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Mother Of The Bride Dresses

7 Tips to Help You Master Accessorising Your Mother of The Bride Look

 We know that choosing a mother of the bride dresses can be a time consuming and often tiring process. But, finding the perfect dress is only half of what makes a mother of the bride outfit.    There is quite a lot of tradition wrapped up in the mother of the bride outfit, and that extends to the accessories she wears on the big day. Her hat is expected to set the tone for female headwear, while her jewellery and shoe choice should fit seamlessly with her daughter's dress code.  To help you feel your best on your daughter's big day we have created this list to help you master the art of mother of the bride accessorizing. From the commonly thought of fascinator and footwear to the less considered options of underwear. We have all the bases covered.  1. Finding the perfect mother of the bride jewellery When thinking about what jewellery you would like to wear, you first need to consider what type of dress you have chosen. If you have opted for a more simple dress, one without patterns, or eye-catching fabrics. Then a piece of statement jewellery can be a great way of adding a level of grandeur to your outfit. But, do be careful not to overdo it! If you, for instance, are wearing a statement necklace, then make sure the rest the jewellery you are wearing is very minimal.    If your dress is on the slightly louder side, we recommend being much more conservative with your jewellery. As this is your daughter's big day you want to make sure your outfit doesn't distract attention from her. Julie Sabatino, founder of The Stylish Bride says 'keep it classic and simple, this isn't the day to be outrageous or experimenting'.   Diane Gottsman, a national etiquette expert, says 'it's all about finding the right balance.' For appropriate jewellery for the mother of the bride, she advises 'going for a nice pair of simple studs, a small ring on each hand, and a bracelet. Then look at yourself and decide if you need to take one piece off. If you wonder if it's too much, it probably is.'  Gottsman also offers this great piece of advice ‘steer clear of noisy jewellery in both sense of the word, you don’t want anything too loud or over the top, like fluorescent colours. Don’t wear any jewellery that’s noisy or dangling or distracting.’ So if your bracelets click together, then they are best left at home, unless you want to risk an irritated side-eye during the ceremony.  As for rings, Gottsmand says to keep any on you right hand on the modest side, since you’ll be shaking hands with friends and family and a big ring could start hurting your hand after a few firm handshakes. Maybe just treat yourself to a manicure instead! 2. Things to consider for the best mother of the bride shoes? When it comes to heels for the mother of the bride's shoes, there is no hard and fast rule. We think that the best advice is to go for what you are confident in and is appropriate for the wedding venue and dress code.  If you are attending an evening, urban wedding, then this is the perfect time to wear a pair of stilettoes, if that is your desired shoe. But, if they are a pare haven't worn them for a long period of time before, we really recommend you try walking in them first. Even if this is only for a few hours around your home, you just want to make sure they aren't so uncomfortable they will distract you from the evening.  Another thing to keep in mind, when choosing a thin heal, is the type of terrain you will be walking on. The last thing you want is to be wearing a gorgeous dress and beautiful shoes, only to be called onto the grass for the wedding photos. As soon as you step out your heel skins into three inches of grass and mud.  As we said in this article, wedges are always a great alternative, especially for a summer wedding, for those still wanting the hight but also a little more comfort.  If you aren't a heel wearer we think that this isn't the day you should start. You want to be comfortable greeting people and that is hard to achieve when balancing on heels. A flat sandal can be a wonderful alternative, as elegant and as sophisticated as a heel. Look at shops such as Emma Hope to find beautiful sandals that can be worn both winter and summer.  We also recommend that you stash a spare pair of shoes somewhere in the reception venue. Just in case your feet start to ache, you can slip on some flats to keep you up and dancing. 3. How to pick your mother of the bride handbag   The first thing many people think of when hearing the words 'mother of the bride handbag' is one that perfectly matches the colour of her shoes. But, you no longer have to stick to this expectation. We think that it is much chicer to pick the tones of your accessories so that they work together in complimenting each other and your dress, rather than completely matching.  