Weddings are an important event celebrating the union of two people and their respective families. In this celebration, a unique and significant place is dedicated to the mother of the bride. Her part is charged with emotional and social interactions, which are at times accentuated by her dress.
Every woman wants the mother of the bride’s dress to be perfect, to fit the theme of the wedding, and to let the focus be on her. This guide gives insights into what the mother should look for when choosing the right dress in order to look and feel her best when attending her daughter’s big day.
1. Understanding the Wedding Theme and Dress Code
The first thing that the bride’s mother has to consider before choosing the dress is determining the theme of the wedding and its dress code. For example, ballroom weddings have the male dressed in tuxedos, and the female in gowns. Hence, the mother of the bride dress should also blend in with the overall theme or tone of the occasion.
For a more elegant wedding to be held in the evening, it is recommended to choose long dresses made of prestigious fabric such as satin or chiffon. Knee-length dresses or chic suits might also be acceptable if the wedding is semi-formal or has a more relaxed feel.
Another key element to consider is colors. In the past, the bride’s mother resisted wearing white, ivory, or champagne to avoid clashing with the bride. However these days, colors that are in harmony with the theme color are preferred. Instead of choosing an identical color, play with similar shades and hues to achieve a more cohesive look. You can go for light and muted shades, deep and warm shades, and light shades depending on the color theme.
Thus, always consult the bride and the groom beforehand so that they can come up with a good color combination that will blend well with the overall theme and in the family pictures too.
2. Comfort and Custom Fit
Weddings are usually lengthy and involve a lot of standing, walking, socializing, and possibly dancing. The bride’s mother would not want a dress that is too tight and restrictive that results in feeling uncomfortable for the entire occasion. To prevent this from happening, choose the material wisely, avoiding thicker fabrics made if the wedding is happening in summer. Instead, opt for lighter fabrics such as silk or go for lightweight crepe.
Do also put some emphasis on the fit of the dress. Wearing a dress that is too tight will make one feeling uncomfortable while wearing a dress that is too loose will portray that the person is untidy. If required, have the dress altered or tailored as it makes a huge difference when your dress fits perfectly.
Alteration is not uncommon and there are several quality cloth retailers that provide alteration services to ensure you achieve a flattering fit. On the other hand, there are also retailers like JJ’s House that provide custom sizing options where you can order the mother of the bride dress in your desired measurements. So if you are familiar with your sizing, opting for a custom size order will be a better option for you.
3. Reflecting Personal Style
Another important aspect of the mother is the formality of the wedding occasion, which means that the bride’s mother’s dress should reflect the woman’s personality and it should not be more informal than the formality of the wedding occasion. In some weddings, the mother may be required to give a speech so it is important that the mother should be dressed appropriately so that she feels like a confident and strong woman. So, depending on her taste, she can choose between traditional and more elaborate shapes, or try out the most daring trends of today.
For a formally stylish and ageless look, the best style to go for is the A-line or the sheath style. They are elegant and suit women of all ages, as the styles are considered timeless. Extra detailing such as laces, embroidery, and beads can also be incorporated, but they should be done subtly so that it will not overpower the dress.
4. Accessorizing with Elegance
Accessories are often the finishing touches for the mother of the bride’s dress and will be the final part that ties the overall outfit together. But it is essential to do just what is necessary with the accessories, otherwise it might just sabotage the entire outfit instead. The rule of thumb is to ensure the accessories must not compete with the dress. Instead, opt for simple designs like a single beautiful necklace or earrings, which look like chandeliers that can complement the dress more.
Apart from jewelry, shoes and bags are also an essential part of the overall ensemble that complements the entire outfit. These additional accessories should also not clash with the dress and is recommended to opt for colors that are similar to the dress.
As for the type of accessories to go with certain necklines, here are some examples. A v-neck gown should be matched with a pendant necklace, while a bateau neckline would look perfect with statement earrings. To achieve uniformity, the accessories used should be the same color and material as the dress.
5. Day of Preparation (Makeup and Hairdo)
Beyond the outfit, makeup and hairdo are equally as important. Be sure to arrange an appointment for hair and makeup prior to the wedding to have an initial look so that you can determine whether this is the final style that you are going for.
Finally, ensure the dress is correctly maintained in the few weeks before the wedding. It should be stored in a breathable garment bag and should not be kept where it will be exposed to direct sunlight or humidity. On the day itself, there should be a simple emergency kit with some items, including safety pins, needles, string, and stain remover just in case last minute adjustments are required.
Love of the Mother
Choosing the appropriate mother of the bride’s dress is a pleasant process that involves following the wedding’s traditions, individuality, and unifying motif. Knowing the importance of comfort, the theme of the wedding, and being able to accessorize wisely should be the key areas to focus on when choosing a dress.
This particular day is a day of love and family. Being the mother she is, the right dress will make her feel good about herself as she accompanies her daughter through one of the most significant occasions. Whether a traditional wedding gown or a contemporary masterpiece, the bride’s dress should capture this happy moment of her life.
