What to Wear as the Bride's Mother?

The bride's mother plays a vital part in the festivities leading up to the big day.

She will be a solid support system for you during the entire planning phase, and she can even help with the performance of some factors and serve as a main contact for relatives and guests.

She merits not one, but two presents of appreciation for her efforts.

But among the many things a mother of a bride must do, choosing her daughter's wedding gown ranks high.

The rules for what the bride’s mother should wear to the wedding can be challenging to decipher at first, especially given that they vary from ceremony to ceremony.

Like bridal fashion, there aren't many hard and fast rules when it comes to what the bride’s mother should wear.

You need to consider the bridesmaid dresses, the mom of the groom's attire, and the bride's own taste.

As a rule of thumb, though, the bride’s mother should choose an outfit that she and the bride will both enjoy.

Here, we discuss usually asked topics regarding the bride's mother wardrobe, including who selects her dress and what colour the mother should wear.

What Should the Bride's Mother Wear?

What the bride’s mother should wear is a fluid topic of protocol. While the bride’s mother gowns may have once been seen as matronly or too conventional, this is not the case.

The same holds true for outfits donned by the grandmother of the bride. The bride-to-be has the last say on what her mother should wear, but she hopes her mother will wear something she feels beautiful in.

The bride’s mother can look stunning in a variety of formal gowns, including maxi dresses, sleek evening gowns, structured jumpsuits, and fashionable midis.

The bride’s mother outfit may be affected by a number of variables.

In the first place, mom's clothing selection will be influenced by the time of year.

If the wedding is in the heat of the summer, the bride’s mom probably wouldn't like to dress in a lace sleeves, or long, thick skirt and if it's in the dead of winter, she might be more comfortable wearing a wrap or shawl.

The bride’s mother should dress seasonally as well, much like the bridesmaid dresses and wedding gown.

Whatever the bride’s mother dresses may also be influenced by the location of the wedding.

The dress code for a formal event is different from that of a more calm party.

Determine the bride’s mother outfit by looking at the bridal gown and the outfits the bridesmaids will be wearing.

Who Selects the Dress?

Cooperation is encouraged when selecting the bride’s mother gown. It's natural for the bride to have thoughts and preferences about what her mother should wear, but she shouldn't have final say.

The bride’s mother should dress in something that makes her feel beautiful and confident; after all, it is a big day for her, too.

It's preferable to hear the bride's input on colour scheme and design before heading out to the stores.

Especially if the mother wants to dress like the bride, this is something she should know.

Is It Necessary for the Bride’s Mother Gown to Match the Bridesmaids’?

The bride’s mother is not expected to arrange with the bridesmaids or any other members in the wedding.

It's up to the bride's taste whether or not her wedding party wears coordinated colours.

Rather than trying to find bridesmaid dresses in the same colour as yours, you might want to find one in a shade that works well with yours.

When the bride desires, the consultant at her neighborhood bridal salon can assist with colour matching.

The bride’s mother is also free to choose an ensemble that contrasts with the bridesmaids' dresses and the wedding's overall colour scheme.

The bride’s mother might not be asked to wear a certain garment in the wedding party for some brides. In such an instance, any reasonable appearance would do.

Should Bride and Groom's Mothers Wear Matchy Dresses?

The parents of the groom and bride don't need to wear the same attire.

However, if the couple wants their mothers to wear similar colours, they should coordinate their wardrobe choices.

The bride and groom can guide their moms in their selection of the attire by providing suggestions for colours, styles, and degrees of formality.

Since it's not needed, it would make things go more smoothly if the bride's mother and groom's mother work together to choose their outfits.

You should consult the bride for some advice before going to the shops for the bride’s mother outfit.

Taking this step will guarantee that the bride’s mother is dressed appropriately for the ceremony. Once mommy has some ideas, together with their children they can go to the stores to choose outfits they both adore.

Time It Properly and Express Your Decision

Our bridal consultants recommend beginning your dress hunt not later than four months prior to your wedding to allow for modifications and special orders.

The conventional bridal salon shouldn't be overlooked, even if you end up purchasing your dress from a department shop or a speciality boutique.

The bride’s mother also has many alternatives to choose from.

According to tradition, the bride’s mother should purchase her daughter's wedding gown before informing the mom of the groom.

It is important to allow enough time for the parents of the groom to place any special orders and have any adjustments made before the wedding.

If the bride doesn't want her mothers to wear matching gowns, she should choose gowns that complement each other.

The one and only individual who should really shine out in all the photos you take together is the bride.

Prepare Yourself Stylishly for the Big Day

The bride’s mother is not subject to any restrictions on her hair or makeup. Again, you want to strike a balance between being noticeable and being modest.

Like the bridesmaids, you should have a new manicure and pedicure the night before the event and get your hair and cosmetics done on the big day.

