Mother of the Bride Wedding Survival Guide

Check out our Mother of the Bride/Groom Survival Guide.

Everything you will need to know from the time she says
“I do” up to the wedding day.

Print out our Must-have Checklist

to keep track of everything you can do
to help your daughter/son with wedding plans.

If you are contributing financially to the wedding, make sure the soon-to-be weds are aware of any concerns you may have and which venue choices are practical for an monetary limitations.

Help your blushing bride choose her perfect dress! Remember to be supportive, but honest. She trusts your opinion more than you know!

If you are having a large wedding, allow yourself enough time to make a guest list. Give yourself time to review it and be sure you did not exclude anyone unintentionally!

You can also start organizing addresses and phone numbers.

Start to contact hotels that are convenient to get to from the wedding venues for quotes on lodging for out of town guests.

Guests will most likely be contacting you for gift information, so be prepared to guide them on where the bride is registered.

six to ten months

You want to love how you look 20 years from now. The goal is to feel as beautiful and as comfortable as possible, with a dress that is chic yet appropriate.

Choose complementary, classic colors. Stray away from trends. Most detail in your dress should be from the waist up to bring attention to your face, especially in photographs.

When you buy the dress, it should fit you the day you buy it. You can always have it taken in or out.

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how to dress for your body

Petite
Pear
Plus
Straight

Click on your body type for dress suggestions.

Need help with sizing?

petite

The key to dressing a petite frame is choosing a style with a shorter waist with focus around the top half of thebodice framing the face.

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pear

Opt for A-line dresses and skirts with volume to create an hourglass illusion. Portrait collars suit pear shapes, as they draw the eye up, taking the attention away from the mid-section.

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plus

With all around well-defined curves, opt for v-necklines to draw the eye downward. A-Line or darker colored skirts downplay your lower half, creating a slimming effect.

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straight

With little definition between the bust, waist, and hip measurements, look for fitted sheaths to play up your silhouette. Fit & flare styles help create the illusion of curves, and a-line dresses add volume to the slender frame.

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three to six months

Get together with the bridal party to see if they need any help with the bridal shower.

Your guest list should be finalized. Feel free to include secondary names and addresses to fill spots if some guests are unable to attend. You may be in charge of handling RSVP’s, so create a system to keep yourself organized to get an accurate headcount for the venues.

If the venue of the ceremony does not provide a place for the bridal party or groomsmen to get ready before the vows are taken, try to locate a place that is convenient for everyone. Make sure there is access to a restroom and power outlets. Arrange for some neat finger foods and champagne to ease nerves… but no red wine!

Choose comfortable shoes, no one wants swollen feet two hours into the celebration!

one to three months

Don’t forget your dress for the rehearsal dinner.

Rehearsal dinner dresses are the perfect opportunity to dress in something a little bit more modern than you may have chosen for the wedding day.

Let us help you select the perfect, up to date style for the rehearsal dinner.

PS: Start thinking about alterations. Leave plenty of time for fittings and changes wished to be made to the dress.

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dinner looks

week of

It’s almost show time! Make sure to give your daughter extra support as she prepares for her big day. Help her with any last minute details that may have gotten lost in the shuffle.

Make sure transportation arrangements have been made for guests to get to and from events.

Make sure your dress for the evening fits well. Break in your dancing shoes!

Help the bride create seating arrangements. No awkward encounters, please!