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Mother Of The Bride Dresses

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: How to Avoid Upstaging or Upsetting the Bride

A child’s wedding is an exciting experience, so of course, you would want this day to go perfectly without upsetting the bride. The mother-of-the-bride has a vital role in the wedding, helping and supporting the bride through the planning process and on the day of the wedding. So, here are a few things to avoid doing so that your relationship isn't pulled apart by disagreements and mother-daughter drama. How to Avoid Upstaging The Bride 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 motive. 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. Avoid Certain Colours There are certain colours that the mother of the bride should not wear. The traditional etiquette is, whatever colour you choose, you just want to avoid clashing with the bride. White is reserved for the bride, she wants and expects to stand out from everyone else. So, 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. But, 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. So, try and avoid these colours unless instructed to by the bride. 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.  A wedding is not the place to wear your shortest or lowest cut look. If the wedding is taking place in a place of worship, then it is even more essential to make sure you wear something conservative or bring a cover-up to wear to the ceremony and take off at the reception. Don't Look Like You're Competing with the Bride   Your daughter’s wedding day is a moment to celebrate her, not compete with her. So, 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. Anything that is too bright or shiny will literally take eyes off the bride and put them on you. Avoid Being Too Casual While you want to avoid upstaging the bride with an over-the-top outfit, it is important to avoid dressing in anything too casual. Traditional weddings have dressing etiquette or dress codes to ensure that all the guests dress fit with the formal theme of the wedding. So, as the mother of the bride, try and wear something that is classy and elegant. How to Avoid Upsetting the Bride Don’t Take Over  Emotions can sometimes run high when planning a wedding.so you should provide general support and advice to the bride and groom throughout the wedding process. But, remember not to dictate what should and should not happen. It can be really difficult to not interfere but resist any temptation to do so. Although your daughter wants your assistance, she most likely does not want you to take over planning the entire event. So, try to alleviate the stress of wedding preparations, not add to it. Instead of telling her everything you think she should do, listen to what she has in mind and respect that her happiness is most important. Just remember to follow the couple’s lead, and remember, it’s not about your expectations for their wedding. Don’t Make the Wedding About You Momzilla’s are definitely a thing. If you feel like you want to take over and get upset when things don’t go your way, you may need to take a step back. Unfortunately, this makes the whole event less enjoyable for everyone, including yourself. So, don't take things personally if the couple has something different in mind than what you do.   Remember that it’s your daughter’s big day.  It’s so simple but so often that gets forgotten once the planning is underway. Don’t bring the bride down with unnecessary problems and avoid adding fire to the flames when things go wrong.  Don’t Be Pushy If you can tell the bride and the groom don't like something that you love, let it go. Don't attempt to push them into a decision that they are not comfortable or in love with. You're there to support the bride, not undermine or override her wishes. No matter how much you think you're right, don't be too pushy when it comes to advising your daughter. So, try to explain your point of view with a positive approach, and remember that the bride and groom have the final say in everything. Try to be there to support the bride and give input when solicited but remember not to take over or railroad your ideas into play. Don’t Steal the Limelight The wedding, of course, is all about the bride and groom and so the focus of attention should be on them. So, try not to do anything that may upstage or upset the bride. This means not trying to steal the show or the photographer. So, make sure you avoid drinking too much and don't take the photographer away from shooting the wedding to take pictures of yourself. Don’t Try to Invite Extra Guests This can be tough, especially if the happy couple is opting for a more intimate gathering. But, make sure you always ask before inviting extra guests. So, even if you are helping with finances, let your daughter invite who she wants to and the people that are close to her and the groom. Try and fight the urge to request more invites and try your best to pick the ones that matter most. It’s not your wedding, but your daughter’s and therefore her friends and guests should take priority. Don’t Tell Her Who Should Be Her Bridesmaids Choosing bridesmaids is a job for the bride and the bride alone. So, don’t make your daughter feel pressured into having anyone that she’s not comfortable. She will need calm and supportive people that are close to her with her on your wedding morning and to help her during her wedding process.  