Achieving this complementary look does not need to be as difficult as it might sound. Tools such as this one help you find shades that complement one another. While websites such as net-a-porter (for the more high end) and asos (for the more affordable), offer such a wide range of handbags that finding a bag that will be in one of those tones shouldn’t take hours either. When choosing a mother of the bride bag, apart from the colour the next aspect to consider is the size.  We recommend a small handbag. When we say small we don’t mean the small that is trendy right now – so small you can’t fit anything in it. But practically small. It should be large enough to fit the essentials, which for the mother of the bride are a lipstick, some powder, a foldable hairbrush, your card, a phone and a handkerchief. We recommend something with a thin strap or chain rather than a clutch to keep you hands-free. So you can greet guests with one hand while holding a glass of champagne in the other. 4. What are the best mother of the bride hats for 2019? There are many traditions surrounding the hat of the mother of the bride. Etiquette states, that she is able to wear the largest hat of the wedding party and sets the tone for what headwear is appropriate for other female wedding guests.   But, just because there is much tradition associated with the mother of the bride hat, this doesn't mean you need to get carried away by it all. If you aren't usually a hat wearer and are a little intimidated by the prospect, we think you can steer clear of it. You want to make sure you are wearing the hat, rather than the other way around. For the mother of the bride in 2019 the hat is an accessory, not an essential.  But, if you are the type of person who is excited about this opportunity to wear beautiful headwear, we think you should go for it!    To pick which colour of hat will work best with your outfit, we suggest using the same technique recommended for choosing your shoes and handbag, to ensure your outfit looks great as a whole.   We know the fascinator is no longer the mother of the bride stape that it used to be. But, just because smaller hats are no longer so in vogue, this doesn't mean 'the bigger the better' necessarily. As it is quite easy to look overwhelmed in a larger hat, especially if you have smaller features or a more petite frame. It also presents the risk of blocking peoples faces when it comes time to take the wedding pictures. Meaning, you could be asked to take your hat off by the photographer, which might lead to the photographs showing your hair more on the messy side. We think that it is probably best to save those really big hats for Goodwood or Ascot.  The most important thing to consider when asking yourself what type of hat you want to wear is what makes you feel your best. We recommend if you can, go into a shop rather than ordering online, this way you can find what suits you and play with a few different styles and sizes. Or, if you want to order online, or even if you are just after a little more inspiration, the Evening Standard has recently published an article on the best hats and fascinators to wear to a wedding, check it out here. 5. How to master the art of layering as the mother of the bride. A jacket or coat can often transform your whole look, taking attention from the dress, and changing the silhouette of the outfit. Because of this, you want to make sure that the additional layer you choose will not only bring you warmth, but help elevates your outfit, rather than distract from your look. The first thing to consider, when choosing what type of additional layer you will bring to your daughter’s wedding is: what is its purpose. Is it a for protection against the forecast bad weather, is it to cover your shoulders and décolletage while in church, or are you bringing it just in case you get a little chilly?  A shawl or pashmina can be a great option for those who are after a little cover-up layer and some added warmth. Being available in almost any colour imaginable you are sure to find one that will compliment your outfit quite easily.  They are a very versatile option as you are able to wear them so they lay on your arms over the elbow, or from your shoulders or so they cover your whole chest area.  If you are only something to cover your shoulders on a warmer day then opt for a light fabric. But if you want to ensure that added layer of warmth then go for a cashmere or wool blend which is surprisingly cosy. Check out some options here. A jacket can be a great summer or autumn option, for those weathers that are just in-between warm and cold. We think that a well-tailored jacket is often the best choice, as it will keep a beautiful silhouette, drawing you in at the waist. We recommend that you avoid too old fashioned boxy jackets or those that finish in the middle of your torso as they can often make you look smaller and more square.  Try this Seed Dawlish Jacket for a beautiful option.  