Mother of the Bride Dresses

Your little girl is all grown up, and now she's getting married. Don't you want everyone at the wedding to know where she gets her fabulous sense of style and good taste from? Mother of the bride dresses have come a long way from the stuffy numbers in style decades ago. Today's moms are strutting their stuff, looking great and feeling glamorous on their daughters' wedding days. A little legwork (or mousework!) can go a long way -- start early so you don't have to worry about your outfit as the big day draws near!  

As the mother of the bride, you have a lot of responsibilities -- and I'm not talking about writing checks. You have to look great for celebrating your daughter's special day. This means selecting the perfect attire. What exactly does that mean?

• "Perfect" is something both comfortable and figure flattering.
• It is also something that complements the color scheme of the wedding.
• It is colored to not clash with the wedding gown  or bridesmaid dresses. 
• It is tasteful and not gaudy or frumpy.
• It is something that expresses the formality and tone of the wedding without upstaging the bride.

Achieving all of these things is not a hard task as long as you start planning ahead of time. Too many mothers have procrastinated to the point of scrounging around for a dress  just weeks before the wedding. Not choosing a dress early enough may affect everyone's planning. Your daughter is expecting you to tastefully represent her on her wedding day. The mother of the groom can't start shopping for herself until you have chosen your dress. And lastly, not planning ahead leaves you with fewer choices and less time to really plan out and find the best accessories, not to mention that alterations can take a week or two at least. Don't forget that you will be part of the wedding photos and you are a crucial member of the wedding party; all eyes will be on you.

To start, begin shopping around for mother of the bride dresses  as early as six months before the wedding. Have tea  at your daughter's house to sneak a peek at her bridal magazines  -- there are plenty of dresses  to give you an idea of what is in fashion. Talk to your daughter about the wedding and how formal it will be. A fulldress formal wedding in a cathedral and an evening banquet hall  reception allows you to wear an elegant ballgowns  or full length sheath dresses.  However, a casual backyard bash in the afternoon calls for something much more informal, such as an afternoon garden party dress.  While taking into account the formality of the wedding, also note the time of day and the season in which the wedding will take place, since these will dictate what fabrics you choose, the length of the dress, the cut of the bodice, the color, and any cover-ups you might need. It will even make a difference in the type of shoes you choose.

Also talk to your daughter about what she has in mind for you. Perhaps set a date to do lunch and go shopping. She can help direct you to a color that she would prefer and even a style which she would find appropriate. When in doubt, however, here are the traditional recommendations when it comes to color:

• White, ivory, and off-white are typically not acceptable. However, champagne,  a richer, more colorful hue is possibly one of the most popular shades. Not only is it subtle, but it also matches well when the bride wears a shade of white. Champagne is also a good color because it can look good by itself or with embellishments. Note that champagne is basically the same as sand,  taupe,  and nude. 
• Black,  a color usually viewed as unlucky for weddings, is not typical for mother-of-the-bride dresses. However, styles are changing and black is becoming more acceptable except in very traditional circles. You'll see several black numbers available, often excellent choices for evening weddings and very formal receptions. The only time when black is an absolute no-no is when the bridesmaids are also in black; you should stand out, not match!
• Rich jewel tones (burgundy,  plum,  hunter green ) and pretty pastels (lavender,  aqua,  rose ) are good choices as long as you select them seasonally and in line with the colors of the wedding. Silver  is very popular too.

When it comes to style, the sky is the limit. Make sure that the dress reflects you and your style and that it flatters your figure. If you find a dress that suits with the wedding, pleases the bride, and is something you can wear again, you're set. Below are some of the options currently in style. Remember that you can mix and match skirt and bodice styles to change the look, and by selecting different fabrics, you can greatly change the formality of a dress. Usually, the simpler you go, the easier it is to rewear a dress. For tips and advice on fit, check out the guide to Figure-Flattering Clothes for Women.

Go short  and sexy to show off great legs. Just don't draw too much attention to yourself. Good for afternoon parties, especially in summer.	Keep it casual with printed fabrics,  or add a more formal touch to the same fabric by wearing it in a sleak, floor-length sheath.	A classy, sexy suit  never goes out of style and with a full dress and jacket you can easily go from day to evening.	A long, elegant column dress  can be formal or semi-formal.

Go all out for a top-notch formal event with a full size ballgown.  You'll feel like a queen next to your daughter -- the princess.	Comfort is key and if pants are what make you feel best, sample the range of pant suits  available. They can be as casual or as formal as you like.	Tea-length  and voluminous knee-length  dresses are all the rage. They are young, flirty, and perfect for casual or semi-formal events.	Keep it classy, keep it covered. Long sleeves  are a must-have during winter, and they also help hide flabby arms.

Once you have found a dress that pleases you and the bride, make sure to relay the info to the mother of the groom. Give her a call or meet her for coffee. However you get in touch with her, remember that it's a good way to break the ice with your future in-law, and it allows you to discuss the dress that you've purchased (or plan on purchasing). If possible, bring along a fabric swatch. The dress the mother of the groom should choose should be similar but not the same as yours, and preferably in a complementary color and length. Of course, it should flatter her but also take into account the style of the wedding.

Related Guides
Wedding Gowns	Bridesmaid Dresses	Groom and Groomsmen's Attire	Flower Girls and Ring Bearers	Wedding Shoes