6 Tips for What to Wear as the Mother of the Bride or Groom

It is exciting that your son or daughter is getting married. With all of this excitement also comes obligations and responsibilities of your role in the wedding. What you wear should exude grace and elegance while also being appropriate for your role during this special day.
6 Tips for What to Wear as the Mother of the Bride or Groom

Last update: 27 May, 2022

Your role as mother of the bride or groom is a great honor. In a way, you’re the co-star for their big day. While it is a privilege to be able to be a part of their big day in such an important way, there are some responsibilities you carry.

One of those responsibilities is wearing something elegant and appropriate. If you don’t have any idea what you should wear for this momentous occasion, keep reading for some do’s and don’ts.

Your Role as a Mother During the Wedding

wedding day
The mothers of the bride and groom have a central role during the wedding celebration.

The role of the mothers of the bride and groom in a wedding is very important to the ceremony.

The job of the mother of the bride is to accompany the bride to the church and stay by her side until the ceremony begins. This is also true of the mother of the groom. They’re there to help calm the bride and groom and help with anything regarding the wedding.

The mother of the groom also accompanies the groom down the altar. Both mothers will sit in the first row, a sign of their importance to both the bride and groom. They also will sit with the bride and groom at their table during the reception.

While there are many responsibilities to think about as a mother of the bride or groom, it can be difficult to pick out the perfect outfit to wear on the wedding day.

Here, we will discuss a few guidelines when it comes to picking out an outfit to wear.

1. Don’t wear white.

walking down the aisle
White any other colors close to white are off limits and reserved only for the bride.

The mothers of the bride and groom should not wear white. For that matter, no one attending a wedding should wear white.

This is because the color white is reserved for the bride.

That said, you should also not wear similar colors either—for example, beige, ivory, off-white, etc. This is the bride’s big day and no one should try to one-up the bride.

2. Don’t wear black, either.

On the other hand, the mothers of the bride and groom should also not wear black. This is a color associated with funerals and somberness, and it should be completely avoided on this joyous occasion.

In the case that the mother of the bride or groom is in mourning, she can always make an exception for the joyous wedding of her child and choose to wear another color on this day.

However, you can still choose to wear a dark color.

3. The dress should compliment the bride’s dress.

wedding dress with corset
It’s best to choose a dress that compliments the wedding style. You can choose a similar style to that of the bride, but remember to not wear a dress that is more eye-catching or detailed than the bride’s wedding dress.

The mothers of the bride and groom should know the style of the wedding and choose a dress that fits in well with the rest of the wedding.

For example, if the wedding is formal and the wedding dress and bridesmaids dresses are all floor length, the mothers of the groom and bride should choose a floor length gown that is more formal.

Also read: How to Choose the Best Season to Have Your Wedding

4. Keep it simple.

The wedding is about the groom and the bride. The bride should stand out among everyone.

For this reason, it’s best if the mother of the groom and the bride choose dresses that are not flashy and abstain from wearing too much jewelry or flashy accessories.

5. The style should be elegant and simple.

Going with the tip just mentioned beforehand, the style of the dress should be simple.

If the wedding is taking place in a church, the dress should be more modest and in-line with religious traditions. For instance, it would be inappropriate if the mother of the bride or groom wore a dress with a plunging neckline.

6. Do I need to wear a veil?

In some cultures and beliefs, it is customary for the mother of the bride or groom to wear a veil. If you wish to wear a veil, it can be any color. However, it’s best to first receive the bride’s permission to wear a veil. On the other hand, in many cultures, the mothers of the bride and groom do not wear any special veil or head pieces.

Finally, remember that being the mother of the groom or bride involves many responsibilities. You should have an elegant, modest, and pleasant appearance with discreet colors on the day of the wedding. This will ensure that you are not outshining the newlyweds.

 


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.