Style Tips for the Mothers of the Bride & Groom

In addition to your outfit, the moms are going to have a lot to think about on your wedding day. Like everyone else in the party, they don’t want to overshadow you, but they do want to look fantastic. Here, tips that’ll keep them in proper form.

The mothers should wait until after you and your bridesmaids have selected your outfits to begin selecting their own. They should follow the formality and the style of the bride and the bridesmaids, but they do not have to select something in the same color. Moms should avoid any shade of white, as it might look as if they’re competing with the bride for attention.

Theories abound on the “Is black ever appropriate for a mother?” and some moms think it’s fine for a cocktail party reception. Be warned: Ten years from now, your mother’s probably not going to want to hear all the “she wore black to your wedding” jokes.  Even if the bridesmaids are wearing black, it’s probably smart to pick something a bit more festive.

Once the moms have an idea of the type of outfit they’d like to wear, they should let the bride know. At this point, adjustments can be made as needed. Since they both play a big role in the wedding, it’s important that their outfits get a seal of approval ahead of time.

Both moms need to feel comfortable in whatever they decide to wear, and don’t need to match, say, strapless outfits or heels and a short skirt. Many women “of a certain age” find dresses to be unflattering. If that’s the case, a stylish suit is perfectly acceptable.

The mother of the groom should consult with the bride’s mom about outfits, so neither one wears something drastically different in style or level of formality. Their clothes don’t need to be in the same color or hue; what’s important is that they don’t clash with each other or any member of the wedding party.

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