Choosing an outfit that’s suitable for the mother of the bride is a balancing act. On the one hand, you want something special, but on the other, you don’t want the mother to outshine the bride herself.
If you are struggling with this conundrum, this post can help. We look at some of the principles for choosing the perfect outfit for the bride’s mother so you can rock on with your wedding with confidence. Here’s everything you need to know:
Complement The Bride’s Dress
You don’t want to wind up in a situation where the bride and her mother are competing for sartorial glory. Therefore, think more in terms of complementarity when choosing dresses. Both should work together, particularly if you plan on having lots of photos taken.
In general, avoid ivory or whites. These shades can cast a shadow on the bride herself (if traditionally dressed). Also, look for garments that add embellishments that you wouldn’t typically see in bridal wear, such as rich pastels or metallics. These elements can help the bride’s mother blend more into the background, preventing her from sticking out too much during the ceremony or at the reception.
Choose A Comfortable Fit
Next, you’ll want to choose a comfortable fit for the mother of the bride’s outfit. Buying something too skin-tight could leave her feeling uncomfortable throughout the day.
Ideally, the dress should let her move freely throughout the ceremony and when getting in and out of vehicles. It shouldn’t be a struggle to walk without ripping the seams.
You also want to opt for a breathable fabric, particularly in the summer. Getting something that can reduce the amount of sweat can make warm wedding days more comfortable.
Lastly for this section, it is worth making a note of the style the bride’s mother likes wearing. Giving her the confidence to shine is essential for making the big day enjoyable for her.
The Wedding Shop lists the various styles of mother-of-bride outfits available. Check with her first which she likes before making any final decisions.
Accessorize The Wisely
You also want to accessorize the mother-of-bride’s outfit carefully. Ensuring you give it personality but contrast it with that of the bride herself is essential.
The easiest way to do this is to focus more on adding color instead of neutrals, just like the dress. You want her to pop and sparkle because it is a joyous occasion, but also still respect the bride’s outfit. Therefore, don’t go over the top, and choose more rubies, and emeralds for the jewelry, instead of diamonds and silver.
Consider The Time of Day
Finally, it is essential to consider the time of day when trying to select the perfect outfit for the bride’s mother. You want something that she will be comfortable in and is appropriate for the occasion.
Clearly, if the wedding reception is in the evening, you’ll want to choose a long, flowing gown. Likewise, if it is in the morning, you might want something more appropriate for bright sunshine.