Listly by Julie Facey
Whether you can’t wait to start helping your son or daughter plan their wedding day or you’d prefer not to get so stuck in, there are some responsibilities you’ll have as the Mother of the Bride or Groom. In addition the dress etiquette for the MOB/MOG will somewhat dictate the formality and colours of your wedding outfit. If you’re not so sure about what’s expected, here are the top ‘dos and don’ts’ when looking for your Mother of the Bride or Groom outfit:
On such an important day for your son or daughter, and as a mother, it certainly calls for a new outfit instead of wearing that old dress you bought years ago. Treat yourself to a new look and you’ll feel as special as you should on the big day!
As you’ll both likely follow the same etiquette, you might want to speak to each other beforehand about what you plan to wear, otherwise you could end up looking the same! Take guidance from the theme of the wedding so that you won’t clash with each other either – your outfits should work in harmony with the bride, the theme and each other.
The knee-length dress is the perfectly stylish yet practical option for the day’s events, and is the suitable choice for the sophisticated MOB/MOG. Opt for a complete same-tone outfit for a stand-out wedding look or complement your accessories with a bold printed dress.
Although you’ll want to get your outfit just right for the occasion, do make sure that your outfit expresses your unique style and personality. Make sure you feel fully comfortable in what you’re wearing as after all, it is a memorable moment that you’ll want to look back on fondly.
Even if the wedding day is set to be hot, a nice cropped jacket can take you through to the evening to keep you covered and give you a different look. Teaming your dress with a matching jacket makes for a chic style statement for the Mother of the Bride or Groom – opt for a jacket featuring the same pattern or go for a complementary colour.
The accessories are the little things that will make your outfit sparkle, so it’s worth treating yourself to some beautiful pieces fit for the wedding. Mix small elegant earrings with a delicate bracelet, luxe clutch bag and stylish shoes (remember to choose ones you’ll be comfortable in!)
There are many Mother of the Bride and Groom retailers that will stock great hats to go with your desired look. However, the bigger is not always the better - make sure to think carefully about proportion and the way you place it.
If you’re not a lover of hats why not go for a feature fascinator or hair accessory? Remember to follow your personal style, and not just what you think you have to wear!
Your hairstyle may be an after-thought, however it’s always best to consider what look you’ll go for at the wedding outfit planning stage. Your hair-do will need to suit your hat or hair accessory and suit your overall wedding look. A soft low bun or subtle waves will look good with almost any outfit.