Time goes by in a flash and all of a sudden our babies are adults. As a mother, I know that we look back on pics of our babies from 20+ years ago and can instantly recall the outfit, the blanket, every detail, including the overwhelming love we felt.
As our much-loved staff members Rob Hauschild and Courtney Malland inch ever closer to their wedding day in September, we have a lovely letter to post from Rob’s mother, Floss.
Read her sweet letter and take a moment to pause and be grateful for the special people we can celebrate in our lives.
Baby Rob & his Momma
Dear Rob,
Since the day you were born, my dreams of your life aspirations filled my mind. This beautiful little boy, my son, God entrusted me with. What, as your mother, was I to do to guide you to be certain that you become a worthy man in this crazy world we live in. How should I protect you?
But as your mom there wasn’t much I had to do but hold your hand. Everything you did since you were born brought me such great pride. You are strong, loving, and confident, with a touch of head strong!
I remember you standing at the curb watching the parade waving a flag as your daddy passed by with the fire company. I watched you from the sidelines playing flag football and then in a blink of an eye, there you were on the college fields. Time flew by, and now I get to watch you take on the field of life.
You’ve grown into one heck of a man. More for me to admire and be proud of. You found your place in this world, and while doing so, you found a wonderful woman who admires you maybe even more than I do. Which is a good thing! I know that you are going to be a wonderful husband, provider, and by the grace of God, someday a wonderful father. I know this because I personally have experienced your heart.
You’ve come a long way son. I look forward to that final dance we will have together. The mother-son dance where I begin letting up those reigns and letting you go. I know I am going to cry, but they will be happy tears. All the thoughts of that little boy whose hand I held in life. All the bumps along the road that brought us to this dance, only then will it hit me that you belong to someone else.
You will be called husband, and then one day when that child you create comes along, only then will you understand a parent’s pride as you become a father.
Grown up Rob & his proud Momma
I cannot wait until the day you enter the church to exchange your vows. You have a perfect friend whom dad and I love too. You and Courtney will experience life’s challenges together, as a team. A new hand to hold moving forward.
I love you son, you’ll always be my baby, only now, is time to spread your wings and fly. It’s your turn to make a life and a home for you and your beautiful bride. I love you always and forever. Go and continue to make your Momma proud.
I cannot wait to marry your son. I love him with my whole heart. Since getting engaged I have been on Cloud 9 and it’s been a whirlwind of exciting decisions and appointments, many of which we have been fortunate to have your opinion and knowledge to help guide us.
We are grateful that you are involved in our wedding planning and want you to continue to be, however, I need you to understand that ultimately this is our wedding and some details are not up for debate. One of them is that you do not get to choose what your son wears when he marries me.
You have mentioned on numerous occasions that you know him best and how he always looks so handsome in this particular color. I think he looks handsome in any color, but the one you continue to insist he wears does not go with our color palette.
This detail already seems to be causing drama in the family. I prefer not to have this stress, but please understand he will be wearing what we have already agreed on. You can choose whatever you would like my future Father-In-Law to wear! We want him to feel great on that day so all options are open. Your son, my groom, is going to wear what we have already decided. Again, I ask you to please respect our decision.
I hope we can move forward with this understanding and look forward to more planning together with you for our wedding day!
With thanks, Your future Daughter-In-Law
This has been such an interesting series! Brides are writing in to us with some great advice, stories, and wishes. We just started a few weeks ago, and you can read the last one here!
It is important to us as a family business that we take care of our staff. Part of taking care of them, I believe, is to highlight how special they are.
All too quickly the days turn into months and it is easy to wonder if those around us even notice our contributions. WE DO. We notice and appreciate that our staff gives 100% all year long and while it isn’t always “easy”, they make it look easy. It isn’t always “fun”, but they do have fun together.
Today I am excited to start our series of Staff Appreciation with Suzanne Ardite.
Suzanne is our Mother of the Bride/Groom Department Manager and made after my own heart.
She runs a tight ship, is controlling as hell over the department (LOVE!), and has a wicked knowledge of brands, fabrics, colors, prices, deliveries, alterations, and pretty much anything related to bridal/MOB. We love this about her.
She also has a wicked sense of humor that I personally have come to depend on.
She is a devoted wife and mother of two (her daughter Kaitlyn is also part of the Darianna team!) which keeps her busy enough, but she is also an active member in the local community theaters. She still has so much energy in the store – I am not sure how she does it.
A very loyal, incredibly generous, and thoughtful soul, she has become a true friend. We even persuaded Suzanne and her equally wonderful hubby Frank to join the Chaîne de Rôtisseurs, a dining group that we are proud to belong to!
Socializing outside of the store is delightful and having Suzanne and Frank as friends has enriched our lives.
