Mother of the Bride Attire Etiquette

When planning your wedding, there are many things to consider. You’ll be busy choosing your own dress, what your bridesmaids will wear, planning a menu, and more. However, don’t overlook what your mother will wear as the honored mother of the bride. There are some basic rules of etiquette that you should follow when planning mother of the bride attire.

Some basic rules

Tradition states that the mother of the bride chooses her dress first, followed by the mother of the groom. The dresses chosen by the mother of the bride and mother of the groom should complement each other as well as the bridesmaids dresses. Although the dresses will of course be different from one another, they should contain the same predominant color and be approximately the same length.

Styles, Length and Colors

For the mother of the bride, the keywords are class and elegance. Don’t choose anything that is revealing or too short. The perfect length for a mother of the bride dress is either floor length or tea length. Bright colors like lime green and neon pink are also discouraged. Black, as well as white, should be avoided if at all possible.

Accessories

Add a small bouquet or corsage to the mother of the bride ensemble for a finishing touch. Shoes should be dressy yet comfortable. High heels are acceptable, as are shorter heels and even flats if they are appropriately elegant.

Summer or Winter Wedding?

The time of the year when the wedding is held will play a part in the mother of the bride’s attire. With a summer wedding, lighter fabrics and colors can be used. Fall and winter weddings will require heavier fabrics, and darker colors can work well.

The mother of the bride should make sure her attire is elegant, complementary to the mother of the groom and bridesmaids, is an appropriate length and color, and is comfortable. Also, be sure to take into consideration how the dress will look in photographs. It’s also crucial to get your mother’s input and consider her wishes as well as what is flattering and comfortable for her. By following these simple rules, you can make sure your mother looks her beautiful, elegant best on your special day!