Weddings are important to couples getting married and to their families, friends, and communities, which is reflected in how they celebrate the big event: with rites or rituals that honour their traditions and the attire, which sits between cocktail and black tie. Needless to say, the mother of the bride plays a vital role in the wedding, as guests will come before, during, and after the “I do’s” for information, help or support. The parents of the bride-to-be host the engagement party, help her with the guest list, offer moral support, and choose the wedding dress, which requires fittings and usually multiple rounds of alterations.
As the bride’s mother supports her daughter with all the preparations, which means she should listen carefully and honour the bride’s wishes at every stage, even if she strongly disagrees. In this current era, weddings have far fewer fashion rules, but it can make things a bit complicated, as guests have more freedom with their styles. With all the time invested in the big day, you undoubtedly deserve an exceptional fit, and there’s no better time than now to order your gown. A white dress is fine but traditionally reserved for the bride, as it symbolises purity and virtue.
If you’re clueless about what you want, go to the nearest shopping mall and try on different gowns in different shades to see what they look like on you.
Brides Didn’t Always Wear A White Wedding Dress
In Europe, white is reserved for mourning because it was the most affordable fabric colour, and is a colour that most people already had in their closet. Usually, the gown would cover most of the body and in full-length. Typically, wealthy brides had garments adorned with jewels and gold, the necks and cuffs of which were decorated with silk or linen ruffs, sometimes made entirely from lace. The white wedding dress was a later tradition. Mary, Queen of Scots, wore a white wedding dress in 1559 when she tied the knot, yet the white wedding dress is commonly attributed to Queen Victoria, who wore a satin gown in a pristine white featuring an elaborate trim of Honiton lace.
At the time of Queen Victoria’s wedding to Prince Albert, wedding dresses were available in various colours, such as red, black, pink, blue, and brown. For many brides, a beautiful gown was the most critical part of the day, so even in times of hardship, they would expect gasps of appreciation when they made their appearance. In the early 19th century, every woman wanted a white dress with a veil, and the trend, which originated in London, spread throughout the country. Though brides have become more daring with their choices, they’ll mostly opt for white dresses instead of deviating from the norm.
Wearing White Is Acceptable, Only If The Couple Approves It
At this point, you most likely have questions. What should a mom wear to a wedding? What colour should the mother of the bride dress be? Does the mother of the bride pick the outfit herself? Take a few days or weeks looking through magazines or Pinterest to see what kinds of gowns you like, and ensure it’s the outfits you’re looking at, not the model’s face or hair. There’s a head-spinning variety of mother-of-the-bride dresses available, and the blend of silhouettes, necklines, and materials is infinite. So do your homework and dream. The materials are not the top priority, but rather focus on how the gown looks and feels.
As the mother of the bride, you may want to avoid white, but it can make for an unforgettable moment. Wearing white to a wedding when you are not the main character has often been frowned upon since the dawn of time, but what do you do if you fall in love with a stunning ivory or cream dress? In that case, consult the wedding couple to ensure they give you the green light. If the bride and the groom flatly state it’s okay to wear white, go ahead with your initial choice. You would be surprised that many brides are actually thrilled by the idea of their moms wearing white. Beyonce’s sister, Solange, who is also a successful recording artist, asked her entire family to wear white on her big day.
What Should You Consider Before Choosing Your Dress
No matter what colour you choose to embrace, take into account the venue, date, and seasonality. For example, you should avoid tight clothes and thick materials in the middle of the summer and opt for cover up in the winter. There’s no right or wrong type of dress. Still, it’s important to understand what you’re paying for and what’s typically included. Many designers have ready-to-wear collections meant to suit the bigger audiences, with dresses that come in a wide array of quality and price. Gowns that are available for immediate purchase can be altered when it comes to waist size and hem length. Of course, you can’t modify the overall design.
The budget can vary depending on the fabric and the number of details, so try to negotiate with the designer to find a good middle ground. The cost of alterations can easily add up. The earlier you start shopping, the more time you have to find the perfect fit and address the finer details, so make your first inquiry about six months before the big day. If you can, planning one year before is even better. Think about what you’re going to put on your feet. If you want to wear heels to the wedding, shop for them early because the heels change the shape of your back and the way you carry yourself.
Concluding Thoughts
Some mothers are ready for action and give their opinions throughout the planning process, while others prefer to sit on the sidelines and encourage their daughters to do what they want. Either way, the mother of the bride is the second most important woman in the wedding. Your gown is a piece of clothing like any other, but the feelings make it so much more in your mind.
You have your own personality and style, and there’s nothing more important than to stay truthful to who you are. Wearing white is possible as long as the dress doesn’t distract from the bride and her guest’s outfits.
