The number of weddings in the US surpasses about a million every year. In 2020 alone, we had 1.267,877 weddings. The newlyweds spent an average of $20,286 per wedding.
This is about $6.000 less than what they spent five years ago, probably because of the pandemic’s restrictions.
If you have a wedding today and plan to spend the same amount, the bigger chunk of it will go to clothes. It’s never a big hassle to decide what the bride and groom will wear. In most cases, they choose to go in white gowns and suits, respectively.
However, what should the mother of the bride wear? Or what should she avoid, given that it’s her daughter’s big day?
Besides taking many photographs, the bride’s mum will also make a grand entrance to the venue. So, it helps if she puts on unique colors.
Keep reading to get perfect ideas on what the mother of the bride should wear at your wedding.
1. Consider the Wedding Colors, Season, and Location
The mother of the bride dress etiquette should match the prevailing wedding colors, season, and location. If it’s an all-white bridal party, it’s okay to go with any shade that looks beautiful on the bride’s mother.
Alternatively, you can go for patterns that complement the rest of the ceremony if the bridal party chooses mismatched dresses. However, it will also help if you avoid champagne hues, all-white or ivory. They’ll only attract much attention.
2. Heed to the Bride’s Advice
There is no specific rule to choosing the mother of the bride dresses until the bride wants to have a say. She knows better what looks best on her mother or what doesn’t. So, listen to her advice.
Besides having a few suggestions, the bride will want to join the shopping party. She might even prefer a pantsuit to a regular dress. Whatever color cues she likes, give it a try, and you won’t regret it.
3. Don’t Borrow Designs from Previous Weddings
A general thumb rule; start shopping for the mother of the bride dresses six months before the wedding. Don’t rush your options based on various designs from previous weddings you see on YouTube.
You’ll get perfect ideas on what the mother of the bride should wear if you decide to be unique. Weddings don’t have to look similar to be glamorous.
4. Match or No Match: What Should the Mother of the Bride Wear?
Are we going to match dresses or not? What should the mother of the bride wear? Well, no rule suggests that it has to be a match to the bridal party.
At the end of the day, the dress’s color should match the bride’s mother’s skin tone.
5. Consider Options Available Beyond the Wedding Store
Sometimes you have to go with a different tactic besides weighing your options at a wedding store. Of course, a wedding store will give you an array of options that look conservative or matronly. But the mother of the bride dresses shouldn’t look outdated, fashion-wise.
Instead, go for options that blend perfectly with her personality. It’s okay to go for jacket-less, one-shoulder, or strapless. In fact, you can even go for tea-length. Extend your shopping to high-end fashion stores, and you won’t miss that perfect match.
Take Your Time to Shop for What the Mother of the Bride Should Wear
What should the mother of the bride wear? Deciding on this can be pretty challenging since you’re doing it for the first time. However, with time and a little research, you should get the perfect answer.
Consider our tips to point you in the right direction. Also, check other articles on this site for more tips on mother of the bride dress etiquette.