Helping Mom Choose Her Dress

You've chosen your wedding gown and helped your bridesmaids select their dresses. But what about dear ol’ mom? Read on for how to help your mom look as fabulous as the rest of your wedding party.

Shopping around.
Your mom should start looking for her outfit only after you selected your dress and your bridesmaids chose their outfits. Your mother doesn't need to match the bridesmaids, but she should know what they are wearing to insure that she doesn't clash with the rest of the wedding party. Ideally, you should make these decisions far enough in advance so that your mom has a couple of months to look for herself. The mother of the bride traditionally selects her outfit before the groom's mother, allowing her selection to dictate what the other woman wears. Today, mothers often discuss their outfits together, but you will still want to begin looking with your mother as soon as possible in order to give your fiancé’s mom enough time to select her own dress.

The right fit.
Tradition says that your mother should avoid wearing white so that she doesn't appear to be competing with you. If your mother has her heart set on a cream gown, that's fine as long as you don't mind. (If you are bothered, speak up early, before she has committed to a non-returnable dress!, and tell her how you feel. The same advice applies if your mother wants to wear black, a color that can give the appearance that she is in mourning or is unsupportive of your union.)

You should also remember that your mom doesn't have to shell out for a completely new outfit for the wedding! Maybe she has a favorite top that she could combine with a new skirt, or a classic dress that she could update with new shoes and jewelry.

A style of her own.
Remember to keep your mom's taste in mind when you are deciding where to shop. You don't want to force her into a store that doesn't carry her size or suggest a “trendy” shop that lacks appropriate clothing. It doesn't matter if you think the dress with the empire waist looks great on her; if your mom thinks that it makes her look pregnant, she isn't going to feel comfortable. Instead, focus on her style and try to make shopping a fun experience for both of you. Maybe get pedicures before you look for shoes, or combine your outing with a lesiurely lunch!