For the winter, a coat can really be a perfect choice. We suggest that you go for one that hits just above the knee. Covering most of your dress, the coat takes the pressure off matching the outer layer to the tones fo your outfit. You also won't have to worry about it cutting you off in an unflattering place on your torso.  Below is the gorgeous Seed Raquella Coat.   6. The right underwear can make all the difference If you have opted for a more form-fitting outfit, then you will want to consider the type of fabric it is made from. If it is created from a quality stretch fabric then the fabric will do the work of smoothing your figure and flattering your curves. But, if you have gone for a form-fitting outfit of a different composition then you might want to consider what type of underwear to go for. Investing in a good piece of shapewear can help smooth things out and enhance your natural curves. Spanx and Maidenform carry below-the-bust bodysuits 'that won’t pinch or roll like girdles'. We do know that they really don't sound very comfortable, but the technology has come such a long way recently. So apart from the slightly uncomfortable moment of getting it on, you can be assured you will have a night free from Bridge Jones struggles. Another thing piece of advice when thinking of underwear, is, as Martha Stewart Wedding puts it ‘Nix the Nylons’. Fashion today has moved past associating stockinged legs with elegance. Instead, go bare-legged, just add some moisturiser or body oil to help them look their best. If you are worried about being too pale, then try a streak-free, gradual sunless tanner, like this St Tropez one. 7. Is the mother of the bride expected to carry flowers?  Tradition calls for corsages to be given to the mothers of the bride and groom. Yet this is becoming somewhat old-fashioned. If this is a tradition you want to honour in 2019, then give it a ‘modern look, try a flower that is big and elegant, like gardenia or a flat garden rose’.  Or why not try and different approach? Pin a flower to your hair, or carry your own nosegay? This means that you are able to hold it for the photographs and then just leave it on the table when it comes time to dance.    As for what flowers to go for it is really up to you. ‘While lilies and roses are classics’ but you could incorporate your own favourite flower or one that compliments your outfit. Alternatively, you could go for a flower that is in the wedding party’s bouquet to look more uniform or match with the boutonnieres pinned on the father of the bride. Go for whatever would give you the most pleasure, it isn’t often we get to carry flowers so you should try and ensure you get as much joy from it as possible.  Although all the accessories associated with the mother of the bride outfit can be daunting, we think that they should be a fun way of elevating your outfit. We hope that our advice has taken some of the pressure away from your accessory choices, so you can enjoy the process of dressing up for this special day. 

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photo of black shoes on a white carpet with gold earrings

Mother of The Bride Makeup: The Essential Makeup Do’s and Don’ts for The Mother of The Bride

The wedding day is obviously a big day for the bride, but as the mother of the bride, you will have all eyes on you too. So you need to make sure you’re looking your best. But if you’re doing it yourself this can be a daunting task.  We’re going to share a few tips on how to do modern wedding make-up and tricks to make it last, so you look gorgeous all day. It’s just a question of knowing which products you need and how to apply them. What to Do Before Choosing Your Makeup Look Get Inspired Before deciding on a specific makeup look, get inspired by taking a look at different makeup looks online. You will find plenty of wedding guest makeup looks and how to achieve it by watching YouTube tutorials. So, find some looks you like and experiment by trying it on yourself before deciding which look to choose for the big day. What Products Should You Use? Primer One of your must-have products for a wedding makeup look is a primer. Primers can really help even and smooth out skin and to help the makeup last longer.  It can also help minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines to make your skin look smoother for better makeup application. This is even more important for mature skin to cover up any blue veins and to provide a really smooth base before applying any eye makeup.  So, make sure you use a moisturising primer before applying your makeup for a radiant, hydrated finish. Make sure you use an eyelid primer to the eyes too to ensure that your eye makeup lasts throughout the day too.  Translucent Powder  Set your base makeup with a lightweight translucent powder in a neutral shade. Not only will this eliminate any shiny reflections the camera will pick up, but it will also set your makeup to make it last longer.   