Whether you're the mother of the bride or the mother of the groom, you'll have many special moments on the wedding day. All eyes will be on you as you walk into the ceremony and when you're announced at the reception. And what about all those pictures? You may not have shopped for a dress this important since your own wedding, so here are some tips to get you going.
Communication Is Key
Talk to the bride. Get a sense of her vision for the day. Think of the wedding as a big production -- you have one of the leading roles. Find out from the bride (the director) how to dress your part.
Think of the wedding as a big production in which you have one of the leading roles
Get Going
Start shopping as early as possible, but not until the bride has chosen her
wedding gown and the
bridesmaid dresses -- then it's time for you to begin your own
Mother of the Bride dress search.
Make a Match
Look at what the bride and the bridal party are wearing and follow their lead as far as formality.
Find Your Hue
Decide what color you want to wear. Start looking with several color preferences in mind -- but stay away from white, cream or ivory (you don't want to look like you're trying to steal the spotlight). Moms will also want to rule out black -- that whole mourning thing. The best Mother of the Groom and Mother of the Bride dresses compliment the mom's coloring and don't clash with the wedding colors (no, the dress doesn't have to match the bridesmaids').
Compromise with the Bride
A good idea is to have the bride send you magazine pictures to get an idea of what style she has in mind. If she'd like you to wear a style you're not happy wearing, let her know and do your best to compromise. It's her day, but you have to feel comfortable.
Talk to the Mother of the Groom
The Mother of the Bride should consult with the Mother of the Groom when she's selected her dress, informing her of color and formality. The groom's mother doesn't have to buy something in the same shade, but it should echo the skirt and sleeve length.
-- Cindy Hobson
See More: Bridal Party Fashion , Basics for Moms
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mplourde08
I need some help! I'm getting married next August; it will be an evening wedding. My colors are red and silver. Both my mother and my fiance's mother are coming to me asking me what colors they should wear. I'm thinking either a darker red or a darker silver, something that will look good with my bridesmaids (wearing silver), and my maid of honor (wearing red). What does everyone think?
msmerymac
When my mom got married (a summer wedding) she bought me a dress the wear - and it was black. I don't think black is necessarily a no-no color. I said, "Well, if you're okay with me wearing black to your wedding, that's fine." It was tea length and she liked it - it looked great on me too. My mom will probably wear a bright color to my wedding, because that's just how she dresses. It would be cool if she could coordinate with my colors, but I don't think it matters that much.
lisacall
daugust- I agree with you that you do not need to echo the MOB style! I think they're just saying that if one mother wears a gown and one wears a sundress that would be bad! I vote olive green or medium gray! Are you close to the bride? Maybe she can go shopping with you and tell her to envision the photos. I love my mom and my future mother-in-law and I can't wait to shop with them! Certain things are important to some brides, I wouldn't want champagne for either of them, I think it would stand out! and nikki- tell your mom to read this website! It says ALL OVER no white or cream for mothers! If it makes you feel like you won't be the most special person that day then you need to really let her know!
lisacall
daugust- I agree with you that you do not need to echo the MOB style! I think they're just saying that if one mother wears a gown and one wears a sundress that would be bad! I vote olive green or medium gray! Are you close to the bride? Maybe she can go shopping with you and tell her to envision the photos. I love my mom and my future mother-in-law and I can't wait to shop with them! Certain things are important to some brides, I wouldn't want champagne for either of them, I think it would stand out! and nikki- tell your mom to read this website! It says ALL OVER no white or cream for mothers! If it makes you feel like you won't be the most special person that day then you need to really let her know!
nikki.kronbeck
I love my mom dearly, but she has chosen a dress in cream to wear. Its absolutely beautiful on her, head to toe in beaded lace (very formal). I have brought up to her my concerns with the color but she has completely disregarded my feelings. I dont think it would be such a problem, but she insists on walking me down the aisle along with my father. Any advice?