It's up to her daughter and her bridal party to do this.

Do not really take it personally if the bride and her attendants choose to get ready for the wedding together.

To enjoy the rare opportunity for peace and quiet, you can either call the mom of a groom or even other relatives to your own personal prettying party, or you can simply prepare to sneak out on your own.

Just remember to schedule time to have your hair and cosmetics done by a pro or a reliable friend.

Most mothers put their kids' needs ahead of their own much too frequently. Always keep in mind that today is your special occasion, too!

What Are the Mother-Of-The-Bride/Groom Outfit Requirements?

For a long time, weddings weren't permitted, and the ones that did happen were far more intimate than you were probably used to.

Now, thankfully, larger events can be held pretty much everywhere.

The circumstances surrounding your ability to go to a wedding notwithstanding, you should always make an effort to appear your best when you do so.

Here are some suggestions for what to wear as the bride's or groom's mother, however specifics may differ according to cultural norms.

Please avoid wearing only black clothing

Wearing only black as a sign of grief is one possibility.

Certainly this isn't a hard and fast rule, but in my experience, ladies over the age of 40 look best when they are wearing brighter colours.

Black can be worn alone, but it also looks great when paired with other colours.

Don't wear anything too flashy for sunnies

You should definitely wear colour, but I wouldn't recommend going for something too garish.

It might not be a good idea to wear a dress that is blazing red, neon pink, or neon yellow.

If you prefer wearing bolder hues, a multicoloured dress is a terrific option that would shine during a summer wedding.

Avoid Being Too Sexy

Do not show too much skin or wear clothes that are excessively short—the bride should be the focus of all eyes.

For the same reason, it's preferable that the dress not be too form-fitting, should it draw too much attention and prompt comments about how inappropriate it is for the event.

You Should Be Ready To Move To Several Different Venues

Make sure to include a jacket in addition to your outfit in case the wedding contains a religious ceremony.

Warm or cold weather gear should be packed accordingly.

Especially if the ceremony is held in a garden and the reception is held in a climate-controlled banquet hall, the answer will be different for each.

Choose Premium Fabrics

As the bride’s mother, you should give careful consideration to the weather and venue while selecting an outfit.

You should also make sure that the garments you want to wear do not wrinkle easily.

For example, synthetic textiles can increase perspiration significantly. You can use this fabric qualities guide to aid in your decision-making.

Get To Know the Bride and Her Preferences by Talking to Her

If she doesn't care how you look, then feel free to choose whatever you choose.

But if she has certain colour preferences or gives you rules to follow, it's probably best to follow them.

It's possible she'll want you to wear a dress that matches the hue of the bridesmaids' dresses.

You should consider the bride and groom's preferences when making your choice, but you should also be excited about it.

Prepare ahead of time, and you'll be able to help your daughter or son with wedding planning without feeling overwhelmed.

Maintain Your Unique Fashion Taste

If you prefer simple, neat clothes, there's no need to go overboard with glitter and rhinestones.

That is, unless you're into a complete aesthetic overhaul. Don't stray too far from the path.

On the big day, you should feel confident in your appearance and not worry too much about how you look to others.

You might feel comfortable in trousers at the wedding, but dresses make any event feel more festive.

If a gown is too much of a stretch for you, try pairing some fantastic slacks with a blazer made from a luxury fabric instead.

Take Color Inspiration from the Bridal Party

Make sure you ask the bride. 

You should also enquire as to the shade of dress worn by the maids of honour.

You definitely don't want to give that impression.

The bride’s mother should traditionally wear a colour that coordinates with those of the bridal party.

According to a wedding planner, parents should not start looking for bridesmaids' dresses until their daughters have made their selections. A fabric sample from them will come in handy when trying to find a complementary shade.

Choose either matching bridesmaid gowns or separates in a complementary colour if your daughter opts out of the former.

Choose something silver or grey, for instance, if she requests that her attendants all wear black cocktail dresses.

If she and her friends are wearing cobalt blue, she might want to consider a navy dress.

The experts agree on one thing: don't wear something that's the same colour as the bride’s wedding gown.

The bride should be the centre of attention, but it's fine if you look great too.

Choose a Timeless Style Above Something Trendy

Don't forget that you'll be looking at these pictures in a few decades. Look for a design that is modern while still having classic lines.

Maybe you can wear your preserved vintage lace dress that you have worn a few years back. Lace dresses are always timeless but be sure to consult the couple before actually wearing it on the wedding day.

MyDressBox is are wedding dress cleaning and preservation specialists servicing all major cities in Australia and New Zealand, including Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart, Gold Coast, Newcastle, Sunshine Coast, Wollongong, Geelong and many more.

Conclusion

There is no hard and fast rule on what the mother of the bride should wear at her daughter's wedding. What the mother should wear is not strictly governed by any canonical guidelines.

