While the months leading up to your daughter’s wedding are spent focused on her, planning each and every detail (as they should be!), it’s important not to forget to give yourself time to find your perfect Mother of the Bride dress. You want to find a gorgeous dress that reflects how important the day is. After all, your little girl is getting married, and you’re celebrating one of her biggest life milestones! For the mom shopping for her perfect dress, we’re sharing our best advice.
Timing
One of the biggest keys while shopping for your dress is giving yourself enough time to find the right dress. Generally, we recommend giving yourself 6-8 months to shop for the right dress. You want enough time to find a dress you love and get any necessary alterations before the big day, so that your dress fits perfectly for the wedding.
Stay Open-Minded
One of the biggest keys while shopping is remaining open-minded to dresses you may not have initially considered. You may have your heart set on a certain silhouette or color, only to realize you don’t love it as much in person—or you may find yourself pleasantly surprised by a dress you weren’t sure about! Finding the right dress can be tough, which is precisely why we have a Mother of the Wedding Specialist. For mothers, booking an appointment with our resident specialist Annemarie means you’ll have an expert eye helping you find a dress for the wedding to flatter you perfectly and complement the wedding’s aesthetic.
Alterations
Once you’ve found that perfect dress, you’ll likely want to get a few alterations to ensure the dress is perfect for the big day! Anything from hemming the dress to removing sleeves could be something you need done prior to the wedding. This is why timing is so key: alterations typically take around two months, as you’ll need to come in for multiple fittings to ensure the dress fits perfectly.
Bring A Friend
One of our best tips? Make a day of it! Bring a friend (or, if you want, your daughter!) and make your appointment a fun outing rather than a stressful shopping trip. Having someone you know and love with you will be a great way to get a second opinion on your dress, have someone to help you relax, and to make your appointment more enjoyable. Grab lunch before or after, and make the entire day a fun memory rather than just a shopping appointment!
If you’re searching for the perfect dress for your daughter’s wedding, book an appointment for our upcoming Jade Couture Trunk Show. From October 28th through November 8th, we’re hosting Jade Couture, meaning you’ll be able to shop a wider selection of dresses from this designer. Jade Couture’s designs are chic, simple, and timeless, perfect for the mother dreaming of a classically elegant gown. Book your mothers appointment with us at Madeleine’s Daughter, and our expert staff will help you find the perfect Mother of the Bride dress.
FAQs
Do Take Into Account the Wedding Location, Colors, Formality, Season, and Time of Day. Some brides may prefer their moms to wear the same color as the wedding party, but this isn't a set rule. The location, color, formality, time, and season for the wedding will help narrow down the options for your dress.
What are the rules for mother of the bride dresses? ›
A basic rule of wedding etiquette is that the mother of the bride should not outshine her daughter. So, don't 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.
What should the mother of the bride wear when wedding dress shopping? ›
Traditionally, the mother of the bride's gown should complement (but not match) the color of the wedding party's attire. That's why fashion expert Shea Jensen shares that mothers of the bride should wait until their daughters have chosen their bridesmaids' dresses before heading to the mall.
How far in advance should you buy a mother of the bride dress? ›
I recommend purchasing your mother of the bride or groom dress 6 months before the wedding, if possible.
How much should you spend on a mother of the bride dress? ›
In the mid-range, a mother-of-the-bride dress costs about $200-$800 for a dress with a moderate level of detail from a higher end department store or bridal store.
What should the mother of the bride not do? ›
So, a basic rule of wedding etiquette is that the mother of the bride should not outshine her daughter. So, don't 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.
What color is the mother of the bride's dress supposed to be? ›
Navy is the most popular mother of the bride dress color. Not only is navy timeless, but this color dress will work in a variety of wedding venues and locations. We have many navy gowns from which to choose.
Do I have to bring my mom wedding dress shopping? ›
Generally, moms are the first person that brides choose to include in their wedding dress shopping trip; however, sisters and grandmothers are also commonly included. More recently, some brides have started including their soon-to-be mothers-in-law to join them.
Who pays for the mother of the bride dress? ›
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.
Should I bring my mom wedding dress shopping? ›
Parents or Close Family – Chances are your mom has been dreaming of your wedding for a while –maybe even longer than you have. So there is no doubt that she is an obvious choice to bring with you to go wedding dress shopping.
To make for a more fun and efficient shopping experience, discuss a budget with your daughter ahead of time so you're both on the same page. Also, make sure to eat a little something before the appointment, so everyone is focused on finding the perfect dress for your daughter and not feeling hangry!
Do mother of bride and groom wear the same color? ›
Should the mother of the bride and mother of the groom wear different colors? Generally yes, according to Valiente. "Open communication is key to nailing the color selection," she says.
Should the mother of the bride dress be long or short? ›
When deciding whether your mother-of-the-bride dress should be long or short, it's 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.
What color dress should the mother of the bride not wear? ›
The MOTB can wear any color she wants, but it's better to avoid certain colors such as white, ivory, or champagne tones as they're considered bridal colors and may take attention away from the bride.
Does the mother of the bride give the bride a gift? ›
What should she gift her daughter? The mother of the bride has a wide range of options, depending on what she thinks her daughter will appreciate the most. It could be a customized hanger for her wedding dress or jewelry to wear to the ceremony, for example.
What does the mother of the bride pay for in a wedding? ›
Traditionally, the bride's family assumed most of the financial costs associated with a wedding, including the wedding planner, invitations, dress, ceremony, reception, flowers, photography, and music.
What length dress does a mother of the bride wear? ›
These days, virtually anything goes—formal gown, short or long dress, skirt-and-jacket ensemble—so long as it matches the style of the wedding. Brides can be very helpful by encouraging "the moms" to work together in choosing their outfits.
Who pays for the mother of the bride's dress? ›
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.
Can mother of the bride wear a pattern? ›
Floral Prints
A floral dress can add a touch of whimsy and femininity to any mother of the bride outfit. Choose a dress with a delicate, soft floral pattern for a classic look, or go bold with a more vibrant print.
