Mother (Or Grandmother) Of The Bride Dresses

Every little girl dreams of what she’ll be wearing as she makes her way down the aisle, and as her mother, of course you’ll want your daughter to look and feel every bit as radiant as a bride should be on her big day. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a little excitement yourself when picking out your mother of the bride dress!

Types of Mother of the Bride Dresses

When it comes to deciding which piece to select, it’s important to take a look at the overall picture, such as if your daughter’s wedding is indoors or outdoors, and if the vibe of the ceremony is a little more formal or fun. These factors will help you in determining what type of dress to ultimately go with.

Long Dresses

If your daughter’s wedding is a more formal one, then a gown is the obvious choice. There are a variety of silhouettes to choose from, though it’s important that you select a style that is both ideal for your body type and will match the wedding party attire. You don’t want to be sporting an extravagant number if the bride is intent on keeping it simple.

Ball Gown

For floor length dresses, there’s the typical ball gown. Though this is more often used for wedding dresses than for the mother of the bride, ball gowns are characterized by a fitted bodice and full skirt. This type of dress is suitable for any body type, but can be quite overwhelming if you are on the petite side.

A-Line

On the other hand, the A-line gown is a classic and chic look that is tastefully draped. These dresses are made with fitted bodices through the waist, which then cascade out towards the ground, forming a capital “A” shape. This type of dress creates a flattering silhouette for women and is extremely comfortable as well, making it a popular option for mother of the bride outfits. They are also great if you are a little self-conscious about your midsection and are keen on appearing slimmer.

Empire Waste

An empire-waist dress is a feminine wonder with a waistline defined at the bra area or just below it. This style tends to draw the eyes up and away from the midsection, and is perfect for giving mothers of the bride an effeminate glow. If you are on the conservative side, an empire-waist dress with a high neckline can be both flattering and stylish. If your daughter’s wedding is during the summer, consider a sleeveless option.

Mermaid Style

Another favored cut is the mermaid style. The dresses are fitted to the body, with the tail end flaring out close to the knee. These gowns are both sleek and contemporary, and are best worn by slender women who want to accentuate their curves. The trumpet style is similar in nature to the mermaid cut, but is designed to be less tight. With this type of dress, the skirt flares out just below the hips without any extra volume or bulk.

Sheath

Sheath gowns fit very closely to the contours of the body from head to toe. They help to elongate the limbs and are ideal for women who want to appear taller. However, it’s important to note that sheath dresses can be quite unforgiving in nature, and may not be suitable for hiding problem areas or if you are conscious about anything. Nonetheless, all dresses are best worn with confidence, and you should do what is right for you.

Tea Length

Lastly, tea length dresses are suitable options that are both practical and beautiful. This type of gown usually ends a few inches below the knee. The midi style allows women to move unencumbered by long skirts, which make these pieces extremely comfortable while still seeming every bit as polished.

Short Dresses

If your daughter’s wedding is a bit more relaxed or takes place outdoors, don’t feel obligated to wear a long dress. Cocktail or knee-length dresses are just as sought-after, and taking into account the slew of styles both sophisticated and modern to pick from, you can bet on being just as beautiful as your daughter on this day.

Princess Line

A princess line dress forms a feminine and fitted silhouette and is made by combining long panels without a horizontal joining seam or a separation at the waist. Instead, it makes use of darts and long seams to shape the body, which gives this type of dress a modest yet classy twist. These dresses are more shaped than a standard A-line dress, but are just as effective in making a statement. They are perfect for smart casual weddings.

Shift

The shift dress is known for its simple, boxy shape. These dresses are usually sleeveless and hang off the shoulders, so they are great picks for tall, statuesque women. It’s also a very comfortable style, so it’s best for summer weddings because the garments are usually made out of lightweight fabrics that don’t absorb heat.

A-Line

A-line dresses veer from formal to informal depending on the length, but that doesn’t make them any less suitable for a wedding. Short A-line dresses are just as flattering on the body, but with a more relaxed tone to them compared to their longer counterparts. Beaded chiffon or sequined numbers are the perfect accents to an otherwise simple cut.

Wrap Dress

The wrap dress is another elegant pick that is flattering on almost all body types and can be worn for any occasion. It features a front closure that wraps around the side of the dress and is tied at the back. This helps to define the waist to create curves where they’re lacking because it gives off the impression of an hourglass figure. These dresses also hide bulges and can do wonders in lifting your confidence since they make women look sexier without being too revealing. Go with a lighter, gauzier fabric for a beach wedding, or stick with the usual satin and silk for a more formal ceremony.

Sheath

A short sheath dress is form fitting and has a straight cut that is nipped at the waistline. They usually fall just above the knee and are perfect for curvy women who aren’t afraid to showcase their figures. If your daughter has a set color scheme for her bridal party, choose a dress shade that is similar to the entourage.