Stylish Mother of Bride Gowns

Tips for Choosing Your Outfit

Before you begin your search for the perfect gown, remember the following basic shopping tips:

• Don’t try to steal the show. Your outfit should be attractive but somewhat understated in order to avoid taking attention away from the bride. Sequins, rhinestones, and flashy colors are a definite fashion don’t for this special occasion.
• Avoid white, cream, or ivory – even if you are attending a summer wedding. The only person who should be wearing these colors is the bride.
• Even though black is flattering on most women, remember that this color is traditionally associated with mourning. The exception is if the wedding palette is black and white, and therefore it would be a classy choice.
• Your dress doesn’t have to be exactly the same color as the bridesmaid’s gowns, but it should be in the same basic color family.
• Think twice before picking an outfit that is overly revealing. A plunging neckline or a sassy strapless dress is fine for many occasions, but it’s best to be a bit conservative for your daughter’s wedding.
• Ask the mother of the groom what outfit she plans to wear. You don’t have to match exactly, but you should try to coordinate the general style of your wardrobes so you’ll both look your best in the wedding photos.
• You don’t necessarily need to allow your daughter to pick out your dress for you, but it’s a thoughtful gesture to ask her opinion. This will also ensure that you are following the style she has in mind for her big day.
• If you’re the casual type who won’t be comfortable in a formal evening gown, consider wearing a stylish pantsuit instead. You’ll look great, but you won’t have to worry about spending the entire day tugging at your outfit.

When searching for stylish mother of bride dresses, it’s best to plan ahead. Even if alterations aren’t necessary, you may have to try on several different dresses before you find an option you really like. Ideally, you should have your dress ready at least one month before the wedding.

Buying Stylish Mother of Bride Gowns

Bridal shops carry formal attire for everyone in the wedding party, including the mother of the bride. However, shopping online may be your best option if you can't find what you need locally. LoveToKnow Weddings suggests beginning your search for the perfect mother of the bride gown by visiting the following websites:

• TJ Formal: On this site, you’ll find an impressive collection of gowns to suit almost every taste, with special options for petite and plus size women. Bolero jackets and suit jackets are available to add a sophisticated and elegant touch to dresses with strapless or tank style bodices.
• Audrey’s Mother of the Bride: Visit this Web site for a wide selection of mother of the bride and mother of the groom attire offered at very affordable prices. Missy, petite, and plus sizes are offered and you can find original gowns starting at $299.
• House of Brides: This large online wedding superstore carries stylish mother of bride gowns from collections such as Forever Yours, Lady Roi Bridals, Jasmin, Jordan, and Faviana New York. Many gowns are marked at 30 to 40 percent off suggested retail prices.
• E Dress Me: Although the selection of dresses is somewhat limited, these beautiful gowns will ensure that you look your best on this special day.

Even though the site doesn’t sell mother of the bride dresses directly, Brides.com has an impressive gallery of gowns that you can review and a handy search tool that lets you locate a shop in your area that sells the style of your choice.

A mother is never more proud than when her daughter walks down the aisle, and stylish mother of bride gowns ensure that she looks just as lovely as the way she feels about her special little girl.