Mother of the Bride (MOB) dresses are often considered ugly and matronly, as they are often worn by mothers to ensure that no man comes near them. However, there are several ways to avoid wearing such dresses, such as avoiding white or ivory dresses, anything skin-tight, revealing, or too short, uncomfortable shoes or attire, and not wearing the “matronly” style.
One of the biggest wedding fashion mistakes is not following the style rules of the event, especially for the mother of the bride. Instead, consider wearing a bridesmaid dress, such as a champagne one from Alfred Angelo, which can be both formal and informal. Short MOB dresses can look just as formal as floor-length gowns, and some designers offer an elegant mix of flowing chiffon dresses, sleek satin gowns, and effortless pantsuits.
The rag trade continues to portray MOB/G dresses as hideous and desexing, but it is important to remember that these dresses are meant to make the bride feel comfortable and confident. Some designers have even started offering off-the-shoulder beaded embroidered chiffon evening gowns, which can be found on websites like The Knot.
In conclusion, while MOB/MOG dresses can be a source of discomfort and embarrassment, there are many ways to avoid wearing such dresses. By following the style rules of the event, choosing a bridesmaid dress, and finding a collection of dresses that reflect your style and grace, you can create a memorable and stylish outfit for your daughter’s wedding.
📹 Mother of the Bride Dress- 11 Must Know Tips!
Mother of the bride dresses for petite women are especially challenging for short ladies. This video shares the must know tips if …
What should the mother of the bride look like?
Dont Forget the Glam. While there arent any special rules for mother-of-the-bride glam, moms should try and stick with a look that is elegant, understated, and appropriate. As for where to get ready, if the bride prefers to get glammed up with just the bridesmaids, dont get offended. As the mother of the bride, you can invite the mother of the groom or other family members to get glammed up before the ceremony, or relish the rare moment of quiet and plan to slip off on your own. Just make sure that you do plan to get your hair and makeup done—whether by a professional or trusted friend. Too often, mothers overlook themselves in favor of their children. Remember, its your special day, too!
What should the mother of the bride not do?
Mother of The Bride: How to Avoid Upstaging or Upsetting the…Consult with The Bride. … Avoid Being Too Casual. … Dont Make the Wedding About You. … Dont Be Pushy. … Dont Tell Her Who Should Be Her Bridesmaids. … Dont Compare Her Wedding to Others. … Dont Be Too Critical. … Dont Make Empty Offers.
A child’s wedding is an exciting experience, so of course, you would want this day to go perfectly without upsetting the bride.
The mother-of-the-bride has a vital role in the wedding, helping and supporting the bride through the planning process and on the day of the wedding.
So, here are a few things to avoid doing so that your relationship isnt pulled apart by disagreements and mother-daughter drama.
What should a mother of the bride not wear?
So, dont choose gowns or dresses that would overpower the bridal gown.
Also, try to avoid loud patterns that will overwhelm in photos and make you stand out from the rest of the wedding party.
Dress for Your Body Type. Your outfit should work with your body shape, not the other way around.
Who pays for mother of the bride outfit?
Mother of the Bride & Groom. Both the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom are expected to pay for their own wedding attire. Typically, these gowns do not need to match the bridesmaid dresses, however, some brides prefer for the gowns to coordinate in some way. Choosing a dress in a similar hue to the bridesmaids, or a color that compliments their gowns is a great way to look cohesive without seeming as though either mother is part of the bridal party.
Although this is how the wedding attire responsibilities have been divided in the past, do whatever works best for you and your grooms budget! Some couples may be able to cover their wedding partys looks, and others may lean on their parents for support with their own attire. Just be sure to establish payment responsibilities ahead of setting budgets so that everyone is in agreement prior to any attire purchases. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page and youre able to stay within your budget!
What’s the difference between mother of the bride and mother of the groom dress?
As mentioned above, the difference between mother of the bride and groom outfits isnt so much about the dresses themselves, but more about the choice of dress and when. As per tradition, the mother of the bride takes the lead and shops for the dress first.
However, nowadays, women use this as more of an advice, rather than a strict rule. However, it is always great to have all the communication lines open so that there is no confusion while buying the mother of the bride and groom dresses. Heres specific advice to the mother of the bride and groom.
Mother of the Bride: Now, you might already know all the minute details of the wedding. So, you must convey what the bride wants from you and the grooms mother concerning your outfits.;
How fancy should a mother of bride dress be?
Should the mother of the bride wear a long or short dress?. When deciding whether your mother-of-the-bride dress should be long or short, its important to consider the wedding venue and formality. A formal setting calls for a more upscale ensemble (like something floor-length), while a shorter, more casual wedding outfit is appropriate for laid-back celebrations. Take inspiration from the wedding gown and bridesmaid dresses, as these can help influence what dress length the mother of the bride should wear.