Translucent powder always works well on mature skin, but if you prefer more cover, choose one that matches your complexion or foundation exactly. But, remember that powder can seep into the lines and creases of mature faces so if you really feel the need to wear it, keep it to an absolute minimum and only apply around the t-zone area where oil can settle.    Keep in mind that a soft brush will give you less coverage but a more natural finish. A Dewy Highlighter Apply a good highlighter to the top of your cheekbones, temples, brow bones, the bridge of your nose and your cupid’s bow.  This will add instant radiance to your skin to make you appear much fresher and more youthful.  But, make sure you use a shimmer-free formula as camera flashes do not like shimmer at all.  Cream Blush  Powdery cheeks can be very ageing, especially in daylight as they can cake into fine lines and look creased.  But a cream blusher will give your face a youthful flush to add warmth and healthy glow to your skin. Choose a colour that complements your complexion and apply it to the apples of your cheeks to add some dimension to your face.  Pick a colour that is soft to provide a subtle pop of colour and a formulation that has no sparkle or glitter, as this will sit in lines and wrinkles. If you want to give your cheeks a slightly more accentuated look, then apply a small amount of highlighter to the tops of the cheekbone. Concentrate on the rounded area of the cheeks gives the face a fullness that can actually be lost with age.  But the trick is to blend it well, so it doesn’t look harsh.    Brown Eyeliner Pencil Black eyeliners can look a little too harsh on mature skin. So, choose a brown eyeliner pencil and run it along your upper waterline to add definition to create the illusion of thicker lashes. This will create a natural-looking fullness to your lashes and add drama to the eyes without making your eyes look smaller.  Waterproof Mascara You’ll be put through a lot of happy emotions on your daughter’s wedding day so make sure you are prepared for a few tears by applying a few coats of waterproof mascara to your lashes. A good mascara will make your lashes look thicker and fuller to add some definition to your eyes. Use a fine mascara and build it up in layers for that gorgeous, fluttering volume.   Before applying the mascara, don’t forget to curl your lashes first to lift them from the roots. To add more lift to your eyes, focus on applying the mascara to the tops of the lashes. Then apply a few coats to both the upper and lower lashes to make your eyes look bigger. A lengthening mascara will be the more flattering option as it offers a natural, feathery appearance, while volumizing mascara can often make lashes appear short and stubby.  Line Your Lips  The lips lose their volume and their natural colour pigmentation with age. But, by using the right lip colour, you can make them look fuller and more luscious to make you appear more youthful. Before applying your lipstick, make sure you line your lips first for shape and definition. Then, go with a satin finish lipstick in a lighter or brighter shade to enhance the lips and provide you with a more flattering finish.   This will also make your lips look fuller and smoother. Next, seal the colour on your lips by dusting them with a light powder then re-line and apply the lipstick. But, make sure you avoid matte or dark coloured lipsticks which can dry out the lips to highlight any crack or wrinkles on your lips.   The colour settles into lines on the lips, making them appear thin and wrinkled.  A Setting Spray A good setting spray is essential in making sure that your makeup lasts and looks amazing all day and night. Although mature skin often isn’t as oily as younger skin, it’s more likely to dry out. Setting sprays are perfect for refreshing your skin a couple of times throughout the day to prevent it from drying out, which will keep your makeup looking fresher. Good Applicators   Invest in a decent sponge blender or foundation brush so you can get a photo finish. Application techniques and tools can make all the difference, so it's essential that you have the products to get that base just right. This will greatly improve the professionalism of the finished effect.  What Products Should You Avoid Using?  Heavy Foundations Heavy foundations will only accent all the issues and imperfections on your face. So, use a light-medium coverage foundation, this will give you nice coverage to even out your skin tone.  This will give your skin will look fresh and dewy and will not set into wrinkles.  For extra lasting coverage, mix your foundation with a hydrating primer before applying it to the skin.  Not only will this reduce the thickness and density if the foundation, but it will create a sheer coverage without compensating on longevity. Try going for a dewy formula that will give your face a fresher look as matte formulas can dry out your complexion and make pores and fine lines appear larger. You can also opt for BB or CC cream, which typically includes moisturiser and a sheer tint but has less wax than regular foundations so will hold better in hotter temperatures.    