The bride-to-be will ultimately make the decision, but she wants her mum to be comfortable and confident in her outfit. The proper attire for a more subdued gathering differs from that of a black tie affair. The mother of the bride can wear whatever she likes to stand out from the other bridesmaids.

The bride has the last say on whether or not her wedding party will wear matching colours.

Traditionally, the bride's mother pays for the wedding dress without telling the groom's mother.

The bride can choose to have her mothers wear dresses that complement each other rather than matching if she so desires.

Don't forget to make an appointment with a professional or a trusted friend to take care of your hair and makeup. Here are some outfit ideas for the mother of the bride to consider.

We ask that you not stick to a strict black wardrobe. A dress with a lot of different colours is a great choice for a summer wedding. You should check the wrinkle resistance of the clothes you plan to wear. When picking out a wedding gown, it's important to take into account the tastes of the bride and husband. She may ask you to coordinate with the bridesmaids' outfits by wearing something similar in shade.

To sum up: if you want your clothes tidy and unfussy, there's no need to cover them in sequins and glitter. Parents of the bridesmaids shouldn't start shopping for gowns for the wedding party until their daughters have chosen their own. Don't choose an outfit that will clash with the bride's dress. You shouldn't steal the spotlight from the bride, but feeling fantastic is perfectly acceptable.

Content Summary

• The rules for what the bride's mother should wear to the wedding can be challenging to decipher at first, especially given that they vary from ceremony to ceremony.
• Like bridal fashion, there aren't many hard and fast rules when it comes to what the bride's mother should wear.
• You need to consider the bridesmaid dresses, the mom of the groom's attire, and the bride's own taste.
• Whatever the bride's mother dresses may also be influenced by the location of the wedding.
• The dress code for a formal event is different from that of a more calm party.
• Determine the bride's mother outfit by looking at the bridal gown and the outfits the bridesmaids will be wearing.
• It's up to the bride's taste whether or not her wedding party wears coordinated colours.
• The bride's mother is also free to choose an ensemble that contrasts with the bridesmaids' dresses and the wedding's overall colour scheme.
• You should consult the bride for some advice before going to the shops for the bride's mother outfit.
• According to tradition, the bride's mother should purchase her daughter's wedding gown before informing the mom of the groom.
• The bride's mother is not subject to any restrictions on her hair or makeup.
• Like the bridesmaids, you should have a new manicure and pedicure the night before the event and get your hair and cosmetics done on the big day.
• It's up to her daughter and her bridal party to do this.
• The circumstances surrounding your ability to go to a wedding notwithstanding, you should always make an effort to appear your best when you do so.
• Here are some suggestions for what to wear as the bride's or groom's mother, however specifics may differ according to cultural norms.
• As the bride's mother, you should give careful consideration to the weather and venue while selecting an outfit.
• If she doesn't care how you look, then feel free to choose whatever you choose.
• It's possible she'll want you to wear a dress that matches the hue of the bridesmaids' dresses.
• You should consider the bride and groom's preferences when making your choice, but you should also be excited about it.
• On the big day, you should feel confident in your appearance and not worry too much about how you look to others.
• You should also enquire as to the shade of dress worn by the maids of honour.
• The bride's mother should traditionally wear a colour that coordinates with those of the bridal party.
• Choose either matching bridesmaid gowns or separates in a complementary colour if your daughter opts out of the former.
• The experts agree on one thing: don't wear something that's the same colour as the bride's wedding gown.
• Look for a design that is modern while still having classic lines.

FAQS ABOUT BRIDE’S MOTHER WEDDING ATTIRE

What should the mother of the bride wear?

The mother of the bride should traditionally wear a colour that coordinates with the bridesmaids' dresses. Your daughter should pick the bridesmaid dresses, therefore you shouldn't go shopping for them until she does.

Does the mother of the bride have to wear a long dress?

For traditional weddings, the bride and groom can choose the gown or dress length. At any wedding after midday, women can feel comfortable wearing long dresses or skirts. While it's not required, many brides prefer that their moms wear dresses of similar lengths for a more unified image, particularly in photographs.

When should the mother of the bride buy her outfit?

Six to eight months before the wedding is a good window to begin shopping for the mother of the bride's dress, allowing for shipping and alterations. You'll have plenty of time to shop for a dress you'll feel beautiful in and confident in.

Does it matter what color the mother of the bride wears?

Mother of the bride attire is not limited to a single hue. White, ivory, and champagne are best avoided since they draw too much focus away from the bride.

What is the mother of the bride responsible for?

In your role as the mother of the bride, you'll want to spend some of the reception time greeting visitors. Other responsibilities on the wedding day may include warming up the dance floor by dancing with the father of the bride or sitting at the parents' table.