In honor of Mother’s Day, we want to thank all of those who have trusted Darianna® Bridal & Tuxedo to look their absolute best as Mother of the Bride or Groom.
It is said that a mother can take the place of all others, but whose place no one else can take. And certainly no one can take a mother’s place in her child’s wedding.
Mothers often wait until they take care of everyone else before starting to look for themselves. This is unfortunate, but not surprising really. Whether you have plenty of time or are in a time crunch, here is a great guide on how to select the perfect dress! (*Spoiler Alert: You do need to try on in person.)
SEASON
Do you need a lightweight or heavier dress? Depending on the geographic location, the season is where you will start.
Spring and Summer weddings (or beach destination events) generally have lighter color palettes and will require a lighter fabric dress, like a chiffon. Fall and Winter weddings typically have bolder or darker colors and heavier fabrics such as crepes and satins.
FORMALITY
Is it a small casual wedding, traditional, black tie, or other?
A black tie wedding will dictate you must wear a formal gown, a casual afternoon brunch a cocktail dress. A traditional wedding at a country club, museum, or a like venue will depend on the wedding theme and time of day, but most will still require at least a tea-length dress, if not a floor-length gown. “Other” could be a tropical beach wedding, country barn, or holiday themed color dresses. The dress code will be an important part of the selection process.
COLOR PALETTE
What color are the bridesmaids wearing?
Etiquette says the bride’s mother chooses first which can sometimes limit the color options if you are the groom’s mother, however, there are always colors and different shades of the main color that will coordinate.
Off limit colors are white or ivory (never wear this unless instructed by the bride, and even then verify), the color of the bridesmaids’ dresses, and if you are Mother of the Groom, do not choose what the Mother of the Bride is wearing.
There are beautiful wedding colors for every season which can also include metallics, florals, patterns, etc. that can be a perfect match with the rest of the bridal party, like these:
YOUR PERSONAL STYLE
What do you feel best in?
Is your style glamorous, conservative, carefree? Do you love to get decked out in beaded dresses and jewels, or do you prefer a classic elegant look? Maybe you don’t wear dresses and prefer a pantsuit! Is there a neckline or sleeve length you prefer? Your unique style is imperative in choosing mother of the bride and mother of the groom dresses.
Imagine attending your son or daughter’s wedding in an outfit that you do not like and/or makes you self-conscious. You must feel good in whatever you choose because you will be in it for hours and have formal photos taken in it.
BODY TYPE
What looks best on your body shape?
We come in all sizes and shapes. There are general rules of thumb of what looks best if you are petite or tall, apple, hour glass, or pear-shaped. This is where the real selection comes into play. The other steps above can all be chosen from the comfort of your bedroom, but for this one…
you must start trying on!
And for a special day such as this, we cannot stress enough. Go to local bridal shops to try on.
TRYING ON MOTHER OF THE BRIDE OR GROOM DRESSES
Do this in person!
We have mothers every week come into the store who say they bought a dress (or multiple dresses) online and it’s not at all what they expected. Of course its not. Buying inexpensive gowns online simply causes distress and it is obvious when someone has a dress from one of the online discount sites.
How often have you seen a beautiful dress online at a ‘bargain’ price? Then it’s purchased and what is received is nothing like what they advertised. Take a look at what was ordered vs. what was shipped to this Mother of the Bride:
Online, inexpensive dresses can be perfectly appropriate if you are a guest of a wedding, but as a mother of the bride or groom? Absolutely not.
Bridal stores have quality designer dresses, made with shape intention and good, luxurious fabrics that will make you look stunning, exactly how you should look for the important role you play in the wedding! And because of that, you will feel amazing.
Whether it’s petite or plus size mother of the bride or groom dresses, in person is the only way to know for sure what will look best. The consultant in the bridal store will be able to pull dresses for you to try. The store will typically have best sellers and new arrivals from their designers. Make sure to look through all of them. It is also a good idea to try on your consultant’s suggestions, even if it is determined you don’t care for it, you may find a few details that you do like!
Mothers also have many more color choices now than the champagne neutral tones or navy blue. Have a look at some of these different styles from Daymor, Cameron Blake and Ivonne D by Mon Cheri:
These are gorgeous, modern designs available in many different colors. Nothing “frumpy” about these!
The consultant will also professionally measure you and compare to the size chart to find your size, and quality mother of the bride gowns like this are easily tweaked by a seamstress for the perfect fit to your body.
Finding what you will wear on your child’s wedding day can be a daunting task, but it does not have to be. Following this guide will help you find the perfect look! This is a momentous occasion and you deserve to feel your absolute best while making unforgettable memories. Do not choose just any dress, we can help you find the best mother’s dress for you by taking into consideration ALL of the above! Read these other blogs by our Mother’s Department Manager and then come on by for the advice, help, and friend you need at this exciting time!