They prime and even out your skin tone, and often have hydrating benefits, making them ideal for mature skin and those concerned with age spots.  But whatever formula you choose, make sure you don’t choose products with SPF in as this results in flash-back in photos which can create a white cast on your face.  Too Much Concealer  If you need extra coverage in certain areas of the face, just use a concealer on these areas instead. This is usually around the nose, under eyes and anywhere you suffer from thread veins, redness or blemishes. This will prevent the makeup from looking cakey. Concealer can sometimes draw attention to eye wrinkles if not used sparingly, so only apply it to the inner half of your under-eye if this is a concern. Heavy Eyeshadow When it comes to your eyeshadow, keep it simple and neutral. Keep things matte with maybe just the slightest hint of shimmer but not too much. So, choose matte shadows which are more flattering on an older eyelid and blend well so that there are no hard edges. High shimmer products can emphasize fine lines, especially around the eye area so stick with matte eyeshadows in neutral colours. Skip the darker colours since they cause your eye to recede and opt for neutral and lighter tones to brighten up your entire face.   Avoid the multi-tiered palettes and instead, blend together two neutral shades for a more natural look.  Harsh-Contouring   If you’re after some definition and want to try your hand at a bit of contouring with your mature bride, then make sure you do this carefully. A light contour can look lovely and really bring out a more youthful appearance. But it is very easy to over-do this technique, so take it slow and build up gradually. You want it to look subtle and natural and not too harsh. To add natural-looking, photogenic definition, use a sheer cream contour stick in one shade deeper than your skin tone. Buff the product on with a bronzing brush just underneath your cheekbones, along the centre of your forehead, the bridge of your nose, and under your chin. Harsh Eyebrows Brows really should be softly defined, but never harsh.  Defining your eyebrows frame not only your eyes but also your whole face.  So, when defining your brows, stick to a brow powder and start in the middle of the lid, and with light strokes, move toward either end by working in light strokes. Powders easier to control than pencils, to get just the right amount of colour without going too heavy. Powders and waxes are easier to control than a pencil – but if you find pencils easier to use – find one that is not too soft – so you can control the amount of product you’re applying. Use a neutral shade of eyebrow pencil to add in some subtle definition to the brows. Then, follow the natural shape of the brow and blend the colour lightly so the brows don’t appear drawn on and harsh at the edges.  Harsh Eyeliner Eyeliner should be soft and should not be overly dramatic. So, when applying eyeliner, skip the liquid liners and opt for a soft pencil.  Liquid liners can look a little too harsh on ageing eyes. Powder shadows are also great options, to avoid excess creasing and go for softer, blended eyeliner rather than strong lines.  Start at the middle of the eyelid and move outwards in small strokes, add in a tiny flick to the corner of the eyes, not a full flick associated with the cat eye. Once applied, soften it by applying a smudge of dark eyeshadow on top and blend out with a soft angled brow brush. Avoid harsh clean lines – keep them looking soft and subtle instead and remember to be very careful when working on the eye area. How to Ensure Your Makeup Looks Great on The Big Day?  Do a Trial Run  You’ll want to be as prepared as possible on the morning of the wedding. You will be very busy on the morning of the wedding so practice your make-up beforehand and try it with your outfit.  Having a trial run in advance of the wedding day will help you be less stressed on the big day, and you'll have time to perfect the look you're going for.   A trial will also give you the opportunity to make decisions or any necessary changes without any pressure. Take Photographs in Your Trail Makeup Make sure you take some pictures with the flash on of your trail makeup so that you can see exactly what it will look like on the big day.  If you don’t like the way the makeup looks in pictures, then look closely at the images to see what you would like to change and tweak, so you look your absolute best.  Prep Your Skin Beforehand Great makeup starts with great skincare.  So, preparing the skin for a day of wearing makeup is very important.  