Inside the store, I am able to observe the way she interacts with her moms and brides. It is truly something I know other stores wish they had. She is honest above everything which is really what we are all about. She is not pushy and wants her moms to be truly happy with their choice. And in that regard, she will introduce dresses that they never thought they could wear. When their faces light up I can see how proud Suzanne is.
She is also proud to tell them the price and that they don’t have to “remortgage the house” or “sell a kidney” in order to buy it. She does her research constantly and brings in beautiful pieces in very good price points.
Also inside the store: Getting along with your staff (I don’t really care for that word, it seems so generic) – team members is critical for a good business! Here is what some some of her fellow team members have to say about her:
Daria: I have learned so much from Suz just from listening to her in the store! She knows everything about bridal (and a lot about everything else) and I’m always so grateful for her expertise and humor.
Sarah: Suzanne not only knows everything about gowns, she generously shares her wisdom with all of us! She can brighten the craziest of days with her humor, and I love that she brings us snacks.
Courtney: I truly love her sense of humor, I feel like I need her in my back pocket to make me laugh throughout the day! I also love how knowledgeable she is about everything, whenever I have a question she’s always there to help out! Love Mama Suz!
Tori: Suzanne is always incredibly helpful, organized, friendly, and understanding. If you ever have a question, relating to bridal or even the outside world, Suzanne is the person to go to!
Joe: Supportive, fiery, and always ready for battle, Suzanne is an amazing coworker and a phenomenal friend. Anyone would be lucky to know her.
So to my fellow Gen Xer, July/Cancer girl, and lover of a good Cabernet, THE BEST gift-giver, hashtagger, and one-liner deliverer, thank you for another year with us, for turning my boring group chats into meme-fests, and for letting me know that “sympathy” is between shit and syphilis in the dictionary.
I love you, we love you, and THANK YOU for being part of our lives!
About the author: Wendy Ianieri-Salerno is co-founder and co-owner of Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo, now in its eighth year in business. In that time the store has grown from a small bridal boutique to a full-service bridal store serving not only Bucks County, PA but the surrounding counties and even border states. With the customer experience in mind, Wendy steers the company by offering the best designers and wedding attire while creating a caring, family atmosphere. A life-long Bucks County native, she currently resides in Warrington with her husband and co-founder/co-owner Franco Salerno, and their two daughters for whom the store was named, Daria and Deanna.
Hey there, Mama! Suzanne here. Congratulations on reaching yet another milestone in your never-ending journey as a Mother. You’ve survived the newborn stage, the terrible two’s, teenage rebellion that left you with a facial tic and those anxiety inducing college years. Now it’s time to celebrate the next chapter in your baby’s life….marriage.
As you’re picturing how beautiful your daughter will look or how handsome your son will be in a tuxedo, have you given a thought to what you’ll be wearing? Yeah. I didn’t think so. And, really….haven’t you endured enough already? Now your child has tasked you with finding a gown that makes your figure look fabulous, will fit in aesthetically with the bridal party, won’t make you look matronly, or show up their new mother-in-law. Oh, and of course you’re going to want that dress to camouflage the flaws, accentuate your assets and hopefully not require you to be trussed up in Spanx like a mummy. Easy, right? No problem. (Cue panic attack)
BUT, all is not lost. I’m here to help you. How? Because I AM you. I am firmly ensconced in middle age, possess a love of carbs, a loathing for kale and have a deep desire not to look like a swamp witch. I know I can help you find the perfect look with a little time, an open mind and some honest, constructive feedback.
Where do we start? Well, first I need you to know that in order to have as many choices as possible, you need to start your search at least 3-4 months before the wedding. Why? Because special order gowns take time to produce, especially in a range of colors and sizes. Sure, you could buy something off the rack and that’s definitely an option for many. But do you want to be stuck with only one color choice and a sample that’s battle worn from it’s time with the public? Wouldn’t it be nicer to have a brand new dress in a color you chose instead of being forced to take the clearance rack refugees? Give yourself the gift of time and choice….visit sooner rather than later.
MGNY by Madeline Gardner
And, what about those colors? Are there specific colors for specific seasons? Can you wear a Dusty Rose in January? Short answer….yes. There really isn’t a specific seasonality to Mother’s dresses. I always advise having a conversation with the Bride before you start looking because there may be colors she would prefer you not wear. Or, maybe she wants you in something that compliments the bridal party. Find out ahead of time and make your search less stressful. Once you get the “rules of engagement” for your dress search, you’re better prepared to start this quest. Right now, the most popular colors for Mother’s dresses are Black, Navy, Silver and Charcoal Gray. Maybe those colors work for you…maybe they don’t. You’re not going to really know until you’re IN a gown.
Montage by Mon Cheri
But, what if I don’t know what’s going to look good on me? No worries….that’s why I’m here. I will give you honest, helpful feedback and suggestions on how to make that dress sit up and call you “mama”. Recently, I had a customer swear there was only a specific silhouette she could wear and that “everything else” would call attention to things she would rather camouflage. After a little nudge, she wound up choosing an amazing MGNY off the shoulder, column dress (style #71616) that actually minimized her concerns.
