Mother of the Bride... or Groom

By Phoebe Carter

Your child’s wedding is a truly special occasion, a day that you want to remember forever; a day you want to look your best. So how do you choose the perfect outfit? Colour: You are going to be in a lot of photos so find out what colour the bridesmaids dresses are and try to choose an outfit in a complimentary colour. Most people believe that the mother of the bride or groom should not wear white or ivory, because it competes with the bride. Black can look very elegant, though some people feel it’s not appropriate for a wedding. The colour you do choose should flatter your skin tone. Style: Choose a style that flatters but is also comfortable. Most wedding celebrations are now lengthy affairs, so you don’t want to wear something that’s too constricting, or that you are constantly fiddling with. If an off the peg outfit does not fit perfectly, get it altered. You will not regret spending the money. Consider the weather and choose an appropriate weight fabric. Avoid materials like linen that crease easily as this will look unsightly on photographs. Outfits that include jackets can give two distinct looks: a more formal look for the ceremony, then once you remove it, a more celebratory look for the party. If in doubt, elegant and sophisticated is never out of style. Many mothers go shopping for their outfit with the bride; this can be an enjoyable occasion and ensure that choices meet with her approval. It may also be wise to discuss outfits with the mother of your future daughter or son in law to avoid the embarrassment of wearing something too similar. Hats: One of the traditional ways for mothers to mark the importance of their child’s wedding is to wear a hat. If you’d like to wear one: Take your outfit with you when going to the hat shop or milliner, to ensure that the overall outfit looks balanced. Tall ladies can wear almost any style, including large statement pieces. A smaller hat with an upturned brim is a flattering shape for shorter ladies as this will elongate the figure. If you are plus sized avoid small hats. Hats are all about proportions. Fascinators can be a nice option for those who don’t like hats. If you want to wear one, wash your hair the day before, then on the day use a styling spray or a texturizing spray. This will make the hair less silky and improve the grip of the fascinator. Other accessories such as shoes, handbags and jewellery should also be selected carefully. You may want to choose your shoes and bag in co-ordinating colours rather than the exact shade of your outfit, to add more interest. If you are going to wear a corsage, decide if it should be fixed to your outfit or whether it may be preferable to opt for flowers on your handbag or wrist. Once you’ve chosen your outfit and are confident you look amazing, then all you have to do is relax and enjoy your day…erm…I mean the happy couple’s day!