However, make sure you don’t try new products right before the wedding to prevent any nasty reactions to the skin. So, to be on the safe side, use products that are tried and tested that you know works well with your skin. Or, if you do want to try something new, make sure you try the products at least six weeks before the big day to make sure they are compatible with your skin. If possible, book yourself three or four salon treatments to ensure that your skin is in great condition.   Prep Your Skin Before Applying Makeup Exfoliating improves overall skin texture, which determines how evenly your makeup will go on. So, make sure you do this on the morning of the wedding before applying for your makeup. Then, don’t forget to moisturize after. Moisturizer plumps skin up to make lines and wrinkles less prominent. Take Your Time Take time and effort to work on your wedding make-up to make sure it looks as good as possible. If you rush when applying your makeup, it may not come out as perfect as you want it to. So, make sure you give yourself an hour or two to apply your makeup.  Don’t Overdo It Less is more when it comes to makeup for mature skin. Wearing too much of anything once your skin starts to age can make you look far older as the makeup sinks into the fine lines and wrinkles.  Apply Your Makeup in Good Lighting Make sure you do your makeup near a window where there is natural lighting. Applying the makeup in harsh lighting can make it look unnatural when you step outside. Seek Expert Advice  Not sure what colour works for you? Go to your local beauty department store and try on many colours with the help of a counter assistant. They’ll be able to help you with recommendations so that you can quickly figure out what shades flatter your skin tone. However, you choose to do your makeup on your daughter’s big day, make sure you are confident and comfortable in your look so you can enjoy the day while looking and feeling your best.

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Mother of The Bride Makeup: The Essential Makeup Do’s and Don’ts for The Mother of The Bride

Mother of The Bride: Essential Styling Tips for Etiquette Rules

The wedding of your daughter will be one of the most memorable events in your lifetime, so as the mother of the bride, you’ll want to look your best. While it’s true that all eyes will be on the bride a lot of the attention will also be on you. You want to look and feel beautiful and elegant. But to find the perfect dress, you must take into account the wedding setting, theme and what the vision your daughter has for her big day.  So, celebrate your daughter’s wedding day in style as we reveal essential styling tips for you to look your best on the big day.  What to Do Before Choosing Your Dress Consult with The Bride It’s the bride’s day and you want to make it perfect, so it’s important to consult her before heading out to buy your dress. While you may have your own sense of style, it’s crucial that you consider your daughter’s motif. So, talk to the bride and ask her about her preferences and see how she envisions your look. You want to ensure the outfit compliments the style of the wedding and the colour scheme. There may be a certain colour she has in mind that coordinates with the bridesmaids or she may prefer that you stay away from certain colours like black.  You can even ask your daughter for recommendations on colours and dress styles and make your pick so that it matches her expectations. Consider the Location and Venue The type of wedding plays a critical role in terms of what the wedding party should wear.  The details make a difference in determining dress length, colour, and the type of shoes that might work best. These days you can get married just about anywhere so it’s important to think about your outfit in relation to the venue. When first starting to plan your mother of the bride outfit, look to the wedding location itself for inspiration. If your daughter is having an overseas destination wedding, where the weather may be a lot warmer, you may want to opt for a lightweight dress such as a maxi-style chiffon dress or simple slim-fitting column-style dress.   But, in addition to location, religious and cultural customs need to be taken into account as well. For example, if your daughter is having a church wedding, this is a setting which traditionally sees a more conservative style of dress. But, if she isn’t having a religious ceremony, then you may be able to opt for a more relaxed style or less conservative type of dress. Consider the Weather As well as thinking about style, you do need to consider the functionality of your outfit. Elements to consider include the length, weight of the material, sleeve style, and colour. If the bride is having an outdoor wedding, it is best to take an outer layer of some sort with you, even if the weather is good. So perhaps find a matching jacket and wrap which is great for the changing weather.  