Traditionally, the mother of the bride’s dress should complement the wedding party’s colors (though not necessarily match). Therefore, it’s best to wait until your daughter chooses the bridesmaids’ dresses to begin shopping. If you take away only one tip, let it be this one: Follow the bride’s cues about style, color, and degree of formality. You’re an important member of the wedding party and you’ll want to look the part. So, ask your daughter for some guidelines and follow suit. Make sure you also take the weather and cultural or religious customs into account when finding your outfit. Whatever kind of wedding it is, you can never go wrong if these three words come to mind: elegant, understated, and appropriate.

According to our bridal experts, you should start searching for your dress no later than three months before the wedding to allow time for special orders and alterations. You may choose to look in department or specialty stores for your dress, but don’t pass over traditional bridal salons. Many have options for the mother of the bride, as well! If the bride prefers to get glammed up with just her bridesmaids, don’t take it personally. You can invite the mother of the groom or other family members to have a prettying party of your own, or relish the rare moment of quiet and plan to slip off on your own. Just make sure that you do plan to get your hair and makeup done — whether by a professional or trusted friend. Too often, mothers overlook themselves in favor of their children. Remember, it’s your special day, too!
Naturally, you want to look terrific on the day your daughter or son gets married—because while it’s true that all eyes will be on the bride, they’ll also be on you. The old concept that both moms are supposed to look matronly was retired long ago, along with the colorless advice that the mother of the groom should wear beige, unless that’s her color. Fashionable, tasteful and age-appropriate are in.
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