MGNY 71616
Exploring other options gave her the cougar vibe she deserved to be rocking as a Mother of the Bride rather than that “Granny dress” she thought she’d be trapped in. She was thrilled with her choice and I was happy to be there to lend an assist.
Navy is a popular color for Mothers!
The last obstacle in the formal wear version of “Where’s Waldo?” is the effect of weight loss on your gown. This is a very common inquiry, especially after last year found us all scrounging in our pantries and locked out of our gyms (and, if you’re like me, ignoring the elliptical in the basement because the solution to stress is a sleeve of Oreos). Do not wait until you are at goal weight to order a gown, you will most likely be too late to get anything you really want. You can order your gown and then focus on your weight loss plans. Most seamstresses will be happy to take a gown in to accommodate your moderate weight loss for the wedding.
Silver Mother dresses match most every color pallet
Hopefully, my little tutorial has pulled you off the proverbial ledge and inspired you to start looking for your perfect dress. Yes, it can be an intimidating task, but so was trying to survive on 4 hours of sleep with a colicky baby and a toddler that thought eating chalk was fun.
We’re here to support you at Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo and help you find the perfect dress for this next big memory in the making. There is no appointment necessary for mother dress shopping, so head on over. I look forward to seeing that smile on your face when you find your perfect dress!
Suzanne Ardite is the manager of the mother department at Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo. With over 25 years in the bridal attire industry – and spanning a number of states – her experience is vast and her compassion deep. There isn’t much she hasn’t seen or heard in this business! She is a valuable asset to our company and our customers and, knowing how stressful and important weddings are, she is in constant communication with our mothers. Suzanne lives in Solebury with her husband Frank and two children Kaitlyn (a 2021 grad of New Hope-Solebury High School!) and Francis, and is very active in the community theater. If you can’t tell from this blog, she has an outstanding wit as well that puts our moms at ease and keeps all of us in good spirits!
And all of a sudden, we find ourselves Mothers of the Bride and Groom. Our babies aren’t babies anymore, but what exactly does that mean for us? Your role, place, and/or self confidence can really be put to the test during wedding planning, culminating with your introduction announcement at the start of the reception. When you imagine walking in to the excitement and applause, what are you wearing? How do you even start?
“I don’t want to look like a Mother of the Bride.” So we’ve heard…
“I’m Mother of the Groom, I’m supposed to wear beige and be quiet.” We’ve heard that, too.
“I don’t like my ___(neck/arms/belly/shape/rear/thighs/hips)___”… The list is endless.
Being the mother of the bride or groom certainly is strange territory. You want to look beautiful without going too far, appropriate but not frumpy, sexy but not too sexy . If you are the mother of the groom, you may also worry because you don’t want to outdo the mother of the bride. There may be another layer in there of step-mother.
There is still the etiquette of allowing the mother of the bride to choose her dress first. Usually she will send a picture of her dress to the mother of the groom which allows her to choose her dress and her color without worry. Both mothers should be aware of the chosen bridesmaids color and avoid wearing it.
Choosing the dress you wear for your daughter or son’s wedding should be a thoughtful process. You will want to consider style for the formality of the event, the season, location, and any color specifications made by the couple. Then the shape and silhouette of your dress.
As for style, consider first the formality of the wedding. A formal wedding requires a more formal dress and what makes a dress more formal than another? We can start with a fabric.
Satin and silk both lend a very formal look to any shape dress. If you choose a satin dress, it may have beading or embellishments, or it may be plain. Silk dresses do not often have embellishments, nor do they need them. Dresses with lace and lace overlays can work perfectly for this type of affair, but make sure this doesn’t compete with the bride’s dress. Beaded dresses are perfect for formal affairs so if you like to sparkle, this is the time!
A satin dress in navy
A semi formal affair allows for something like a flowy chiffon, perhaps with a flutter sleeve or off the shoulder straps, taking into account the season of course. If the wedding is in the early afternoon, a cocktail length dress may be perfectly appropriate. Some dresses come with pretty matching jackets or a matching wrap that works beautifully for the wedding ceremony. There are chic pantsuits that are perfect for a semi formal event!
MGNY pant suit in wine with removable jacket
Determining the season/location is more obvious, a summer wedding calls for a different dress than a winter wedding. A barn wedding is different from the grand ballroom. The beach wedding dress isn’t for the snowy mountain couple.
In our experience with color, mothers tend to gravitate to darker or jewel tones; navy and plum are very popular, while sapphire, wine, and emerald are also lovely choices. Depending on the colors chosen by the couple, or the locale/season, again your options may not include darker colors.