To ensure you appear suitably sophisticated for the day, select an elegant style, such as a chiffon design or a lace bolero, in a colour that matches your dress. However, make sure you are happy with the outfit with the jacket off so that if it gets a bit warm throughout the day, you can take it off and still look good. If the weather is hot, wearing lightweight, natural fabrics for summer weddings will help to keep you cool in the heat.  What to Consider When Choosing Your Outfit Start Shopping As Soon As Possible There’s nothing more stressful than trying to get what you want last-minute. So, don’t leave shopping for your special dress to chance. You’ll have enough to stress about as the big day approaches, so get your dress taken care of well in advance. You may need to go to various kinds of stores to try on different styles before you find the right dress for you. If you are interested in custom made dresses, you should take into consideration even more time for the rounds of fitting and alterations.  So, it’s best to purchase the dress at least three to six months before the wedding day. If you are following tradition, you will also need enough time to let the mother of the groom know that you have purchased your dress so that she can purchase hers. Avoid Certain Colours There are certain colours that the mother of the bride should not wear. Unless otherwise instructed, is to never wear white or any colour close to what the bride has chosen to wear. Other standard colours to avoid include ivory, white and champagne. Another colour to avoid is black.  If black is a colour that you usually like to wear, this might be the time to reconsider. Black tends to be associated with mourning or funerals, so it wouldn’t be appropriate to wear it to a wedding. The traditional etiquette is, whatever colour you choose, you just want to avoid clashing with the bride.    Check with The Rest of The Wedding Party Try to coordinate with the mother of the groom, so you don’t turn up in very similar looks and ideally not in the same colour. Generally, choose an outfit that compliments the bridesmaid’s dresses as well as the colours of the wedding. However, try not to go for something too similar. To stand out a bit from the bridesmaids, so your dress should complement rather than match the bridesmaid’s dresses.  You can always go for colours that complement the whole wedding entourage, so check with your daughter to see if she has a particular colour or theme in mind. Pick an Outfit That Complements the Bridesmaids As a general rule, the mother of the bride should shy away from choosing the same colour dress as bridesmaids. However, it should still compliment the style of the bridesmaid’s dresses. It can be a different style from theirs, but the hues should feel cohesive. So, if the bridal party is wearing royal blue, you could wear navy; if they’re in purple, look for a dress in lavender. Stay within the same colour spectrum for a harmonious look that’ll still set you apart. Dress for Comfort Comfort is key for the big day, so make sure you are completely happy with your outfit and how it feels. It’s hard to enjoy yourself when something is too tight or too loose and there’s nothing worse wearing a great outfit but feeling uncomfortable all day.  Weddings are notorious for being very long days so make sure whatever you are wearing is comfortable enough so that it doesn’t distract you from enjoying your daughter’s big day.  Choose a dress with plenty of movement, which still feels comfortable so that you are free to dance the night away. If you're not used to wearing stilettoes, your daughter's wedding isn't the place to start. Be kind to your feet and get dressy shoes with a comfortable heel. If you know you’re not going to last through your event in your heels, choose a pair of stylish but comfortable flats instead. Also, if you are buying new shoes, don’t forget to wear them around the house a few times so you know you won’t get blisters halfway through the day. Choose an Outfit That Fits Your Personal Style Although it’s customary to go with the motives and the couple’s preferences, it is also important not to ditch your personal style. It’s essential you still find something you feel confident wearing and that reflects your own individual style. You can take others’ opinion on board, but at the end of the day it is such a special occasion and you should feel amazing in what you wear. Be sure you feel good in what you’re wearing, and that what you’re wearing is right for you. Be true to your unique style and you will look amazing.  Choose an Appropriate Dress Don’t be afraid to show your body off in a form-fitting dress but remember to keep it classy.  You don’t want to wear a dress that is too short or has a deep neckline.  Try and choose a dress that is stylish, yet still is appropriate so it keeps you looking elegant and sophisticated.  