Don’t Make Any Changes  You don't want to modify any details without consulting from your daughter and her fiancé first. So, make sure they approve of any changes before you decide to make them. So, if the bride and groom veto a certain wedding decoration or decision, don't become sneaky and make sure it happens anyway.  Don’t Compare Her Wedding to Others Comparing your daughter’s wedding to others can make her feel even more stressed than she already is. So, when giving your daughter advice or ideas for the wedding, say it without comparing it to someone else’s wedding; even if a friend of yours throw the most extravagant wedding for her daughter or you recently saw something gorgeous at another wedding you went too. Don’t Be Too Critical  The bride may ask your opinion about various things throughout the planning process and it is okay to be honest. You aren’t required to lie to spare feelings but being agreeable and positive will prevent the bride from being too stressed. She'll be dealing with enough stressful moments so avoid overwhelming her with any extra ones by being overly critical. Your job is to reassure and relax the bride, not stress her out.  Unless the bride asks you for your brutally honest opinion, do not say anything too negative. If something doesn’t quite go to plan, you’ll have to take it in your stride.  They really need your love and support during the planning process, so reserve judgment and resist the urge to make passive-aggressive comments or push your own expectations on them. Don’t Make Empty Offers  The bride and groom will undoubtedly appreciate the mother of the bride’s help on even small tasks. But, make sure you don’t offer unless you mean it. Volunteer to lend a hand with a few specific things you know you can follow through with.  Otherwise, if the job you offered to do isn’t done, it can cause the bride to become stressed. So, if you commit to a task or make an offer, make sure you stick to your word and do the job as best as you can. Don’t Refer to This as ‘Our Wedding’ It's not your wedding. The day belongs solely to your daughter and her soon-to-be spouse. As much as it is an important day to you, remember that the day is all about the newlyweds, so make sure you avoid saying this.  What Should You Do Instead? Be a Helping Hand From wedding dress shopping and food tasting to picking the flowers and helping with DIY’s, make sure you are on hand to offer advice and support throughout the planning. Most brides still want their mother’s input in the planning process. But, even though planning a wedding is a wonderful experience, it can also be stressful at times. So, listen to her when she needs you, comfort her, reassure her, and support her. There may even be a few hands-on jobs that you can help the couple tackle. This may include stuffing the wedding invitations and stamping them, assembling wedding programs and putting favours together. So, ask the bride and groom if they help with any part of the wedding planning to elevate a bit of the stress off them without adding to it. Be a Voice of Reason Inevitably there will be moments when things don’t quite go to plan and in a bride’s mind, this can be the end of the world.  It is your job to gently and tactfully reassure and remind the bride that in the grand scheme of things, these things don’t matter. Your daughter has plenty on her emotional plate and sometimes she may need your voice of reason. Be the positive force who can bring her back down to earth when she gets a little bit out of control or lose focus of what's truly important. Be Supportive Whether the bride wants your input and help with every little detail or simply needs you there to be mum when things don’t quite go to plan, make sure you are there to support her. Many brides get emotional and stressed before their wedding day, some might even have a temper as well.  So, no matter how angry or frustrated your daughter is, try to keep calm and talk things through in a rational and logical way.  Weddings are a happy and exciting time and it is your role as the mother of the bride to remain positive throughout the process.  And even if the day doesn't look the way you might have imagined, nor her dress the dress you would have picked, enjoy it and remind your daughter that she looks beautiful. Being the mother of the bride means giving her a shoulder to cry on when she's feeling overwhelmed, an ear to her vent to, or reminding her to take a deep breath and let it go.  Communicate with Her Communication is key in any relationship, especially in the process of planning your daughter’s wedding. So, maintaining a clear line of communication with your daughter throughout the wedding planning process is crucial.  If there’s something you don’t like, then make sure you get that point across in a positive and supportive way. Communication is key, it will ensure that boundaries are set and that any differences are resolved as soon as they arise. This will avoid any unnecessary dramas and will allow you to focus on the important things. Finally, don’t forget to take a moment to celebrate this special moment with your daughter. Planning a wedding together can be an amazing bonding experience for a bride and her mother. It’s an important time for both of you, so don’t forget to enjoy it and cherish the memories to make the most of the special day. Don't let the chaos of a wedding shake up your relationship. When things get heated or stressful, take a step back and have a conversation with her.  So, aim to be supportive but not challenging in your role as the mother of the bride during the wedding process. With these tips in mind, hopefully, you can find the perfect balance of the spotlight and support for your daughter’s wedding.  

