Mother of the Bride Dresses

Congratulations on the wedding of your daughter !

Shopping for your mother of the bride dress should be a really enjoyable experience and, whilst you won't want to outshine the bride, you'll still want to look fabulous. 

After all, photographs last forever as do memories.

The more formal style of outfit you need isn't sold in regular stores - you'll need to break out from the norm and find something a little extra special. 

There's a range of dress styles and outfits in sizes from petite to plus that are appropriate to wear for a wedding day.  Your own personal style will probably influence what kind of clothing you'll choose - and also whether you're comfortable with more formal suits or flowing dresses.

One mistake some moms make is when they are planning to lose weight.  Do be realistic, you can always have an outfit taken in, but it's far harder to try and fit into a smaller size, so buy clothes that flatter your figure the shape and size you are now. 

The Right Fit Starts with your Lingerie

However, one of the best places to start for any outfit is your underwear or lingerie.  Does it fit well and give you good support and control in all the right places? 

Investing in a good fitting t-shirt style bra which won't show through, as well as some "magic knicker" that will give good tummy control and help shape your bottom, can give you the confidence to wear clothes that will show off your shape, rather than hide it.

For a summer wedding, you're likely to be able to wear a simple dress, but for a winter or fall wedding, you'll probably want to have a co-ordinating jacket for warmth.

Tea Length Dresses

A tea length dress is one that falls between the knee and a few inches above the ankle, usually about mid-calf length.  It's between cocktail and full length and is perfect for a less formal spring or summer wedding.

You'll find a variety of styles, from A-line to halterneck, to flatter every body shape.  This is a length that shows off your legs, especially if you team it with heels!

Wear it with a belt to show of your waist, if you have one, or for more formal weddings a little bolero or jacket.

Is This the Right Dress ?

On your shopping trips, after trying on a range of dress designs and styles, you may find it hard to know whether you've found the perfect outfit.

Here's some simple questions to ask yourself to check:-

Is it within my budget ?  Unless you can wear it again for another occasion, try to stick within your planned spending limit

Do I feel fabulous and confident?   However much the store assistant says it suits you, what matters is how you feel.  Do you feel like a million dollars, ready to watch your daughter walk up the aisle, or just OK?  You should try and wait until you try something on that feels fabulous.

When I look in the mirror, do I see me or the dress first?   Many women go for a bright colors of clothing for a wedding outfit, yet the outfit is supposed to enhance you, not you show off the outfit !  However strong the colors of your dress, what you should see first in the mirror should be you, and not the dress.

Are matching accessories available?  If you can't find the right shoes , sandals or purse to match, you'll only have a dress, but not an outfit.  

Before making your purchase, consider what color footwear will work and what other accessories you'll need to finish the outfit off, particularly if you're wanting to add gloves and a hat for a more formal wedding.

Finally, if you find the right outfit, don't wait too long to buy it - if you need a minute or two to think about it, simply ask the store to put it by whilst you grab a cup of coffee and give yourself thinking time.

Enjoy buying your fabulous wedding outfit !

Recommended Resources

Formal, Occasion & Evening Wear - etiquette and attire for any special occasion

Mother of the Bride Hairstyles - formal styles, perfect for a wedding day