There is perhaps no experience more exciting, emotional or extraordinary than that of the Mother-of-the-Bride. The photo here captures my moment as a beaming MOB, a day that will forever stand out in my mind. And though, as you can see, the final outcome is always exquisite, the planning of your child’s wedding is also fraught with tension and anxiety, and for good reason. You want it to be perfect for her—for every aspect of the day to fulfill all her hopes and dreams. Every detail from the place and the food to the flowers and linens are debated and detailed with great care. And you, as her mother (or his mother or her sister), put the same care into choosing your dress for this momentous occasion so you look absolutely perfect standing beside her.
Having had the experience of staring at racks and racks of potential dresses, and being a bit surprised that I, who does this professionally and has helped countless women achieve stunning results, was completely overwhelmed, I really do know what you’re going through. It’s for that reason that I’d like to share some advice about finding that ideal dress that will be both appropriate and astoundingly gorgeous.
The most important thing to remember is that whatever dress you choose, it should be one that makes you feel magnificent. Whatever your age, whatever your shape, slipping into that dress should transform into your most beautiful self. Don’t compromise, and don’t settle for less than the absolute best.
One of the most frequently asked questions from mothers-of-the-bride is about sleeves. Whether because of appropriateness, inhibition or religious restriction, many women are unsure whether to go with strapless or sleeveless. Certainly, elegant occasions call for a certain level of appropriateness and nobody should wear a dress they feel is too revealing. Cap and elbow-length sleeves are great options, as is a sleeveless dress with a removable jacket.
The color of the dress is also extremely important. Obviously, if your daughter has chosen a color then you should be guided by her choice. If not, then you have many options available to you. Choose a color that is flattering to your skin tone and complexion. Most importantly, stay true to your taste and preferences. The color should be modern and youthful, but don’t be swayed by trends. Every time you see a picture from that day, you want to be reminded of how beautiful you looked and how wonderful you felt. Let elegance and sophistication be your guides.
The best dresses are the ones with the best fit and your daughter’s wedding is also not the time to get too inventive with the cut. While I always advise women to be open-minded when trying on dresses, you want something that will be noticed for the shapeliness it lends your body, not for its outrageousness. Determine the best cut for your figure and choose your dress accordingly. This is the time to embrace your shape, zero in on your most attractive features and celebrate them. Remember, there is no substitute for quality fabric and craftsmanship.
These guidelines were a tremendous help when I began my search for the perfect MOB dress. The one I chose, and I love to this day, has elbow-length sleeves, a modest v-neck and is made from an exquisitely elegant gray silk. The cut was fairly simple and sophisticated and highlighted my best features while doing a great job of covering up the rest.
Mothers-of-the-bride are our favorite customers and over the past 30 years I have had the pleasure of dressing too many to count. There’s nothing quite like sharing in the thrill of helping a mother-of-the-bride find that one perfect dress that will bring a smile to her face with every glance at a mirror. I love receiving pictures from women who have worn our dresses on their special day and hope you’ll send me yours. Knowing that I had a hand in making you feel your most beautiful is my favorite part of my job. I am tremendously honored that you have chosen to wear our designs and look forward to being with you as you prepare for all of your celebrations to come.
teri jon!
