Wedding dress code for the mother-of-the-bride and mother-of-the-groom should be elegant and fitting for their status in the bridal party. Coordination is key, especially regarding style, color and type. Here are some guidelines to make sure the mothers’ attire for the wedding of their children is appropriate:
- Do not wear a white dress to the wedding. While this is a general rule for everybody attending, it is especially true for the mothers. It takes tacky to a whole new level.
- Choose colors that will blend with the dresses of the wedding party. Mothers usually wear a shade richer than that of the bridesmaids’ dresses.
- Black dresses are acceptable if and only if the bride and groom approve. Black is a standard color for evening attire but at a wedding it could look like a statement that one was not intending to make. Of course, if the wedding theme is black and white, then it would work. When in doubt, always ask first.
- If the color palette of the wedding is not flattering to you, choose a neutral color such as beige or camel. This way you are not upstaging the bride or calling unnecessary attention to yourself.
For formal weddings, floor length gowns are the way to go. Make sure that you wear comfortable heels. At informal affairs, a tea length dress or even a nice pantsuit is acceptable.
Take care that the accessories chosen are coordinated. This may be an area where the mothers can match! After all, a wedding is two families becoming one. Even though their outfits are different and tailored to each woman, they can wear matching earrings in the color scheme of the wedding. Dangling crystal earrings are a good way to coordinate the palette without going overboard. Matching necklaces or pendants can bring the outfits together while still look very classy.
Another way to bring two outfits together is with a purse. For this occasion, a chic clutch purse in wedding colors is a subtle touch. Clutches are appropriate for very formal affairs as well as more casual instances. Perhaps a traditional satin clutch for the mother-of-the-bride, and a sequined pouch for the groom’s mother would work. As long as the colors match. Or they can choose a different route and go for the same style but in different colors.
However the mothers decide to coordinate their look, make sure that you both check in with the bride and groom to see if what you are wearing is appropriate. While the dresses will not be the same, they must match in their level of formality. Finding the perfect look may be stressful, but hopefully these tips will make it easier.
