On your wedding day, your mom is one of the central figures in all of the festivities. Whether she is walking down the aisle at the ceremony or being introduced during the reception, she will definitely spend a lot of time in the spotlight. Not only that but your wedding photographer will no doubt want to capture plenty of pictures of her for your wedding album. To find the perfect mother-of-the-bride dress for your mom so that she can look and feel her best, try using these tips:
1. Discuss Your Plans For The Wedding
Chances are, your mom is probably already involved in the wedding planning process. Despite that, it can still be beneficial to talk to her about how you picture your wedding day. Discussing everything from how formal you want your wedding to be to the colors that you want can help her visualize your special day. To give her an idea of the overall style you are going for, try putting together inspirational photos on a special board on Pinterest. This can help her get a better idea of the style of dress that she should choose.
2. Don’t Wait Until The Last Minute
Shopping early is the best way to avoid any problems. Typically, the best time to start is about six months before your wedding. That way, your mom will have enough time to not only find a dress but also to have it altered. As an added bonus, you most likely will have already picked out your gown and the dresses for your bridal party by this point. This will make it easier for her to find a dress that will complement the others in your wedding party.
3. Keep Your Wedding Colors In Mind
There are a number of different options when it comes to the color of the mother of the bride outfit. One option is to have her choose a dress that is similar in color to the dresses that are being worn by your bridesmaids. For instance, if your bridesmaids have lilac dresses, your mom could choose a mauve gown. Ultimately, the dress that she chooses should coordinate with the colors of your wedding. Some options that are relatively safe include navy blue, blush, dark brown, metallic fabrics, or dresses in beautiful jewel tones. Although it isn’t totally necessary, you also may want to have her avoid buying a dress that is white or ivory. Black is also usually a poor choice for a wedding since it is traditionally associated with mourning. Colors like red may be a little bit too bright and eye-catching for your event. Of course, all of these rules can be broken. The best way to ensure that the color of the dress is appropriate is to talk about it together.
4. Put Some Thought Into The Style Of The Dress
Dresses for the mother of the bride or the mother of the groom don’t have to be matronly. Instead, you should look for a dress that is elegant and flattering. The style of dress depends a lot on the overall tone of your wedding. Cocktail dresses, formal gowns, sheath dresses, and suits are all appropriate choices. If there is a particular style that you prefer for your mom, discuss it with her. If she is opposed to that style or has something else in mind, the two of you can work together to find a suitable compromise. Remember – it is important for your mom to feel comfortable in her dress so that she can relax and enjoy your special day.
5. Choose A Dress That Is Practical and Appropriate
Whatever dress your mom chooses, it should be appropriate for both the season and the overall setting. For example, if you are planning a casual wedding on the beach, a full-length formal gown would most likely be overkill. Similarly, if you are having a low-key daytime wedding, she probably shouldn’t opt for a gown that is covered in sequins. Another thing that you need to keep in mind when deciding on a style is whether there are any cultural or religious issues that you need to think about. For instance, some religions require specific dress codes during the ceremony. Plan ahead so that she can cover up with a sweater, shawl, or jacket if needed.
6. Get Your Fiancé’s Mother Involved In The Process As Well
In the past, the mother of the bride was expected to choose her outfit first. Her outfit would then set the overall tone and style for the dress of the mother of the groom. These days, however, that tradition is a little bit outdated. Both women can choose whatever style of dress that they prefer. There are a few guidelines to keep in mind, however. For instance, the dresses shouldn’t clash with one another and they should be similar in terms of how formal they are. Try to get them together to talk about the overall style that they are going for. This can include everything from the length of the hemline to the color of the dress. Another option is to have them shop together. This can be a lot of fun if they enjoy each other’s company. Or, if you prefer, you can shop with each of them individually, planning a fun day out to help them choose their outfit. If they are both set on wearing the same color, try to choose slightly different shades of that color to keep them from perfectly matching one another.