Your daughter’s wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event, so it’s natural to feel a bit overwhelmed when it comes to considering your wardrobe options. While there are countless mother of the bride dresses to choose from, many women are unsure of precisely where to start. From finding the perfect length to determining whether your dress suits the formality level of the occasion, here are a few considerations when dressing for your daughter’s special day.

A Guide to Mother of the Bride Dresses

Consider Your Daughter’s Plans

The wedding details play a major role in choosing what to wear, so ask your daughter about her plans before dress shopping. If the event is going to be a formal, black-tie affair, a floor-length gown is generally best. If your daughter has a more casual wedding in mind, a shorter hemline may be appropriate. The season will also affect the styles and materials you wear. Rich velvets and opulent silks are perfect for frosty winter weddings, while lighter fabrics like organza and crepe are ideal for summer. The venue also plays a role: the same sleeveless gown you’d wear to a brunch wedding in a spring garden may not be appropriate for an evening wedding at a church. 

Complement the Bridal Party

Often, the mother of the bride dress will mimic but not precisely match the bridal party’s colors. For instance, if the bridesmaids are wearing a bright crimson shade, a darker, subtler shade, such as currant or ruby, may work well. Similarly, if the bridal party will be wearing forest green or navy bridesmaids’ dresses, consider a muted hue from the same color family, like sage or periwinkle. You can also consider a color that will create an attractive contrast against the bridal party. Bridal parties in bright colors like persimmon look lovely against navy dresses, for example. You should generally steer clear of pure white, though champagne- or cream-colored dresses may be fine; when in doubt, ask the bride. 

Suit Your Style

Once you’ve weighed the factors above, pick a dress that reflects your taste and personality. If you love a luxurious look, opt for pieces with soft lace, dramatic beading, and elegant necklines. If you prefer a more minimalist styles, choose refined, classic details like boat necks, cap sleeves, or even a removable jacket or shawl. The silhouette of your dress can be as simple or elaborate as you prefer, from flattering A-line shapes to the classic sheath. 

No matter what look you select, your best source for mother of the bride dresses is Memories Bridal & Prom Formal Wear in Middletown, OH. With a vast range of elegant styles to suit any preference, this family-owned and -operated shop carries beautiful formal attire at accessible prices. They’re also proud to have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau®. View their gallery online for inspiration or call (513) 727-8770 to speak with an associate.