Mother of the Bride

The Mother of all Dressing Dilemmas

Fashion tips for mothers of the bride to be.

So, you’re about to become mother of the bride and you’re not sure what to wear on the big day.

You are not alone.

As wedding conventions change or die out completely, the minefield of clothing options and family expectations can leave even the most confident dresser longing for some kind of standard-issue uniform.

“Many women find this the hardest occasion to dress for” says special occasions designer Ani Forest. “They feel like they’re on show and want to present an elegant image that expresses the values and beliefs of the family. Sadly, most of the clothes out there are designed for women either their daughter’s age, or the age of their mother.” And, not wanting to put further pressure on the bridal couple, they often try to figure it out alone.

If this sounds like you, there are a few tips that can help.

“The first thing is to limit your options. Look to the bridesmaids for cues on colour and formality” Ani says. While it is no longer customary to match bridesmaids completely, it makes sense to compliment them in terms of palette and style. With these parameters in place, finding the perfect outfit becomes that much simpler.

The second thing to remember is to be true to your personal style. “A women looks ten times better when she feels comfortable” says our expert. This also means finding clothes that flatter your body type. Items such as shawls or jackets gracefully cover up any problem areas and can be removed to reveal a second outfit.

Thirdly, it’s often a good idea to look for classic styles. This will ensure you look great not just on the day, but in wedding photos for years to come. “Your child’s wedding is not necessarily the time to be making bold fashion statements. Wedding fashions come and go, but a beautiful, elegant outfit is timeless.”

Our final tip for those feeling confused or stressed about finding the perfect mother of the bride outfit is this: give yourself plenty of time. A child’s wedding is a joyous occasion and, as a proud parent, you deserve to enjoy it. A little preparation and a little good advice will help you do just that.

So congratulations, good luck, and have a terrific day.