In the past, the mother of the bride was expected to wear a traditional matron style outfit in washed out pastel colours and various shades of beige. However, luckily for modern day mothers of the bride, weddings are now becoming a lot less about tradition and more about individual preference. This means that there are many more fashionable options available to you when choosing the mother of the bride’s outfit. The wedding of your daughter (or son!) is a landmark day, that will be one of the most special and memorable occasions of your life, so you will likely want a brand-new outfit to wear for the big event.  

However, finding the right outfit for the big day can be a difficult and daunting task. To give you a helping hand, here is some expert advice on how to choose the mother of the bride outfit, to ensure that you look and feel amazing on the special day and can focus on making memories that will last a lifetime. 

What Should the Mother of the Bride Wear? 

When it comes to deciding what to wear when you are the mother of the bride, you should first consult the bride herself. By asking your daughter what she thinks you should wear, you may be able to get some hints on the level of formality and colour schemes that will feature in the rest of the wedding. While it isn’t customary for mother of the bride dresses to be identical in colour to the bridesmaids, sometimes wearing something that complements the overall colour theme of the wedding is a great way to tie the top table members together. 

Mother of the Bride Dresses on a Budget

When you are the mother of the bride, you should be sure to find an outfit that makes you feel great but also doesn’t break the bank. How much you should spend on your outfit totally depends on how much you can afford and how much you are willing to pay. It is entirely your decision! You shouldn’t feel pressured into buying an outfit that is out of your price range as there is no reason why you can’t find a more budget friendly outfit that isn’t just as special. Be sure not to enter an outfit competition with the mother of the groom though, and instead focus on finding an outfit that you can afford but also makes you feel great. 

If you are worried about finding an outfit within your price range, then you should consider starting the search for your outfit way in advance. This can help you get a better idea of how much your outfit might cost and gives you the chance to make the most of sales and getting yourself a good deal. But, if you do find yourself spending a lot of money on your outfit, then don’t worry! It is okay to splurge and treat yourself to an extravagant outfit for this special day. 

Are There Any Colour Restrictions?

It is generally accepted when it comes to picking wedding outfits, that everyone should avoid ivory, white, and champagne colours, so that they aren’t too like the colour of the bridal dress. However, you may also want to avoid black coloured outfits or prints that are too bold. Some of the best mother of the bride outfits are elegant and simple dresses that have been dressed up with additional fascinators or other accessories. If you are concerned that you may have picked a dress that is inappropriate or in a distasteful colour, then you should be sure to talk to the bride. She will likely have colours in mind that would clash with the overall colour scheme. You don’t want to go for any colours that are too flashy and stand out too much as you may find that you outshine the other wedding party members on the wedding photographs. But, don’t be afraid to wear colour, as wearing a bright coloured dress has become a fashionable trend particularly for summer weddings.

Do You Let the Mother of the Groom Know About Your Choice? 

It is up to you whether you disclose your outfit choice before the big day, and many people keep it a secret so that they can surprise their fellow guests. However, you may want to discuss your outfit choice with the mother of the groom so that you don’t look too similar. This largely depends on how well you know the groom’s mother. You may even decide to complement each other’s outfit to show unity for your children’s big day. 

Mother of the Bride Accessories

Accessories are an essential part of your mother of the bride outfit, and no wedding outfit is complete without a fascinator or shawl. Fascinators have become particularly popular in recent years and are a more modern and fashionable alternative to wearing a hat. You may consider buying some jewellery that perfectly complements the look you are going for, which will also be a great keepsake to remind you of the special day. If you are looking for plus size occasion dresses for weddings, then you can also find shawls that are a great way to cover your shoulders or arms without having to wear a jacket that is hiding your beautiful outfit. The opportunities are endless when it comes to accessorising your outfit no matter what your personal preference, body shape, or age! 

Alternatives to a Dress 

However, you shouldn’t feel pressured into wearing a dress if you aren’t a dress kind of person. Trouser suits have become fashionable in recent years and are an elegant and stylish alternative to dresses. When looking for plus size occasion wear, you may struggle to find a dress that you are comfortable in, so don’t feel restricted by trying to find a dress and instead wear whatever makes you look and feel great. 

It is important that you pick an outfit that is right for you, which is both comfortable and stylish, as don’t forget, it is your special day too!