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Mother of The Bride: How to Avoid Upstaging or Upsetting 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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Mother of The Bride: Essential Styling Tips for Etiquette Rules

Mother of The Bride Duties Explained: 24 Responsibilities Every Mother of The Bride Needs to Know

The mother of the bride has a key role to play in the proceedings. Watching your daughter get married is going to leave you with so many happy memories. But there are a few duties that every mother of the bride would want to take part in. For some weddings, the mother of the bride is still at the head of the planning, and for others, she may take a back-seat approach. Your role will vary depending on your relationship with your child and your involvement in your daughter’s special day. But, either way, being the mother of the bride is a huge responsibility and it’s not something that comes around often, so it’s important that you get it right. So, if you are not sure what is expected of you during the wedding process, here's a rundown of her traditional responsibilities of the mother of the bride. Before the Wedding Day Host an Engagement Party for The Couple Although it is not a requirement, this party serves as a wonderful way to get everyone together before the wedding festivities. Be a Helping Hand Throughout the Process Most brides still want their mother’s input in the planning process. But even though planning a wedding is a wonderful experience, it can also be stressful at times. From finding the right wedding venue to the perfect wedding dress, your daughter will need your help and motherly advice throughout the wedding planning. So, listen to her when she needs you, comfort her, reassure her, and support her. Be Available When She Needs Make yourself available to participate whenever possible.  This way you can accompany the bride for location viewings, wedding fairs or even wedding shopping. If the bride invites you then try your very best to attend, so try and keep certain days free when she asks. Meet the Groom’s Parents If you haven’t already, now would be the time to meet the groom’s parents. After all, it’s best not to leave that until the wedding day. It’s a nice and welcoming gesture to invite them to dinner, along with the grandparents and other children so both families can get to know one another better. They might also have some ideas about the big day or be able to share some of the responsibilities. Working together can be another wonderful way for your families to get to know one another a little better. Draw a Guest List Creating and editing the guest list can be one of the most stressful parts of wedding planning. The invitations must be ordered as soon as possible, and the guest list will be critical in making your invitation order. So, you need to draft a guest list of relatives and their friends they want to invite to the wedding. Narrow down the number of guests as needed and delicately discuss the issue with the groom's family so that they can also reduce the guest count if necessary. Help with the Budget Creating a budget checklist is a good idea to avoid unwelcome surprises. While many wedding traditions have been updated, sometimes the father and mother of the bride to pay for some or most of the wedding.  If you do want to contribute financially to the wedding, then let your daughter know early on in her wedding planning so she can factor this money into her budget. Discuss the wedding budget with your daughter and her fiancé, including what you are willing to pay for. However, if you are not contributing to the wedding, you can still help the couple to budget and decide how much to spend on what on their big day. Help Her Scout for Locations and Venues The mother of the bride often helps the couple check out ceremony and reception sites. Whether you actually accompany the bride on site tours or pitches in doing research, it will be extremely helpful for you to take part in the venue hunt. Seek out Family Heirlooms Traditionally, finding the bride 'something old, something new' is the responsibility of the mother of the bride. So, let the bride know if there is a veil, garter or jewellery she may want to wear as her something old or something borrowed, such as a grandmother’s veil or the wedding dress you wore to your wedding if it's available. The bride may want to consider wearing it or incorporating part of it into her wedding-day look. Go With Your Daughter to Get the Bridal Gown One of the most memorable mothers of the bride duties is shopping for the bridal gown. This can be one of the most unforgettable moments in the wedding-planning process. Depending on the bride’s wishes, she may ask you to accompany her on dress-shopping appointments to help narrow down the choices until she finds that one perfect gown. This is an intimate time for you and your daughter and though you may not agree with her style choices, tell her that she will be a beautiful bride and always offer positive feedback. Your job is celebrating in this joyful experience and offering your honest opinions. But, if you live far away, you can always participate by sending her photos of dresses you think she’ll like. Also, if you're invited, help your daughter go on venue visits and choose a venue, select flowers, and even choose a menu too. Purchase Your Own Gown  Don’t forget your own outfit and make sure you plan it well. The goal is to find a dress or outfit you love and feel comfortable in, that also matches your daughter’s vision for the wedding. Think carefully when making your choice as it is important not to overshadow the bride. You want to pick attire that fits the venue, season and formality of the wedding. So, make appointments to try on dresses for yourself and to see what is in style and what style will be appropriate for the type of wedding and the weather you'll expect on the big day. Make sure you do not choose a dress in either black or white unless previously been discussed with your daughter. Although