Who pays for the brides mothers outfit?. Traditionally, the mother of the bride pays for her own wedding attire. Unless the couple has stated otherwise, the MOB should be prepared to cover the cost of her dress.
Sarah Hanlon contributed to the reporting of this article.
Is there a difference between mother of the bride and mother of the groom’s dresses?
Shopping Schedules. Lots of mother of the bride (MOB) and mother of groom (MOG) dresses are very similar. Plus, the formality of the wedding will dictate how dressy you decide to go. However, one main difference between MOB and MOG shopping is timing.
Tradition states that the mother of the bride should choose first. We say, just keep communication open. As soon as you start to think about shopping, get together for a chat – or at least a phone call – and discuss your ideas. This way, you can both be considerate and make choices that will complement the bridal party AND one another. Or even better why not make arrangements to go shopping together?
CoordinateColour & Formality. Unless requested by the bride, you dont want to match colours or match with the bridesmaids but coordination is key for chic photographs. Again, this will be something worth talking to the bride about. Maybe she envisions everyone in neutral tones. Maybe shed prefer bold and bright. This should help to guide you.
Coordinating in formality is also important. If the mother of the bride chooses a very casual and relaxed look – no doubt approved by the bride – you probably dont want to then choose something very formal and sparkly as the mother of the groom. Open communication will help to guide here – as well as the venue and time of year.
What colours should mother of the bride not wear?
There are certain colours that the mother of the bride should not wear. Unless otherwise instructed, is to never wear white or any colour close to what the bride has chosen to wear. Other standard colours to avoid include ivory, white and champagne. Another colour to avoid is black.
The wedding of your daughter will be one of the most memorable events in your lifetime, so as the mother of the bride, you’ll want to look your best.
While it’s true that all eyes will be on the bride a lot of the attention will also be on you.
But to find the perfect dress, you must take into account the wedding setting, theme and what the vision your daughter has for her big day.
Is it OK to wear the same color dress as the mother of the bride?
Avoid Matching with the Bride. Many brides and mothers get emotional and end up wearing the same colors on this big day. Remember that mother of the bride should not wear the same color or even shade of the brides wedding dress. The brides gown is usually in shades like ivory or champagne, so make sure that you dont choose any shade of white. If you want to wear neutral colors, go for off-white, beige, taupe, and grey, as they are a different shade from a traditional bridal gown. Moreover, dont choose the same dress design, either. For instance, if the bride is wearing toe-length clothes, mother of the bride dresses with tea length or dresses with knee-length are best for you.
Bottom Line. So, now you know how to choose colors for mother of the bride dresses. If youre wondering where you can find gorgeous outfits in variety of wedding colors, check out SleekTrends to pick an ideal dress for your daughters wedding.
How not to look matronly as mother of the bride?
What we recommend you wearing for a daytime wedding, is a swing or tea dress. As we mentioned earlier, this style of dress is one sure to stand the test of time, while ensuring you look quite the opposite of matronly. Just look at the beautiful dress below!
The reason that a mother of the bride tea or swing dress is so perfect for a daytime wedding, is because of the playful nature of the style. The fuller skirt is created by a particular cut of slightly heavier fabric. This means that unlike the fuller skirted ball gown, that holds its shape from a more structured cut. Both the swing and tea dresses give you an ease of movement that will enable you to elegantly move from church to dinner to the dancefloor.
We are suggesting this style as preferable above fuller skirts that are composed of a lighter fabric, that tend to look more floaty. There are a couple of reasons for this. First, it is all too easy for the multiple layers of light fabric that compose this style of dress to look unflattering on any one part from the model advertising it.
What color is the mother of the bride’s dress supposed to be?
What color should the Mother of the Bride wear?. Typically the Mother of the Brides dress should complement the bridal partys color palette. Not necessarily match with the bridesmaids, but choose a color in the color family. The most popular color for the mother of the bride to wear is navy or a royal blue, followed by blush or a shade of nude. Its safe to say that you should never wear white and shy away from the overall color family unless the bride instructs you to wear a certain shade. Traditionally, another color to avoid is red. Its best to ask the bride for her color palette and preference of color for you to wear!
Send the bride pictures of dresses you are considering so you can collaborate on the perfect look.
Should the Mother of the Bride (or Groom) wear a print dress?. I think elegant prints are fine, floral patterns are beautiful. However, stay away from any design that would be distracting in wedding pictures! Patterns are always riskier and they do get dated easily. Think about these photos being on display in family members homes for years to come. If you go with a print, just make sure its a more timeless option. If you dont love solids, one option would be to do a solid dress, that has a play on different textures.
How to look slim as mother of the bride?
- A-Line Dresses: A-line dresses are a classic choice for mothers of the bride. This silhouette gently skims over the waist and hips, creating an elongated and slimming effect. Choose a dress with vertical details, such as pleats or vertical lace panels, to further enhance the illusion of length.
