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Mother-of-the-Bride and Mother-of-the-Groom Fashion | Pro Wedding Tips

When you hear the words mother-of-the-bride or mother-of-the-groom does a very specific look come to mind? It seems that there's a cookie-cutter look that has taken the throne as the look for a mom on the wedding day. There's nothing wrong with a tried and true fashion moment, but for some moms that simply doesn't fit the bill. If your child is about to tie the knot, we have some tips (and examples from weddings past) to help you find a standout look that will have you feeling like a million bucks while also being a perfect complement to the couple's style.

Mother of the Bride Dress
Danielle Harris Photography

Track Down the Details

Much like any other guest, you'll want to stick closely to the dress code when choosing your wedding day look. There's always a great opportunity to elevate the look a bit since you are, after all, a key figure of the day, but it's helpful to stay in the general parameters of the dress code. Additionally, you will want to consider the season and venue before committing to your attire. The difference in what will be comfortable for a wedding at a black tie rooftop gala versus a dressy-casual seaside event is huge, so it's very important to keep these details top of mind while searching for the perfect outfit. Looking and feeling your best means taking all of these things into consideration and still honoring what makes you feel the most like you.


Mother of the Bride Tips
Chloe Luka Photography

Consult the Couple

If the dress code and expectations have you a bit befuddled, it never hurts to ask the couple for some feedback. Rather than diving in blind, we suggest picking out a few favorites online or in-store and presenting them to the couple to see if you're on the right track. Rather than feeling like you're bothering the couple, think of it as a thoughtful gesture that will allow them the opportunity to give the go-ahead or add specific expectations for your attire.


The couple may be able to point you in the direction of some options that would look great with the wedding party and fit the theme of the wedding. Many companies like BHLDN offer such a wide range of styles and colors that it can be a great place to find an outfit that fits well with the color scheme or overall style of the event. While you're unlikely to want to find a look that is an exact match for the bridesmaids, with BHLDN you may be able to find something in a similar color family or style that screams mother-of-the-bride or groom in all the right ways. Plus, some couples may specifically ask that you wear white a la Tina Knowles, or specifically ask that you steer clear of certain colors, so it's simply the best choice to check in with them first.


Hummingbird Nest Ranch Wedding
Jordan Voth

Dabble in Rentals

You may want to avoid selecting anything that will fall into the wear once and shove to the back of the closet category. In a perfect world, it would be great to find a wedding day look that can be worn time and time again, but sometimes with dress codes and other factors that isn't always possible. For those mamas looking to make a splash and maybe push the envelope a little with something they wouldn't typically have in their closet, Rent the Runway and Novo Octo are brilliant options for renting a gown or swoon-worthy suit. Rent the Runway is tried and true and tends to have a handful of great options for every budget. The easy to navigate dress code options and highly specific filters make searching for the right dress an absolute breeze. For the most high-end gowns on the rental scene, Novo Octo is a great rental option for the woman who wants to spare no cost to look and feel amazing. With designers like Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera available you can don the same dresses as an A-list star for the wedding!


What to Wear Wedding Attire
Wandering Heart Photography

Fit for A Queen

A perfectly fitted gown isn't just for the bride and bridesmaids. The mothers-of-the-bride and groom have a huge part to play in the wedding day and it's so important to look and feel your absolute best. To enjoy the day to the fullest and mingle to the max, you want to feel comfortable and oftentimes that means heading to alterations. Very few people can find a perfect fit when selecting an item straight off the rack, so consider heading to a tailor to have the look nipped, tucked, and let out, to fit your figure perfectly.


Charleston Wedding Planner
Danielle Harris Photography

Add Some Glitz

If the couple has suggested a very specific look for you that isn't something you'd usually go for, consider the accessories your chance to add a little extra personality. Plus, the idea of having a piece of jewelry from the wedding day makes for a beautiful keepsake to wear long after the wedding bells have rung. Don't forget to choose the perfect pair of shoes and break them in around the house prior to the big day. Since you will be on your feet as much as the happy couple, it's important to make sure you have a comfortable pair to wear. Be sure to take your shoes with you for any alterations so they can get the length spot on.


There's so much to think of for the mom sending their child down the aisle to marry the love of their life. With to-do lists galore, venue visits, and fittings to attend, the list of items for the parents can often be almost as long as that of the soon-to-be newlyweds. On the wedding day, whether you're the one straightening his collar or lacing up her dress, it's absolutely crucial that you look and feel your best. Once the toasts have been given and photos of the day have been printed, the farthest thing from mind should be a qualm with your wedding day look; and with these tips for scoring the gown of your dreams, you're bound to look fabulous.


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