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Your daughter is getting married. It’s the most important day of her life – and also of yours. While all eyes will naturally be on the beautiful bride, they will also be scrutinising you, and so you will want to look your very best on this special occasion. Mother of the bride outfits need to be planned perfectly from start to finish because of wedding day etiquette demands, and because you want to step out in a dress that complements the wedding party – and makes you feel and look fabulous.

Follow these five tips to achieve subtle sophistication on your daughter’s wedding day and avoid any potential clothing clashes or wardrobe malfunctions.

  1. Agree on a dress buying protocol
    Wedding day etiquette suggests that the mother of the bride buys her outfit before the mother of the groom. That seem a little old-fashioned and you may want to change that protocol, but do discuss what you’re hoping to wear with both your daughter and her prospective mother-in-law. Be courteous and open to any suggestions. And remember this – the wedding day is not a competition between the two of you as to who appears in the most glamorous, most expensive or most stylish get-up. Discuss colours and styles so you don’t clash, and be flexible when you can.
  2. Stick to the bride’s colour scheme
    Generally it’s always been frowned upon for female guests to wear white or cream to a wedding so as not to take any attention away from the bride. Again, that might be considered a rather out-of-date idea, but this is your daughter’s big day and she might have firm ideas about a colour scheme or, at least ensuring your outfit doesn’t clash with those of her bridesmaids.
  3. Start looking for outfit ideas as soon as possible
    The more notice you have of the big day, the better. If you’re not having a bespoke outfit created for you, you need to do your homework early – browse bridal magazines and online retailers for fashion ideas that will suit your figure and your own style. Set aside some decent time to go and look for mother of the bride outfits, and do take along a trusted friend to get some honest advice on anything you are tempted by.
  4. Decide on a style that suits
    It may seem obvious to suggest you only buy an outfit that suits you, but many mothers of the bride feel pressured into wearing a particular style that does them no favours. For instance, if you really do not suit a hat, talk to your daughter about whether she really wants you to feel uncomfortable for the whole day.
  5. Choose an outfit that’s appropriate
    Style and sophistication are the most important attributes for your outfit on your daughter’s wedding day. Sexy and low cut may work on certain occasions, but are not always appropriate on a wedding day. Potentially upstaging the bride is a wedding day no-no. So aim for elegance and finesse – achieve that and you will be wearing an outfit that will live long in the memory.
mother of the bride outfits