While the bride may have a color theme for her wedding, the mother of the bride does not have to match. However, it’s best to avoid white or ivory dresses as they can take away from the bride.
Autumn and winter weddings call for rich colors like cranberry or scarlet. Emerald green can also work well with cool skin tones.
Neutrals
There are plenty of options for mothers who prefer to wear neutral shades on their daughter’s big day. Neutrals like taupe, beige and gray are classic choices because they look sophisticated and elegant. Plus, they won’t compete with the bride’s dress color.
Mothers who want pastel pinks or purples should choose deeper shades for their dresses instead of lighter hues to avoid looking washed out. If your daughter’s bridal party wears yellow or orange, the dresses for the mother of the bride in those colors can complement them perfectly.
When it comes to a wedding’s color scheme, the mother of the bride’s dress must coordinate with the bridesmaids’ dresses (though she doesn’t have to match). A navy blue mother-of-the-bride dress will be ideal if the bridal party goes blue or green. For a more dramatic option, go with a darker shade, like burgundy or wine. However, it’s best to wait until the bridesmaids have chosen their dresses before shopping for your mother-of-the-bride dress so that you can ensure your choice will complement their color palette.
Pastel Yellow
If the bride wears a white dress on her big day, finding a mother-of-the-bride dress that complements it might be challenging. Luckily, there are other options! Muted shades of yellow can be beautiful on a mother of the bride, especially when paired with soft blues. Try a pale yellow that looks almost like a light tan, or pick a more delicate shade of blue like a robin’s egg.
While it is essential not to take away attention from the bride, the color of your dress can help make a statement on its own. If the bride is okay with it, you can also consider dresses in shades of pink, gold, or even red to create a look that will be both chic and classic.
Just communicate your thoughts about color with the bride before starting your search! She may want to avoid specific colors that could compete with her gown or have particular preferences about length and style that should be considered. It’s best to have this discussion at the beginning of your dress-shopping process so everyone can reach a consensus.
Jewel Tones
A jewel-tone mother-of-the-bride dress can add an elegant touch to any wardrobe. These hues look beautiful on various skin tones and are perfect for both winter and summer weddings. For example, emerald green works well with any shade of green or blue while complementing gold jewelry. A deep sapphire blue is another great option with warm and cool shades of purple, red, and pink tones.
Generally speaking, you should avoid wearing colors that draw attention to your face, like vibrant orange or vivid yellow. You may also want to avoid anything that competes with your daughter’s wedding gown, so it’s a good idea to discuss any pictures with the bride to ensure you are both on the same page regarding your attire.
While most mothers don’t have to match, choosing a color that coordinates with the bridal party is lovely. This way, you can be sure you’ll be the most flattering and stylish guest on your daughter’s big day.
Gray Monotone
If you’re seeking a mother-of-the-bride dress that is not frumpy but still sophisticated, look no further than this tea-length navy number! The floral pattern and sexy leg slit perfectly accentuate your curves. Plus, the sheath silhouette and metallic hue are classic wedding dress etiquette.
While the bride usually gets the final say on what her Mom will wear, you should ask her thoughts on color and style before shopping. The bride may also want you to avoid matching her wedding gown, so ask for approval before picking a similar dress.
Another essential factor to consider when choosing your mother-of-the-bride dress is whether you’ll attend a daytime or evening event. If the wedding is during the day, a light jacket or shawl may be necessary if the weather is cooler. You may need something more substantial for evening events, like a blazer or bolero.
Dusty Blush
The mother of the bride and groom should look stunning on her child’s wedding day. The days of dressing matronly in ivory or white have gone by the wayside, and a wide range of stylish options are available. Traditionally, the mother-of-the-bride dress should complement, rather than match, the color of the bridesmaids’ dresses.
While some brides have their mothers and stepmothers wear dresses that perfectly coordinate with the bridal party, others opt for a more relaxed approach. For example, if the bride has chosen dresses in a deep navy blue, the mother of the bride may want to select an outfit in the same shade or a similar hue to make sure she looks polished.
In terms of colors to avoid, it’s a good idea to prevent attention-grabbing hues like yellow, red, and orange. These vibrant shades could take away from the bride’s gown, which is the focal point of her special day. Dark gray and dusty blush are acceptable dress colors for the bride’s mother.
Featured Photo by Hermes Rivera on Unsplash