When it comes to traditional weddings, the bride’s family foots the bill, and the mother helps the bride do all the planning and organizing. But when it comes time for the big day, the mother is generally shunned for the younger, hipper maid of honor, stuck wearing a frumpy dress and sitting down in the pews alongside the rest of the guests.
Being the mother of the bride is not an easy role, especially in these modern times, in which brides generally have plenty of opinions as to how they want their perfect wedding day to play out. Luckily, though, as times have changed, so have the dresses available to mothers of the bride. Below, find some great options to help you shine in your daughter’s big day.
Short Dresses
If you’re looking to go short, consider a shimmering silver dress that hits just above the knee and is made from shantung fabric and imported polyester. Silver looks beautiful next to white, and will compliment the bride’s chosen color scheme no matter what kind of dresses the bridesmaids wear.
If you’re planning on going short, it’s a good idea to have a matching bolero jacket (though any jacket will do; a bolero is stylish, chic and age appropriate) so as to avoid the bare arm syndrome. Shantung dresses come in a variety of colors; a deep plum is also a beautiful shade that looks great with just about any skin tone. These dresses are great because the bolero is suitable for the church, but once you hit the dance floor, you can take it off for greater movement. Additionally, consider a dress with a ruched waist to add a little textural interest and detail.
Two Piece Suits
A two-piece jacquard suit is also a great option. A skirt and jacket suit is an outfit that never goes out of style, and it’s one that looks great at any age. Two-piece suits tend to be favored by middle aged and older women, but rest assured that they look good on just about anyone.
A two-piece suit offers the perfect blend of stylish and sophisticated, and adds a big dash of class to any wedding party. Consider the jacquard fabric option for its unique floral print. Jacquard fabric gives off a lovely sheen but is also structured for a fit that flatters a variety of body types, hugging curves and hiding problem areas.
Classic Gowns
If you’re looking to get classy and sassy, consider a tiered chiffon one shouldered gown in a deep hue, such as royal blue. Formerly reserved for the bride and her bridesmaids, one-shoulder gowns are now perfectly appropriate for the mother of the bride, thanks to a longer length.
This is a gown that looks gorgeous at any age, and can go straight from the church to the party. It is at once classic and modern, and the one shoulder silhouette is extremely flattering, highlighting the best features of a woman’s body, the shoulders and the collarbone. Chiffon is often overlooked when it comes to weddings, but it’s not just for proms. On the contrary, the fabric is flattering and sophisticated and drapes well on a variety of body types.
Short Tiered Dresses
Those who err on the side of preppy and classic silhouettes will love a hammered shimmer cap sleeve short-tiered dress. Full of visual interest thanks to the sheen of the fabric and the structural tiers and sleeves, but featuring a timeless shape, this sort of dress is just as perfect for the office as it is for the wedding. It can take you from ceremony to party to work the following Monday, and looks great on a variety of body types. It works for all age groups, and looks great in lighter shades such as silver, ivory and champagne. Cap sleeves are great for summer weddings, as they cover your shoulders up enough for church but are also not too hot for an outdoor ceremony or backyard party.
Swing Dresses
Fans of the fifties should consider an ultra feminine and exceptionally flattering swing dress with a portrait collar. This shape flatters a variety of body types and emphasizes the womanly figure. It harkens back to style icons like Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn, while cementing itself firmly in the future thanks to its shimmering texture and oversized swing skirt. This sort of dress is perfect for the after party and for tearing up the dance floor. It’s sophisticated and perfect for a mother of the bride who doesn’t want to blend into the background.
As you can see, there are a variety of non-frumpy options for mothers of the bride. No matter what shape of dress you are going for, there is a gown out there for you. Short or long, bright or sedated, modern or classic – mothers these days don’t have to stick to boring shapeless dresses that do nothing for their figure.
[ad_2]Source by Kerry Hutchings