Flattering Outfit Choices for Every Mother of the Bride
The role of the mother of the bride is a significant and special part of a wedding day. As you watch your own child take a step into a new life, you are also in the spotlight and being watched closely. Finding an outfit that makes you feel beautiful, confident, and comfortable is important. The goal is to find a dress that fits well with whatever style of wedding, coordinates with the bridal party, makes you feel good, and, most of all, a dress you like and that reflects your personal style. This post offers some helpful suggestions to keep in mind to narrow down your choices so you can focus on finding something perfect and appropriate for this special day.
Table of Contents
Celebrate Your Style
Before you start shopping, give some thought to your own style. Do you prefer timeless, classic lines, or something a bit more modern and chic? Would you rather wear a bold color or a more understated tone? Wear something that feels like you! Don’t ever feel you need to step out of your style and the style you feel comfortable in. The most flattering outfit is one that you feel confident wearing.
Consider fabrics and silhouettes from your daily wardrobe that are most appealing. If you like the formality of a tailored suit, a dressy two-piece is an excellent choice; if you love the drape of a maxi dress, then a gorgeous long dress would be a great possibility. Your level of comfort is crucial since you will likely be wearing the outfit for many hours of celebrating and dancing.
Understanding the Wedding Vibe
It is essential to understand that the wedding theme should be your first consideration. Is it a formal black-tie wedding, a more casual beach ceremony, or a rustic barn wedding? The theme, time of year, and time of day will provide essential information to help you choose your attire.
Formal Weddings / Black Tie
In the evening, or at a formal or black-tie wedding, everything is about elegance! You will want to consider a floor-length gown in luxurious fabrics, such as satin, crepe, or velvet. As well as consider some shiny, fun, or beautiful detailing (beyond the fabric), such as detailed beading, lace overlays, or a beautiful capelet. Deeper, richer jewel-tones like navy, burgundy, and emerald, along with metals like silver or gold, are always classic colors.
Semi-Formal and Cocktail Weddings
There is more freedom with a semi-formal wedding. Knee-length or midi-length dresses are totally acceptable. You want to look for an elevated look in your cocktail dress, whether in the neckline or the embellishments. You might also consider a stylish jumpsuit, or a sophisticated dress-and-jacket look.
Casual and Daytime Weddings
For a daytime or more casual wedding, the fabrics can be lighter and the colors brighter. Floral prints, pastels, and soft, flowing fabrics like chiffon work well. A tasteful sundress for an outdoor summer wedding or a chic sheath dress for a courthouse wedding will maintain the celebratory, but more relaxed, feel of the day.
How to Choose a Dress for Your Body Type
Every woman’s body is unique, and finding the right shape can accentuate your best features. Rather than considering trends, discover a dress shape that makes you feel wonderful.
For a Pear-Shaped Body
If you have a pear-shaped body type (wider hips and a defined waist), an A-line dress is extremely flattering. A-line dresses usually have a fitted bodice and waist, then flare gently at the hips. A-line dresses create an elegant silhouette while skimming the body. Look for dresses that have fun necklines or embellished bodices to draw the eye upward.
For an Apple-Shaped Body
For an apple-shaped body type (broader shoulders and a fuller midsection), an empire-waist dress is a great choice. Lower the high waistline detail so it sits just below the bust. The fabric flows gently downward, creating a nice elongated style. V-necklines can also be very flattering as they draw the eye vertically.
For the Hourglass Shape
Hourglass figures are defined by a noticeable waist, with balanced bust and hip measurements. Fit-and-flare or mermaid-style dresses are beautiful when showcasing curves. This can also be a sheath dress that hugs in all the right places. A belted waist can accentuate the natural shape.
For the Rectangle Shape
If you have a straighter, more athletic build, you can create the illusion of curves depending on the fit of the dress. Adding volume is also important to visually create curves! Volume can be found in a dress with ruffles, pleats, or even peplum. A belt on a sheath dress or a wrap dress is also a great option to add waist definition and create curves.
Selecting the Appropriate Color
Historically, mothers of the bride have been told to avoid wearing white, ivory, or black. While the “no white” rule is still true, so as not to clash with your daughter, other colors are now less restricted in modern protocol. Black can be especially sophisticated in an evening wedding, particularly when high-quality accessories are added to the look.
The best way to navigate color is to communicate with the bride and groom. They may establish a specific color scheme for the family and bridal party to follow. Many mothers will wear a color similar to the bridesmaids but not identical to their dresses. For example, if the bridesmaids are in dusty blue, a mother could wear a gown in navy or slate grey.
Accessorizing Your Attire
Accessorizing your attire can polish off your look. Choose jewelry that works with the neckline of your dress. For example, a show-stopping necklace works well with a strapless or scoop-neck dress, and the elegant drop earring is a perfect fit with a high-neckline dress.
Choose a stylish shoe, yet comfortable shoe. You will be on your feet a while, so if you can find something with a block heel or elegant wedge, it may be the better option for you. It is always a good idea to wear your shoes around the house before the big day as well. Lastly, an elegant clutch or small handbag will be all you require to hold your lipstick, tissues, and phone.
Celebrating your child’s wedding is a day of happiness, love, and unforgettable memories. As the mother of the bride, you are an important part of this celebration! The right dress is one that has you feeling confident and comfortable while celebrating their (and your) momentous occasion. At a wedding venue in Suffolk, VA, your elegant dress will blend right in with the elegant wedding surroundings.
Are you or your daughter getting married and looking for the perfect venue? Come see our beautiful wedding venue Suffolk, VA.
Contact us at the Suffolk Conference Center today to schedule a tour of the venue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of events can you host at the Suffolk Conference Center?
The Suffolk Conference Center is a flexible space to use for your wedding, corporate meeting or event, dinner or banquet, party, and more. We can tailor our space to fit your event.
What is the capacity for events?
Our venue offers flexible capacity planning, so you can comfortably host an intimate gathering or a large event. Please contact us with your guest list, and we will suggest the best options for you!
Do you provide catering?
Yes! We offer various catering options to suit different tastes and dietary needs. We will work with you to create a delicious menu to complement your event.
Do you have parking available for guests?
Yes! We have on-site parking and ample space provided for your guests, so they will have a positive experience arriving and departing the venue.
How do I schedule a tour of the venue?
You can contact us through our website or call our office at 757-925-1300 to schedule a venue tour! Our team will be happy to show you the space and answer any questions you have about hosting an event at the Suffolk Conference Center.