For lighter colors that are very flattering, consider wedgewood, mink, amethyst, wisteria, and English rose. These colors are very soft and do not go into the pastels, these blend beautifully. Silver, from light grey to dark metal, there is a silver shade that goes with every color pallet.
Now the shape. Let’s start with the easiest silhouette which is A-line.
A-line shape dress by MGNY in navy
The A-line shaped dress looks flattering on everybody and that means every body. This dress has a clearly defined waist and the skirt forms the shape of the letter A. some A-line skirt have lining or crinoline underneath which may give them a little more volume, if you don’t like all the volume you can either take some out or find a dress without to get it what we call a slim A-line. A number of dresses are made in this shape so you will have no problem finding a great selection. It is also a great one for mothers to start when unsure.
If you have curves, do not shy away from a good fit and flare dress.
A lace and tulle fit & flare dress
A well-made dress will show curves off beautifully. You may not like the feel of the tightness around the hips, or you may feel very restricted in movement, but at least give it a try. You may be pleasantly surprised at how great you look and how great you feel!
If curves do not describe you, you may like what is called a sheath dress.
Beaded and chiffon sheath dress
A sheath is a straight cut that is very flattering and classic. These dresses look especially good on petite (under 5’3″) mothers because it is an elongating shape without a defined waist.
Once you find your preferred shape, you can then try different necklines, like V-neck, scoop neck, high neck, etc. and sleeves as well. Many mother dresses now come with a set of detachable sleeves should you prefer that look, or if you aren’t sure about the weather on the wedding day. Perhaps you would want sleeves for the ceremony and not for the reception. It is a great option to have these.
Above all, the dress you choose needs to make you feel good inside. You want to be confident, comfortable, and proud. This is a big day for you and your family and you deserve to enjoy every moment.
We are always available to answer any of your questions about dresses for mothers! Please call or text us at 215-491-8500 and we will be happy to assist!
About the author: Wendy Ianieri is co-founder and co-owner of Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo, now in its eighth year in business. In that time the store has grown from a small bridal boutique to a full-service bridal store serving not only Bucks County, PA but the surrounding counties and even border states. With the customer experience in mind, Ms. Ianieri steers the company by offering the best designers and wedding attire while creating a caring, family atmosphere. A life-long Bucks County native, she currently resides in Warrington with her husband and co-founder/co-owner Franco Salerno, and their two daughters for whom the store was named, Daria and Deanna.
Mother of the bride/groom dresses are coming back!
For a number of reasons we stopped selling mother dresses for a few years, but with changes to the retail sector, as well as to the entire wedding industry, we need to change as well.
Many major, well-known retailers are closing locations, filing Chapter 11, or going to an online platform and now moms ask us daily where to go for a dress.
Moms want and deserve to feel special during this exciting time! She watches her daughter try on dresses and say yes, why should she have a dress show up on her doorstep in a bag? Trying on at home alone, with her questions going unanswered? We think moms deserve better than that…
So excited to announce our new Mothers line arriving this fall: MGNY by Madeline Gardner! She is the designer of the Morilee brand of wedding dresses, known for fit, style, and class. Because we have carried Morilee for over a year, we can attest to all of those, as well as quality, shipping, and delivery dates.
Every mom says “I am the mother of the bride (groom), but I don’t want to look like one.” We all understand – that means she doesn’t want to look old, out of style, or the dreaded ‘frumpy’. With MGNY, you won’t!
Off the shoulder ftted dress
This line has everything our moms want:
youthful, yet appropriate styles
great fit, solid construction
wide choice of quality fabrics
colors to blend beautifully with the party
fast shipping times
Perfect for dancing
Some good tips to consider when starting your search are:
Ask the couple if they have a preference on what you wear.
Let the mother of the bride choose her gown first. Unless this has been mutually agreed otherwise, she goes first.
Consider venue, location, time of day, and probable temperature, as well as any religious or cultural customs.
Choose a color that complements the color palette of the wedding.
Start looking about 6-9 months before to get an idea of what styles you like.
Order your gown 5-6 months in advance. Some gowns can take 3-4 months to arrive.
Beautiful in emerald green
Some no-no’s to keep in mind:
Do not attempt to out-do the bride or the other mother. Wear what you feel best in while complementing them and the wedding party.
Do not wear white, ivory, the same color as the other mother, or the bridesmaids. Unless directed otherwise (perhaps a black-tie or holiday affair), it is also advisable to avoid black and red.
Do not pick a size based on what you “intend” to be at the wedding. Buy your gown in the size you are and have it taken in, if necessary. You’ll be happy you did either way.
Perfect for a black tie or holiday reception
Our introductory trunk show for MGNY is already scheduled for October 23-25, 2020! If your mom or MIL is going to need a dress, this is the show for her!
So excited to have this new line to offer moms and don’t worry, you wont look like a “mother of the bride”…
