Expert Tips About Mother of the Bride Dresses Etiquette

Everything You Need to Know About Mother of Bride Dresses

As the mother of the bride, you play a crucial role in your daughter's wedding. Mother of the bride dresses can be confusing at first, especially since it's different for each wedding and couple. MOB attire has to strike a balance between style and appropriateness, it makes choosing the perfect dress for a daughter’s wedding is an exciting but daunting task.
Mother's dress should be elegant, appropriate, and complementary to the overall wedding theme. With bridal fashion, MOB attire doesn't have too many steadfast rules. Then you probably have questions like: What do moms wear to weddings? What's the best color for the mother of the bride? And who picks the bride's mother's outfit?

Champagne Satin MOB Dress with Long Sequined Sleeves
In general, the mother of the bride is encouraged to wear something she and her daughter both love. There are a few considerations to take into account, including the event's formality, the wedding party looks and most importantly, the couple's preference.

Here are the most common mother of the bride dresses etiquette questions, check them to make it easier for you to shop a Mother-of-the-Bride Dress.

What do moms wear to weddings?

Mother-of-the-bride attire etiquette is constantly evolving. In the past, mother-of-the-bride dresses had a reputation for being matronly or overly conservative, but now things changed. (Psst: The same goes for grandmother-of-the-bride dresses, too.)
Moms are encouraged to wear an outfit that they love (with the bride's approval, of course). Sleek evening gowns, trendy midi dresses, dressy jumpsuits and chic MOB pantsuits are all excellent options. There are a few factors that can influence mother-of-the-bride attire, like the venue, the date and the seasonality, also consider the wedding dress code and what styles make Mom truly feel great.

1. Coordinate with the Bride:
Color Palette: Discuss the wedding's color scheme with the bride, choose a color that complements the wedding's color palette. Avoid White or Ivory, unless required by the bride, for these colors are traditionally reserved for the bride.
Style and Length: Coordinate the formality of your dress with the wedding's overall style. A formal wedding might call for a floor-length gown, while a casual wedding might allow for a shorter dress or a pantsuit.
2. Consider the Venue and Season:
A formal venue might call for a more formal dress, while a casual venue allows for a more relaxed style.
Outdoor Wedding: Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics and comfortable footwear.
Indoor Wedding: A more formal dress might be appropriate.
Winter Wedding: Warmer fabrics like velvet or wool can be stylish choices.
Summer Wedding: Lighter fabrics like chiffon or linen are ideal for warmer weather.
Opt for colors that are appropriate for the season. For example, pastels for spring and deeper tones for fall.
3. Choose a Flattering Style with Body Figure:
Empire Waist: This style can help to elongate your torso and minimize your waist.
A-Line: This versatile style is flattering on most body types.
Wrap Dress: This style can accentuate your waist and create a flattering silhouette.
4. Style and Length:
Should the mother of the bride wear a long or short dress?
Tea-Length or floor-length are typically appropriate for most weddings. When deciding whether your mother-of-the-bride dress should be long or short, it's important to consider the wedding venue and formality, and mother's personality.
A formal setting calls for something floor-length, while a knee-length wedding outfit for moms is appropriate for laid-back celebrations. Take inspiration from the wedding gown and bridesmaid dresses, as these can help influence what dress length the mother of the bride should wear.
Avoid Overly Revealing Styles: Opt for modest necklines and hemlines.
5. Accessorize Wisely:
Jewelry: Keep your jewelry simple and elegant.
Shoes: Choose comfortable shoes that match your dress.
Handbag: A small clutch or evening bag is perfect for carrying essentials.
6. Avoid Fashion Faux Pas:
Don't Upstage the Bride: Your outfit should complement the bride's, not overshadow it.
Avoid White: White is traditionally reserved for the bride.
Be Mindful of the Time of Day: A morning wedding might call for a less formal outfit, while an evening wedding might require a more formal dress.

Shop: Wisteria Purple Bedazzled Formal Mermaid Mother of The Bride Dress

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you look elegant and appropriate for your daughter's special day.
Remember, the key to a perfect mother-of-the-bride look is to feel confident and comfortable. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you look your best on your daughter's special day.

Does the mother of the bride choose her outfit first?

Yes, in most cases, the mother of the bride picks their dress and color first.
Mother of bride dress shopping start around 6 to 8 months before the wedding date. At this time, it's likely that bridal wear and bridesmaid dresses have already selected.
This will not only allow time for you to discuss your attire with MOG, but also make sure of that you have plenty of time for shopping and alterations.
The collaborating between mother of the bride and groom dresses and bridal wear, bridesmaid dresses will eliminate any style mishaps.

What's the best color for the mother of the bride?

There's not one specific or traditional dress color that the bride's mom should wear. The wedding color scheme and bridesmaid's dress color can both influence mother-of-the-bride attire. Ultimately, the MOB should defer to the couple regarding what colors are appropriate for their ceremony. A right color is the best color for the mother of the bride evening dresses.

Can the mother of the bride wear black?

Yes, mother of the bride can wear black color, especially if the couple is having a black-tie wedding.
However, Mom should always consult the bride beforehand and consider the venue, vibe and season. If the wedding color scheme consists of bright, punchy hues, the bride might request a style in a coordinating shade.

Can the mother of the bride wear patterned attire?

Of course, mothers of the brides can certainly wear patterned dresses. In fact, floral patterned mother of bride dress is perfect for spring or summer wedding. However, don't forget to share your plans with your daughter.

Does the mother of the bride and groom need to wear the same color?

It's not necessary for the mothers of the bride and groom to wear the same color. But the couple may prefer to have their moms wear complementary colors, though, in which case both are advised to discuss outfit ideas.

Should the mother of the bride match the bridesmaids dresses colors?

No, the mother of the bride doesn't need to wear the same color as the bridesmaids or the wedding party in general. However, the bride may prefer to have corresponding colors for a cohesive look.
And it's also fine for the mother of the bride to opt for an outfit that doesn't match the wedding color scheme, if that's what the bride prefers.

Who pick bride mother's outfits?

Is the bride supposed to pick her mother's outfit? Choosing the mother of the bride's dress should be a collaborative effort. The couple will likely have ideas and opinions on what their moms should wear, but Mom should get a say as well.
It's best to ask for the bride's thoughts on color and style before starting the shopping process, even some brides may not have a preference for what Mom wear. This is especially important if Mom is considering a look that's similar to the dress of the bride, the bridesmaids or the mother of the groom.

Who pays for the bride's mother's outfit?

Traditionally, the mother of the bride pays for her own wedding attire. Unless the couple has stated otherwise, the MOB should be prepared to cover the cost of her dress.