Don't Look Like You're Competing with the Bride   A basic rule of wedding etiquette is that the mother of the bride should not outshine her daughter. This dress is going to be an important purchase, but remember that this isn’t a bridal gown So, don’t choose gowns or dresses that would overpower the bridal gown. Also, try to avoid loud patterns that will overwhelm in photos and make you stand out from the rest of the wedding party. How to Make Sure You Look Perfect in Your Dress Dress for Your Body Type Your outfit should work with your body shape, not the other way around. Wearing an outfit that is not suitable for your body shape could add pounds to your waistline and make you look frumpy.  Instead, choose a style that flatters your body shape. Take A Photo in Your Dress One of the best ways to make up your mind is to see how the dress looks in a photo. Ask your friend, daughter or even the shop assistant to take photos of you in your favourite mother of the bride outfit.  Once you see how the dress looks in photographs, you’ll be able to make a decision. Choose the Right Accessories Your accessories can either make you or break you, so it’s important that you choose elegant pieces that will complement your overall do.  Pairing the simplest dress with a statement hat and the right shoes and bag can be more impactful. Hat If you decide not to wear a hat, you could opt for an alternative simpler style such a cocktail hat or fascinator in colours which compliment your outfit.  It’s important to ensure that any head pieces don’t swamp your frame and doesn’t hide your face. Finally, make sure that you opt for a colour which complements your dress or matches the rest of your accessories. This will complete your outfit and bring it together as a whole. Bag This special occasion also calls for a special bag. You need a place to store your phone, makeup and other essentials so, a chic will do the trick, so long as it compliments your outfit.  Wear the Right Underwear In order to look and feel the best on this special day, you want to make sure you are prepared inside out. So, make sure you look for undergarments that go well with your dress. Most importantly, shapewear can also change your posture and add your confidence on this big day of your daughter. This will also smooth out any lines to make sure no underwear lines are peeking through your dress. Etiquette Rules  While it may seem old-fashioned, following etiquette rules is certainly good form, however, it's not a requirement. The Mother of The Bride Buys Her Dress First Traditionally, the bride’s mother has the honour of selecting her outfit first. Customarily, the length of the dress for mother of the groom should match the length for mother of the bride. So, the mother of the groom should reach out to the mother of the bride to ask what she is wearing, and then choose her own outfit accordingly.  This way you can avoid clashing colours or styles. If possible, collaborate with the mother of the groom to make sure everyone is on the same page before heading to the bridal shop. The two mothers’ looks should complement one another, and the mother of the groom will typically take style cues from your dress of choice. Sometimes the mothers will even choose to go shopping together. This makes a great bonding experience while also ensuring that the two dresses coordinate beautifully.  Where to Shop For Your Outfit  When considering how to find the perfect mother-of-the-bride dress, take the time to research stores before visiting.   Speciality Stores In comparison to department stores, shops that specialize in bridal wear are better since they will be able to provide you with more options that could meet your specific needs. The assistants there are experts in their field and will know the best styles to flatter your shape. They can also help tailor your dress to fit you perfectly. So, this is the best option for you if you if you don’t know what shapes and colours suit you.  Online Shopping online is convenient and there are a lot of websites to explore  If you are shopping online for your dress, make sure you do it well in advance. Not only will you have to wait until the dress is delivered to you, but you need to be sure it looks good on you once you try it on. Major department store retail sites have a specific wedding shop category and carry a broad range of sizes from petite to plus, which is not so easy to find in small bridal speciality stores.  But you don't need to shop for an actual wedding and mother of the bride dress.  Dresses slotted in categories for evening, cocktail wear and formal wear will also have great options.  Department Stores Department stores will also have plenty of selections of formal wear and evening dresses that you can choose from. But, if you choose a department store dress, you run the risk of someone else turning up to the wedding wearing the same dress.    There are no rules on what you should and should not wear, but when it comes to the selection process, always remember that being considerate on the bride and groom-to-be.

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