Image : http://www.flickr.com
The mother of the bride is one of the busiest members of the wedding party prior to, as well as on, the big day. There is so much to think about and so much to do that she needs to put together a checklist for herself in order to make sure everything is covered. No doubt, she'll attend at least one bridal shower for her daughter, and she needs to dress with sophistication in spite of the fact that it is probably a casual affair. Item one on her checklist-as far as clothing goes-is to choose an appropriate outfit for this fun party.
Something simple and fresh is a 3/4 Brocade Jacket and Chiffon Pant Set in heather and black. The soft heather of the brocade jacket is complemented by black buttons and a black ribbon at the waist. The chiffon pants have wide legs for added comfort as she joins in the party games. Everyone will remember the mother of the bride as a woman who is not only friendly and fun but also possesses a great sense of style.
Item two on the checklist is to select something appropriate to wear for the all-important meeting of the groom's parents. The mother of the bride will want to look sophisticated, but friendly when she meets her daughter's new in-laws.
She'll manage to pull off that look in a Short Sleeve Portrait Collar Dress. The fabric is shantung and the style is classic. A portrait color frames her face, and short sleeves give this dress just a hint of casualness-always a friendly touch. Available in softened versions of lime or aqua, this dress offers a semi-pleated skirt that will make Mom's legs look great, and the tie at her waist will give her a slim silhouette.
If the bride's parents wish, they can host a reception for the happy couple in their home. Item three on Mom's checklist is to select a lovely dress for this semi-formal event: something comfortable but just a bit sexy. A Portrait Collar Knit Dress with Lace Skirt is just the thing. This is a very feminine dress from the portrait collar that extends off the shoulders, down the slimming waist to the knee-skimming black lace skirt. Beads adorn the slim skirt, giving her just enough shimmer to catch the eye-and hold it.
When it's time to head for the church to rehearse the ceremony, Mom will want to dress appropriately. Item four on her check list will be to find just the right outfit for this important event.
A Three Quarter Sleeve Shantung Short Jacket Dress in blue or light mocha will do the trick. This is a two-piece outfit with a sleeveless tank dress under a bolero jacket that has three-quarter length sleeves. The mandarin collar of the jacket is accented with beads, as is the waist of the dress. The hemline of this lovely outfit skims just above her knees.
A dress for the rehearsal dinner is item five on the checklist, and it should be something elegant and flattering. A little black dress is always appropriate for this type of event. Mom might like a Tea-Length Dress with Ruffle Collar and Bow Detail. This dress is made of taffeta, so it's lightweight. Ruffles adorn the neckline, spilling across and down the bodice to a lovely bow at the waist. The skirt is slightly full-enough to rustle gently as she rises to toast her daughter and her husband-to-be.
The sixth and final item on the mother of the bride's checklist is the dress she'll wear to the ceremony. This must be a garment that tells the world who she is. Of course, the style of this important dress will depend on the nature of the ceremony. Is it formal or casual? Is it an evening ceremony or mid-afternoon?
An afternoon wedding might call for a Two Piece Floral Jacquard Suit with Rosette Detail. This lovely outfit features a jacket with a portrait collar, a single rosette detail on the button, and three-quarter length sleeves. The skirt is slender and falls to the knees. The fabric is silver jacquard with a lovely floral print that shimmers in the sunlight of this glorious day. When she wears this suit, Mom will shimmer, too.
For a formal evening wedding, the mother of the bride might choose a One-Shoulder Sueded Charmeuse Side Drape Dress. This is a dramatic look in a subtle shade of gold. The dress is made of sueded charmeuse fabric, draping from one shoulder in an elegant shimmering fall of gold. It's a slim dress, with just a slight flare below the knees.
Mom will look sophisticated and elegant as she escorted down the aisle to take her place at the front of the church. Until her daughter enters, every eye will be on the beautiful woman in the front row. And that is as it should be.
Grant Vera is a freelance writer who writes about weddings and specific products such as mother of the bride dresses.
