It’s Mother’s Day, Too
On the big day, mom should look and feel just as amazing as you!
Moms are there for so much: to ease our tears on the first day of kindergarten, to slap a Band-Aid on that bruised knee, to remind us that our homework still isn’t done, and of course, to celebrate with us. And at this stage, she’s there to celebrate one of life’s biggest occasions with you: your wedding day!
Klodt Photography
One of her main roles during your time of celebration is to select her mother-of gown. Professional retailers that specialize in mother-of attire offer a wide selection of wedding day apparel, so mom should begin shopping as soon as possible.
David Corey Photography
Aim to have made a decision at least a couple months before the wedding – definitely more if you’re trying to coordinate with the mother of the groom or others in the wedding party. And be sure to allow even more time for a gown that requires special ordering. Every manufacturer is different, but a good rule of thumb is to allot 12-16 weeks for a special order.
While timing is certainly crucial in finding the perfect mother-of dress, it is also important to carefully consider ‘where’ to begin the search.
Vera Boumadi of Vera’s Ladies Apparel says, “When looking for mother-of gowns, you should go to a place where personal attention, latest fashions and professionals are what you encounter when you first walk through the door. Because it is an exciting time in your life, mothers-of should take comfort in working with a trusted professional who can meet their needs. With individual attention, you can enjoy the wonders of the wedding day, stress-free, with the perfect fit.”
To find the perfect gown, think ahead to the photos. There are sure to be in plenty of spontaneous snapshots, as well as the more formally posed photographs. The goal is to create a cohesive look. Mothers shouldn’t match the bridal party so much that someone mistakes them for the maid of honor, but they shouldn’t look like a wedding crasher either. The main goal is to have everyone in a similar formality and color scheme; not too rigid, but like some thought has gone into the planning.
Ken Love Photography
When choosing a gown, keep in mind the location, the time of day and the type of wedding, all of which will dictate the formality required. An evening wedding requires long, formal gowns in subdued shades, perhaps with a bit of lace, beading or brocade. An afternoon wedding allows for shorter, more playful gowns in brighter colors. A beach wedding means lighter fabrics and a more casual approach.
According to tradition, the mother of the bride sets the tone for family attire. She chooses her dress first, followed by the mother of the groom. Typically, the mothers coordinate the lengths of their gowns; if the mother of the bride wears a short gown, then the mother of the groom also wears a short dress. The color of each ensemble should complement the bridal party and, of course, be a color – not white. Remember that the mother’s dress should never try to upstage the bride’s.
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Photos by: Vitaliy Photography, Nick Edmundson Imaging, Today’s Bride Show
