As the mother of the bride, you want to make sure you look and feel your absolute best on your daughter’s special day. While it’s natural to want to shine, it’s essential to strike the right balance between being stylish and not upstaging the bride. After all, the focus should be on the happy couple, not on your outfit. To avoid any fashion faux pas, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on what mother of the bride should not wear on the big day.
Avoid Upstaging the Bride
The golden rule: never, ever try to outshine the bride. This is her day, and her dress should be the center of attention. Avoid wearing anything that might distract from her beauty or steal the spotlight.
Ditch the White or Ivory
It’s a long-standing tradition that only the bride wears white or ivory on her wedding day. Don’t even think about wearing a white or ivory dress, no matter how elegant or chic you think it looks. You might think you’re paying homage to the bride, but trust us, it’s a major fashion faux pas.
Instead, opt for a dress in a complementary color that complements the wedding theme and doesn’t clash with the bridesmaids’ dresses. Pastel shades, soft neutrals, or rich jewel tones are all great options.
Be Mindful of Sparkle and Shine
While a little sparkle never hurt anyone, it’s essential to avoid wearing anything that might compete with the bride’s dress. Save the sequins, glitter, and excessive bling for another occasion. Opt for subtle embellishments or a statement piece of jewelry that adds a touch of elegance without stealing the show.
Don’t Overdo It
Remember, the goal is to look stylish and supportive, not to draw attention away from the happy couple.
Avoid Overly Flashy or Revealing Outfits
Leave the flashy, attention-seeking outfits for another time. The mother of the bride should exude elegance and sophistication, not try to turn heads with a daring or provocative dress.
Choose an outfit that’s modest, yet stylish, and suitable for the wedding’s formality level. A knee-length or longer dress is usually a safe bet, and make sure to avoid anything too tight, too short, or too low-cut.
Steer Clear of Overly Trendy or Fashion-Forward Pieces
While it’s great to stay fashion-forward, the mother of the bride shouldn’t be a fashion experiment. Avoid overly trendy or cutting-edge pieces that might make you stand out for the wrong reasons. Opt for timeless, classic styles that exude elegance and sophistication.
Consider the Wedding Theme and Venue
The mother of the bride should always consider the wedding theme and venue when choosing her outfit.
Be Respectful of the Wedding Style
Make sure your outfit aligns with the wedding’s formality level. If it’s a formal, black-tie affair, opt for a more formal, elegant dress. If it’s a casual, outdoor wedding, you can get away with something a bit more relaxed.
Take the Venue into Account
Consider the wedding venue and dress accordingly. If the wedding is taking place in a grand ballroom, you can opt for something more formal and extravagant. If it’s a beach or outdoor wedding, choose an outfit that’s lightweight, breathable, and suitable for the setting.
Don’t Forget About Comfort
As the mother of the bride, you’ll likely be on your feet for several hours, dancing, hugging, and celebrating. Make sure your outfit is comfortable and allows you to move freely.
Choose Shoes Wisely
Avoid stilettos or shoes that might cause discomfort. Opt for comfortable heels or flats that will allow you to dance the night away without wincing in pain.
Dress for the Weather
Check the weather forecast beforehand and dress accordingly. If it’s going to be hot, choose a lightweight, breathable fabric. If it’s going to be chilly, opt for something with a bit more coverage.
Seek Inspiration, Not Duplication
While it’s lovely to take inspiration from the bride’s dress, it’s essential to avoid duplicating it.
Avoid Similar Silhouettes or Fabrics
Steer clear of similar silhouettes or fabrics that might make it seem like you’re trying to copy the bride’s dress. Instead, opt for a unique, yet complementary style that pays homage to the wedding theme.
Find Your Own Personal Style
Embrace your own personal style and don’t be afraid to show it off. The mother of the bride should be confident and stylish, yet respectful of the bride’s special day.
By following these simple guidelines, you’ll be sure to look and feel your absolute best on your daughter’s special day. Remember, the goal is to support and celebrate the happy couple, not to steal the spotlight. So, go ahead, be stylish, be elegant, and be the perfect mother of the bride!
Q: What’s the biggest mistake a mother of the bride can make when choosing her outfit?
The biggest mistake a mother of the bride can make is to upstage the bride on her big day. This can be achieved by wearing an outfit that is too flashy, too bright, or too attention-seeking. The mother of the bride should aim to blend in with the wedding party and guests, rather than drawing attention away from the bride.
A good rule of thumb is to choose an outfit that is elegant, understated, and respectful of the bride’s style and preferences. The mother of the bride should also consider the wedding venue, time of day, and dress code specified by the bride and groom. By doing so, she can ensure that her outfit complements the overall aesthetic of the wedding, rather than clashing with it.
Q: How can I ensure that my outfit doesn’t clash with the bridesmaids’ dresses?
To avoid clashing with the bridesmaids’ dresses, the mother of the bride should try to find out what color they will be wearing. If possible, she can ask the bride or the maid of honor for this information. Alternatively, she can look for clues on social media or wedding planning websites. If she still can’t find out the color, she can choose a neutral shade that will complement most colors.
It’s also important to consider the style and fabric of the bridesmaids’ dresses. If they are wearing formal, floor-length gowns, the mother of the bride should opt for a similarly formal outfit. If they are wearing casual, knee-length dresses, she can choose a less formal outfit. By doing so, she can ensure that her outfit blends in with the bridesmaids’ dresses, rather than standing out in a way that might be distracting.
Q: What’s the best way to coordinate with the mother of the groom?
The best way to coordinate with the mother of the groom is to communicate with her beforehand. The two mothers can discuss their outfits and find a way to complement each other without matching exactly. They can also consider the wedding colors, dress code, and overall aesthetic to ensure that their outfits fit in with the wedding theme.
It’s also a good idea to involve the bride and groom in the decision-making process. They may have specific ideas or preferences for the mothers’ outfits, and it’s always a good idea to check in with them before making a final decision. By coordinating with the mother of the groom and the bride and groom, the mother of the bride can ensure that everyone looks and feels great on the big day.
Q: Can I wear white or ivory to the wedding?
It’s generally considered taboo for the mother of the bride to wear white or ivory to the wedding, as these colors are traditionally reserved for the bride. Wearing white or ivory can make the mother of the bride stand out in a way that might be distracting or attention-seeking.
Instead, the mother of the bride can choose a different neutral shade, such as beige, champagne, or pale pink. These colors are elegant and understated, and can complement the wedding colors without upstaging the bride. Ultimately, the mother of the bride should prioritize the bride’s feelings and preferences when choosing her outfit.
Q: How can I incorporate personal touches into my outfit?
The mother of the bride can incorporate personal touches into her outfit by choosing an accessory or piece of jewelry that holds sentimental value. For example, she might wear a necklace that belonged to her mother or grandmother, or a pair of earrings that were a gift from the bride.
Another way to add personal touches is to choose an outfit that reflects the mother of the bride’s personal style or personality. For example, if she loves flowers, she might wear a floral patterned dress or a boutonniere. By incorporating personal touches, the mother of the bride can make her outfit feel more meaningful and special.
Q: What’s the best way to stay comfortable and confident all day?
The best way to stay comfortable and confident all day is to choose an outfit that fits well and feels good on the body. The mother of the bride should avoid tight or constricting clothing, and opt for breathable fabrics like cotton or silk instead.
She should also consider the shoes she wears, and opt for a pair that is comfortable and supportive. Finally, the mother of the bride should take care of herself in the days leading up to the wedding, by getting enough rest, eating well, and staying hydrated. By doing so, she can feel confident and relaxed on the big day, and enjoy every moment of the celebration.