Finding the Perfect Mother of the Bride Dress

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Okay, the bride is the center of attention on the wedding day, but as her mother, you still want to do her proud and look great! Finding the perfect dress for the mother of the bride can sometimes feel even trickier than finding a gorgeous bridal gown, but if you keep a few things in mind, you will find something that makes you look and feel fantastic.

Most mothers of the bride cringe at the thought of wearing a traditional mother of the bride dress. "They are so matronly!", they cry, or, "I hate bugle beads and I look terrible in powder blue!". Never fear, ladies, just as wedding gowns have become more streamlined and fashion-forward over the last decade or so, the mother of the bride dresses have also become updated. Although you will still find plenty of frumpy, spangly outfits marketed for brides' mothers, you will also find dresses that are chic and flattering, in styles that you will be delighted to wear.

Now that you have (hopefully) gotten over your initial trepidation, it is time to start shopping! The first step is to ask the bride for her input. The mother of the bride's dress should match the formality and general flavor of what the bride and bridesmaids will be wearing. Notice I said general flavor, not the exact same color. Your dress should definitely not be the same color as the bride's (stay far away from white, ivory, and black), and it need not match the color of the bridesmaid dresses either. Do keep in mind, however, that you will be having many photos taken with the entire bridal party, so it would be a good idea to avoid a color that truly clashes with the color the bride has chosen for her attendants. You should also aim for a similar length dress as the bridesmaids will be wearing. If they are in floor length dresses, then your dress should also be full length. When the bridesmaids are wearing knee length dresses, the mother of the bride could go a little longer if it makes her more comfortable; tea length would be a good compromise.

Now on to style! One of the most popular types of mother of the bride ensembles is the two piece top and skirt set. This can be every bit as formal as a dress, but you will be able to order different sizes for the top and bottom, if need be. Petite mothers will often find it easier to get a good fit in separates, as well.

The other thing that many mothers of the brides look for is some sort of coverage for the upper arms. It is a rare woman who has a daughter old enough to be married who still likes the look of her triceps! There are many stylish ensembles with short, long, or three-quarter sleeves. Another great idea is to choose a sleeveless dress with a matching jacket, bolero, or wrap. This will give you more flexibility if the venue is too warm, and it will also be more comfortable for dancing as the evening goes on (after a few Champagne toasts, you may be more interested in being able to move your arms freely than you are worried about the shape of your arms!).

When you are choosing your mother of the bride ensemble, don't forget about your accessories. Just as the bride will have fabulous jewelry to complete her look, you will want some special wedding jewelry as well. For an evening wedding, the glamour of crystal jewelry will add the perfect touch of elegance; daytime affairs are the perfect time to wear a gorgeous strand of pearls. Black and white pearls used together is one of the most sophisticated looks.

With a little planning and an early start, you will find that it is not so daunting to find the perfect mother of the bride outfit. And make sure that even with all the excitement of helping your daughter prepare for her big day that you invest a little time in making yourself look and feel your best. After all, it is the bride's big day, but as her mother, you will be a very special part of it.

Laura is interested in wedding planning and wedding trends including jewelry,receptions and gifts. Wedding jewelry is the perfect finishing touch for every member of the bridal party.