Frequently Asked Questions
What does the mother of the bride wear?
It’s easy to feel stressed about the best mother of the bride dresses to wear on your daughter’s big day, but there really is no need. Gone are the days of dower and matronly like choices being the norm for the mother of the bride, now, the mother of the bride can dress more or less how she wishes ensuring she is comfortable and confident on the big day. Speak to your daughter about the feel of the wedding day; is it a black tie affair? Or maybe a relaxed beach style wedding? Ensure you match the dress code and think about tying in your colour choice with the rest of the bridal party and bridesmaids. If the Bridesmaids are in a cornflower blue, for example, a navy and cornflower outfit would look great in the pictures.
What does the mother of the groom wear?
Mother of the groom dresses are down to personal choice on the day. A dress that’s elegant and stylish, perhaps complimented with some standout accessories such as a hat, chic scarf or necklace can really lift an outfit without looking like you are trying to compete with the bride. No matter your role in the wedding, the recommendation is to stay away from wearing white unless you are the bride herself.
When should I start shopping for my mother of the bride outfit?
You can find some top mother of the bride dresses all year long with many mothers of the bride opting to purchase several seasons before the wedding day so that they can take advantage of generous sales that some designers hold. That said, it’s important to have an idea of what type of wedding it is going to be and sensible to know what colour the bridesmaids will be wearing for you start shopping.
Should the mother of the bride dress be long or short?
The mother of the bride dress is usually around knee length, but any style that is in keeping with the wedding is suitable. The best mother of the bride dresses for black tie or more formal style weddings will naturally be longer, probably floor length. We recommend staying away from anything too short such as miniskirts or similar, as well as anything too clingy.
What should I consider when shopping for a mother of the bride outfit?
When shopping for mother of the bride dresses, firstly, consider the overall dress code on the invite. Then think about the time of year your daughter is getting married, fall mother of the bride dresses will naturally be more covered up and have a muted color palate, whereas summer mother of the bride dresses will be full of florals and brighter shades. Make sure you give time for any alterations you may need and be sure to store you dress properly in the lead up to the wedding.
What does a plus size mother of the bride wear?
There are plenty of options available for plus size mother of the bride dresses. A great place to start is by looking online, you will be able to see what’s on offer in plus sizes, as well as start to get an idea on the colors and cuts that you will enjoy wearing on the day. When shopping online allow time for delivery and any alterations to be made.
Where to buy plus size mother of the bride and groom dresses?
There are plenty of places to find Mother of the bride and groom dresses with many online stores stocking great ranges to suit all tastes and budgets. If you are unsure, take inspiration from styles you enjoy wearing day to day.
What color and what style dress is perfect for the mother of the bride?
There is no set do’s and don’ts when it comes to color, only to steer clear of white. Take inspiration from the bridesmaid dresses and speak to your daughter to get some ideas on colours that will work well on the day. Summer mother of the bride dresses tend to be full of bright floral patterns that look great. When it comes to style, there are some great modern pantsuits and two pieces available, but the most important thing is that you feel confident and comfortable in your choice.
Can the mother of the bride wear black?
In short, yes, but only if it goes with the feel of the day. You may find that young mother of the bride dresses incorporate elements of black more, as it’s still seen as more of an edgy look for mother of the bride and groom dresses. Speak with the bride to get her thoughts on this and see what’s available in shops and online.
Can the mother of the bride wear the same color as bridesmaids?
Whilst it’s not customary to match the bridesmaids exactly, mother of the bride dresses in recent years have started the reflect the same tones, hues and feel of the bridesmaids’ dresses. This certainly doesn’t mean to say the dress color should be an exact match but more as a starting point and to compliment the overall bridal party.
What should the mother of the bride not wear?
Steer clear of anything too close to white such as champagne and beige colours without speaking to your daughter beforehand. Black is also another risky color, but can work perfectly well at more formal weddings. Also avoid mother of the bride dresses that are too short or clingy won’t look great and will be uncomfortable to wear all day. Make sure you pair any see through fabric choices with a slip or under garment to protect you from any embarrassment caused by camera flashes.
Quick Tip: Does mother of the bride have to wear a hat?
Traditionally, mothers of the bride have worn hats to their daughter’s wedding day, but it is not commonly seen anymore. With the amount spent on hair and make-up, many mothers want to show of their hair and not cover it up with a hat, especially if the wedding is in a hotter climate. Wearing a hat or fascinator is completely up to you!
