boundaries and coordinate with the colors closely. Find similar tones or design elements to subtly coordinate with the bridal party without overshadowing the event.
Timing and Availability
Start shopping for your mother of the bride or groom's dress early to make time for adjustments or alterations. Find out if you can join the bridal party at their dress fitting appointments to determine what kind of style they're looking for. This engagement will help you alter your dress to fit your personal needs while also being mindful of the bride and groom's vision.
Accessorizing the Dress
If you want to stray away from the major components of the color schemes, try matching accessories to the bride and groom. From jewelry to shoes, you can choose from an array of complementary accessories that tie an outfit together and pertain to the overall theme. Explore your options to coordinate your mother of the bride or groom dress with these embellishments.
Choosing the Right Jewelry
If you want to match the bride's jewelry or the groom's accessories, adorn something similar in your wedding outfit. Ask if they are wearing gold or silver jewelry in their outfits, complement the style with your own necklace, bracelet, or earrings. Aligning the jewelry colors with the wedding palette or the groom's attire can add a touch of sparkle without overwhelming the bride and groom.
Selecting Stylish Footwear
Wearing comfortable shoes is important at weddings where you'll spend most of the time on your feet. Especially for mothers of the groom, keep heel height in mind as you walk your child down the aisle. Coordinate your shoes to your outfit without hindering your movement so that you can stand, walk, and dance in style.
Adding the Perfect Handbag
Hold your belongings in a handbag that works as a practical and stylish accessory. These handbags could complement the subtle embellishments on the wedding dress by using similar sequins or embroidery. Find ways to incorporate the bride and groom into your outfit so that you can showcase your role in the wedding without drawing too much attention away from the newlyweds.
If you're ready to find your own formal mother of the bride dress, browse our selection of dresses at Alexandra's Boutique. As the mother of the bride or groom, tailor and accessorize your dress to celebrate the couple and their accomplishments. Coordinate with the bridal party and personalize your dress to remain in theme for the wedding while showcasing your personal style.