not required, the groom's mother may appreciate you letting her know what colour and style of dress you'll be wearing to the wedding. This way both mothers can ensure their outfits are in sync and avoid any clashing colours. Wedding photos will turn out much better if the two of you do not wear gowns that clash. Attend the Bridal Shower Traditionally, the mother of the bride doesn’t host the bridal shower, however, your daughter will likely want you to be a part of the celebration. So, try and attend or even organize the bridal shower depending on what you decide with the bridesmaids. Act as a Point Person for Vendors It can be helpful to the bride if you to serve as either the main contact or just an extra point person during the wedding process. Mothers of the bride can be an alternate contact if the bride isn’t reachable. So, make sure all the vendors know that they can contact you if they have any questions Any last-minute changes or problems on the day of the wedding shouldn’t reach the attention of the bride. The mother of the bride is the go-to contact instead during this time. To ensure it goes smoothly, make sure you get all of the contact details from your daughter as soon as possible. Get Hands-On There may be a few hands-on jobs that you can help the couple tackle. This may include stuffing the wedding invitations and stamping them, assembling wedding programs and putting favours together. Support the Bride One of the most important mothers of the bride duties is supporting the bride throughout.  During the wedding planning process, there may be times when your daughter may end up feeling stressed, overwhelmed. Let her know that you are there to help when she needs and remind her that you will be on hand to offer advice, support and to keep her calm throughout the process. On the Morning of The Wedding Help Her Get Ready Make sure you are present on the morning of the wedding to help in any way that you can. The mother of the bride should get ready and dressed for the wedding with her daughter. This will be a special moment that you won’t want to miss and also is a great time to get some photos with the bride. This is also an opportunity for you to help her into her dress and keep her calm if she has any pre-wedding jitters. Greet the Guests In most cases, the bride usually doesn't appear until the ceremony has begun. However, you can stay in the lobby or entrance of the ceremony location and greet guests as they arrive. During the Wedding Reception  Play Hostess As the mother of the bride, it is one of your responsibilities to act as a hostess at the wedding and reception to make sure the guests are comfortable. So, on the day, make sure you welcome guests, ensure everyone is looked after. Give A Speech The mother of the bride isn't required to give speeches, but feel free to say a few brief words if you'd like to. This is a great way to let your daughter know how proud you are of her to make her feel even more special on her big day. Remember to keep the speech short and sweet. Look After the Wedding Gifts Another important task for the mother of the bride is to look after the gifts at the wedding reception. Make sure they’re safely stashed away after the party so the couple can pick them up whenever they’re ready to. But, if you can’t look after then, you should ensure that someone is in charge of the gift table and safeguards the gifts. The newlyweds will be sending out wedding thank you cards after their big day, so your help with keeping gifts and cards organized will be more helpful than ever. If the newlyweds are spending the night somewhere after the big day or going off on their honeymoon, then offer to take any wedding presents home after the reception for the couple to pick up later. After the Wedding Be the Last to Leave the Wedding As the wedding’s hosts, the father of the bride and mother of the bride should be the last to leave the reception. This is so you can oversee the closing of the party and make sure the wedding gifts are taken to the newlywed’s home. So, make sure you stay until the very end to make sure everything goes smoothly. What Should You Avoid Doing? Don’t Take Over Emotions can sometimes run high when planning a wedding, so you should provide general support and advice throughout the wedding process. But, remember not to dictate what should and should not happen. It can be really difficult to not interfere but resist any temptation to do so. Although your daughter wants your assistance, she most likely does not want you to take over planning the entire event. So, try to alleviate the stress of wedding preparations, not add to it. Instead of telling her everything you think she should do, listen to what she has in mind and respect that her happiness is most important. Just remember to follow the couple’s lead, and remember, it’s not about your expectations for their wedding. Don’t Steal the Limelight The wedding, of course, is all about the bride and groom and so the focus of attention should be on them. So, try not to do anything that may upstage or upset the bride. Don’t Try to Invite Extra Guests This can be tough, especially if the happy couple is opting for a more intimate gathering. But, make sure you always ask before inviting extra guests. Try and fight the urge to request more invites and try your best to pick the ones that matter most. Don’t Make Any Changes  You don't want to modify any details without consulting from your daughter and her fiancé first. So, make sure they approve of any changes before you decide to make them. Finally, don’t forget to take a moment to celebrate this special moment with your daughter. Planning a wedding together can be an amazing bonding experience for a bride and her mother. It’s an important time for both of you, so don’t forget to enjoy it and cherish the memories to make the most of the special day.

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Mother of The Bride Duties Explained: 24 Responsibilities Every Mother of The Bride Needs to Know

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