12 Mother of the Bride Looks That Are Far from Matronly (2024)

FAQs

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.

While dressing in too revealing a style isn't advisable for any guest, you can dress to emphasise your assets - a sleeveless dress to show toned arms, belts to highlight your waist or a shorter length for great legs. Keep styling simple and avoid too much embellishment, which can look fussy in photos.

Typically the Mother of the Bride's dress should complement the bridal party's 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.

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. If black is a colour that you usually like to wear, this might be the time to reconsider.

Ruching and draping are design techniques that can create a slimming effect. Look for wedding dresses for the mother of the bride with strategic ruching or draping around the midsection or waistline. These details can help camouflage any problem areas while accentuating your curves flatteringly.

Answer: Typically the mother of the bride's outfit is whatever fits her style. In terms of color, traditionally, attendants and the MOB would avoid white (upstaging the bride), black (it reminds people of mourning) and red (because it's flashy).

Updos are a mother-of-the-bride hairstyle favorite for a reason: they're timeless, they frame your face and they work with a wide variety of dress styles. Whether it's a beautiful braided bun, an elegant chignon or an updo with a few wispy tendrils, you really can't go wrong.

Shopping for Mother of the Bride Jewelry

Consider a classic pendant, a string of pearls, or a delicate chain for an elegant touch. Select earrings that enhance the overall look. Classic studs, hoops, or drop earrings can add a touch of sophistication without being too flashy.

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.

The mother of the bride can wear a handbag or opt out of it, the choice is her own!

What should a mother wear to her daughter's wedding? ›

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.

The mother of the bride is traditionally escorted by her son if she has one. Otherwise, any close male relative, the best man, or a groomsman walks with the mother of the bride during the procession.

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.

The mother of the bride plays the role of hostess, meaning you should spend some time greeting guests during the reception. Although there are exceptions, other wedding-day duties may include sitting at the parents' table and dancing with the father of the bride to help warm up the dance floor.

If you're typically not someone who wears prints, look for a floral pattern that's subtle and small. You won't feel like you're wearing a statement dress, but rather just adding an interesting detail to your mother-of-the-bride or -groom dress.

Pay attention to fit.

If something is too tight or too loose it's never a good look, but especially after the baby the fit really matters. Make sure you've got a great mirror so you can check things from 360 degrees, whether it's too look for back fat, bra overhang, or more.

Most commonly, she will wear a mid-length dress and usually a full-length or ¾ length sleeve design, although capped sleeves are also popular. In more recent years, mothers of the bride may prefer to be a little more modern in a trouser suit or a jumpsuit, which can also offer more coverage.