- Empire Waist Dresses: Empire waist dresses have a high waistline just below the bust, which creates a flowing, relaxed fit over the tummy and hips. This style is perfect if you want to camouflage any areas youre conscious of while still maintaining a stylish look.
- Sheath Dresses: Sheath dresses offer a sleek and streamlined silhouette. Look for styles with strategic ruching or draping to help hide any problem areas and create a smoother appearance. A dress with a v-neckline can also elongate your neckline and draw attention upwards.
Slimming Mother of the Bride Dresses: Flattering Necklines. The neckline of your dress can have a significant impact on how you look and feel. Consider the following flattering necklines:
- V-Neckline: A V-neckline is universally flattering and helps create an illusion of length and height. It draws the eye vertically, elongating your silhouette and creating a slimmer appearance.
- Scoop Neckline: A scoop neckline is another excellent option that flatters various body shapes. It provides a balanced and proportionate look, especially if you have a fuller bust.
- Off-the-Shoulder Neckline: If youre looking to accentuate your shoulders and draw attention away from your midsection, an off-the-shoulder neckline is an excellent choice. This neckline adds a touch of elegance and creates a slimmer upper body silhouette.
📹 This ‘n That Chat!Ugly Mother-Of-The-Bride Dresses and the Search fora Hip One!
Hiya. As you may know, I’m in Mother-of-the-Bride status. Next summer’s wedding brings me a while to look for MOB dresses but …
You are so right about the mother of the bride dress situation, they are mostly very frumpy..It was a real challenge. They mostly look like grandmother of the bride dresses.. I did wear black, because my daughter picked black and white dresses for her bridesmaids so it was fine. Alfred Sung makes some gorgeous cocktail dresses with a very Audrey Hepburn vibe..I’m sure you will find the perfect dress and you will look gorgeous..
You are 1000% on point about the dresses for the mother of B/G. I m soon to be MOG, I work out and I am in good shape, I have visible muscle and a waist. No point in hammering myself in the gym every day and then have to cover up so that other people can feel better about themselves. My ex husband wanted me to fat and frumpy and there’s no way I would do that again. I want a nice slinky dress, dark blue, deep red or black, figure hugging, mermaid, love halter neck!! NOT curtain material, no excessive bling and definately NOT THE “AGE APPROPRIATE” frumpy nauseating garbage that they inflict on women over a certain age!! In my case I will have to AVOID the places that cater for MOBG and just go to places that sell evening dresses, my budget is not an issue. If I go to a store I will NOT tell them that I am MOG because they will give me frumpy old lady clothes, I might not be 21 but still like to look sexy and hip. The problem here is society’s attitude towards mature women – we are relegated just to do laundry folding and babysitting. Typical MOB/G dresses are designed with the purpose of desexing women and ensuring that no man comes near them. Those selling the typical MOB/G can go and get f@cked, I will vote with my credit card. F@ck the age appropriate rules!
Mother of the groom here 🙋 this will be my second time in this ring as now my youngest is getting married this summer. I hated my outfit that I wore to my oldest son’s wedding. I don’t want to make that same mistake here. it is super stressful 😬 either the dresses are too frumpy or look too much like a bridesmaid dress.
Agree! Cinncinati in summer will be HOT. I know one of my daughters got married there! I ended up getting a house of brides hauler dress. I was told to make sure it was long as it was a formal wedding and we did coordinate with them as photographer didn’t want one person really standing out. I’m glad I listened as the photos turned out beautiful and the only person standing out was the bride. So just a word of advice it’s not all your choice. Tread lightly my friend.
Stop stressing… Stay away from the beehive. That will age you for sure. Navy? It seems to be the go-to safe color. Boring to me as beige, but if that’s what you want, there are tons of navy dresses. I opted for a long dress. It like the formality. Problem with short dress is 1:making sure your legs look good… 2: finding perfect shoes. I agree, they should used mature models for us.
It took me three months, at least, to get my mother-of-the-groom outfit together. Shoes? A horror with wide toes. I mean, we’re supposed to bind our feet? The dress–I happen to have sad knees, so I figured I’d find something just below knee length, being petite. Not so! Long or too short. This was a few years ago, and I notice that hem length isn’t quite as rigidly “mini” as they now look. I finally threw the thing out a couple of weeks ago, so no, I wasn’t thrilled with the look. It was “appropriate.” Gag me.
Omg! I was laughing hysterically listening to this!! I can’t agree with you more! I am on the search for a mother of groom dress. I actually purchased one already & now am sadly disappointed that I bought it…there are only two stores in my area & kind of got swayed by sales woman who though it looked great on me. It’s really so matronly does not flatter me & was just resigned that this was all there was. I’m looking around the internet searching for another & hope to sell the one I bought on poshmark or eBay. I have to wonder what these fashion designers are thinking & yes showcasing them on younger women!!!