Wedding Attire: Tips for the Moms (2024)

Wedding Attire: Tips for the Moms (1)

What's a Mother to Wear? (Almost) Anything!

Naturally, you want to look terrific on the day your daughter or son gets married—because while it’s true that all eyes will be on the bride, they’ll also be on you. The old concept that both moms are supposed to look matronly was retired long ago, along with the colorless advice that the mother of the groom should wear beige, unless that's her color. Fashionable, tasteful and age-appropriate are in.

These days, virtually anything goes—formal gown, short or long dress, skirt-and-jacket ensemble—so long as it matches the style of the wedding. Brides can be very helpful by encouraging "the moms" to work together in choosing their outfits. Some guidelines to keep in mind:

  • Traditionally, the bride’s mother has the honor of selecting her outfit first.
  • Try not to choose colors that are the same or very similar to the bride's and bridesmaids' dresses—you won't stand out.
  • Wear different colors from each other. Variations on the wedding color scheme are fine as long as each mother's dress is distinct.
  • The length of the gown or dress is a personal choice, even for formal weddings. Long dresses and skirts are fine for any wedding from noon on.
  • The mothers do not have to wear dresses of equal length, although many do, feeling that it creates a more harmonious look, especially in wedding photos.

Wedding Outfit Wisdom: Top Five Tips

  1. A specialty store, rather than a department store, will offer much more personalized attention throughout the process—from choosing a dress to making alterations to selecting just the right undergarments.
  2. If possible, bring in a swatch of the bridesmaids’ gown material when you go shopping, or have a description of the gown’s color.
  3. Order your outfit at least two to three months ahead of time, and allow at least two weeks for alterations.
  4. When buying your dress, get specific advice on which undergarments and hose will go best with it.
  5. As for who calls whom to discuss ‘our outfits,’ the mother of the groom shouldn’t stand on ceremony; if she hasn’t heard anything once the initial wedding plans are underway, she’s perfectly welcome to call the mother of the bride.
Wedding Attire: Tips for the Moms (2024)

FAQs

Wedding Attire: Tips for the Moms? ›

These days, virtually anything goes—formal gown, short or long dress, skirt-and-jacket ensemble—so long as it matches the style of the wedding. Brides can be very helpful by encouraging "the moms" to work together in choosing their outfits.

What should mothers wear to a wedding? ›

These days, virtually anything goes—formal gown, short or long dress, skirt-and-jacket ensemble—so long as it matches the style of the wedding. Brides can be very helpful by encouraging "the moms" to work together in choosing their outfits.

What is the etiquette for a mother of the bride to wear? ›

As a general rule, the mother of the bride should shy away from choosing the same colour dress as bridesmaids. However, it should still compliment the style of the bridesmaid's dresses. It can be a different style from theirs, but the hues should feel cohesive.

How fancy should the mother of the bride be? ›

The mother is encouraged to clothe herself in something that she and her daughter will love. This has paved the way for elegant evening gowns, co*cktail dresses, dressy pantsuits, timeless maxi dresses, and other classy options to make their appearance during the wedding as part of the MOB's wardrobe.

What is the best color to wear as a mother of the bride? ›

Try blues, greens, purples, and neutrals such as navy, emerald, plum, or silver. These versatile – and universally flattering – palettes make it easy for mothers of the bride and groom to harmonize. With pale green and blue tints, we love silvery shades for Mum, while jewel tones pair well with other rich colours.

Should a mother wear black to a wedding? ›

If half of the wedding's guest list will be wearing black attire on the big day (including the bride and groom's fathers!), there's no reason why the moms shouldn't be allowed to wear this colour, too.

What color should parents wear to a wedding? ›

While the mother of the bride, mother of the groom, and special guests always have the option to match the bridal party or wear a similar shade, we created this handy guide to make further color-coordination effortless. Try greys and neutrals such as charcoal, champagne, blush, or a metallic.

What is the dress code for the mother of the bride? ›

Suggesting 'For the ladies, a long dress or a formal tea-length dress works. While you might be inclined to wear black, you can go brighter or bolder so long as you do not overshadow the bride. Amp up your look with bold jewels and heels!'

Should the mother of bride wear the same color as the bridesmaids? ›

A: The Mother of the Bride is special. She needs to stand out a bit from the bridesmaids, so her dress should complement rather than match the bridesmaid's dresses. For example, the MOB could wear a dress in a similar color to the bridesmaids but in a deeper shade.

What shouldn't the mother of the groom wear? ›

Traditionally, the mother of the groom should avoid wearing white, black, or the same colour as the bridal party. However, modern weddings are more flexible, and it's always best to discuss preferences with the couple.

Who walks in with the mother of the bride? ›

The bride's walk down the aisle can take up to one minute of that time. Who escorts the mother of the bride down the aisle? If the mother of the bride is taking part in the wedding processional, she is traditionally escorted by a close male relative like a son or brother or may enter alone.

Does the mother of the bride carry a purse down the aisle? ›

As the mother of the bride, you might be asked to hold many of the brides' trinkets and larger things like shoes. For that, we recommend a medium sized handbag such as the BRYANT MED or ADDIE MED.

How to look slim as mother of the bride? ›

The right detailing on mother of the bride dresses can work wonders in creating a slimming effect. Consider the following options: Vertical Embellishments: Dresses with vertical beading, embroidery, or sequins can create a lengthening effect, drawing the eye up and down and making you appear taller and slimmer.

Should mother of bride and mother of groom wear the same color? ›

Because the mother of the groom isn't part of the bridal party, she should avoid choosing a dress in the same color as the bridesmaids' attire, the mother of the bride's dress, or the wedding gown.

Do mothers wear flowers at wedding? ›

The bride's mother, groom's mother, all the grandmothers, and any female readers during your ceremony traditionally wear a corsage on their wrist, or a pinned corsage to their clothing. If you have a female officiant that you really connect with, you could even consider giving them a corsage as well.

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