It is so important for us to make sure that the Mother(s) of the Bride/Groom feel special, beautiful, and comfortable during your wedding day. With that said, we know that a lot of thought goes into selecting the right dress that fits their criteria, in addition to the bride’s. Below our expert stylists have answered the most common questions we guide Mother’s through when they shop with us for their event:
Q: How far in advance should I buy my MOB/MOG dress?
A. Unless you are purchasing an off-the-rack dress from a department store, special order gowns like the ones that we have can take ~4-5 months to come in. Once they’ve arrived, most need at least a hem in alterations so you want to factor in time for that as well. Ordering your dress 6-8 months prior to the wedding date is ideal, and ensures you won’t incur any rush fees from the designer or your seamstress.
Q. Who should buy their dress first - MOB or MOG?
A. Traditionally, the Mother of the Bride purchases her dress first. The train of thought may be a little old-school, but the Mother of the Bride should be the second most formal person at the wedding next to the bride. Now, that’s not to say this isn’t a special day for the Mother of the Groom! If you’re a mother of the groom and find something you love right away, don’t feel as though you have to wait, but whoever purchases first should communicate their style and color to the other. Even if you two haven’t had much communication up until this point, make this topic a fun conversation that can help break the ice!
Q. What do I wear if I’m a step-mother of the bride or groom?
A. If you’re a step-mother attending the wedding, know that your relationship with your step daughter or son doesn’t dictate your formality or dress choice- the person on your arm does! What matters most is that you are dressed appropriately to be a guest of your significant other as part of the wedding party. If your partner is in a suit/tux, a floor length dress is typically appropriate, but if they’re are wearing something more casual- say, no jacket and suspenders or if it’s a beach-y vibe - opt for cocktail length in a flattering color.
Q. What color dress should I get, and does the bridesmaid color matter?
A. There are only three colors that are traditionally out of the question, but remember, if the bride is on board with any of these, go for it! We’ve seen all of these done so tastefully, but the brides seal of approval is most important when flirting with these choices:
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Colors in the white, ivory, champagne color family, because depending on lighting, they can look too close to the brides gown.
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Black, as it traditionally signifies mourning
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A true bright red as it takes the focus off of the two tying the knot.
Unless the bride specified that she wanted you to match the bridesmaids - which is rare - typically a tint or shade of the color that they’re wearing looks really beautiful and complimentary in photos. If they’re in a neutral tone, then the world is your oyster!
Q: What if I’m a little uncomfortable wearing super fancy clothes?
A. There are two important factors to keep in mind if your personal style is more laid-back:
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You don’t want to stick out for the wrong reasons, like being underdressed
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You want to choose something you’ll be comfortable in all night
With that said there are so many options that will fit that bill, the important thing is working with a stylist 1:1 who can help you find the perfect balance of classy yet comfortable. Ready to have our expert stylists guide you to the perfect dress? Give us a call at (603)431-5454 to book your appointment!