Mother of the Bride Dress Rules

It is clear that the bride’s and groom’s mother should wear dresses that coordinate with the overall look of the whole wedding, no matter the style or the color. For it is important that all the dress complement each other. But this doesn’t mean that mothers should wear conservative and formal dresses, below you will see the guidelines to enable you find proper mother of the bride dresses.

What Not To Wear

White, is the first that mothers should avoid. If mothers wear white, they will look closely resemble the brides, which is very tacky. And if mothers want to wear black, they should consult the opinions of the bride. Though black is a standard color for evening wear, it can stir up controversy when it comes to wedding. In the past, if mothers wear black, it meant that they did not approve the wedding; today, black will also cause a flurry of gossip. So it is wise to consult bride’s opinions.

Dressing Guidelines for Mothers

For a very formal day or evening wedding the mothers should wear floor-length gowns and these gowns should NOT be white. Wear heels that are appropriate for the dress but try to select comfortable shoes. Coordinate your accessories but leave the watch at home! For a formal wedding the mothers should wear corsages or carry small bouquets.

For a semi-formal day or evening wedding the mothers should wear a street-length dress, again, it should NOT be white. Heels and accessories should coordinate with the dress. For a semi-formal wedding the mothers should wear corsages.

For an informal day or evening wedding the mothers should wear a suit or nice "Sunday" dresses, again, it should NOT be white. Or, if the informal wedding is being held at the beach or some other fun or unusual location, the mothers should dress appropriately. Heels and accessories should coordinate. For an informal wedding the mothers should wear corsages.

Wedding Guest Dress Rules

Wedding rules are different for different time wedding of the day, and the wedding “rules” may get you confused. You just want to know what to wear to the wedding, don’t worry, here is more advice for what to wear to a wedding.

Wedding Guest Style for Her

Informal Daytime: Short dress or suit (business attire OK for morning weddings)

Informal Evening: Cocktail dress (which is any dressier dress -- for example, a little black dress -- that's not full-length.)

Semi-Formal Daytime: Short dress or suit

Semi-formal Evening: Cocktail dress

Formal Daytime: Short dress or suit. Hats and gloves are optional.

Formal Evening or Black-Tie: Long or dressy short cocktail (beading, glam accessories, wrap)

Ultra-formal or White Tie: Long gown, extra glitz (furs, diamonds, etc.)

Dos and Don'ts for Her

Don't wear white because it competes with the bride. There are plenty of other colors available. This rule may seem outdated, but it's actually just good etiquette to not compete with the bride on her special day.

Don't wear black or sequins during the daytime. Anything too sparkly will make you look overdressed.

Don't worry about wearing the same colors as the bridesmaids or mothers. You can't possibly coordinate with everyone in the wedding party.

Do wear something feminine and appropriate, out of respect for your hosts. Clubwear, overtly sexy clothing (strapless, see-through, etc) doesn't belong at a wedding. If you have to ask if it's appropriate, it probably isn't.

Don't wear opera-length gloves (to top of arm) with anything but sleeveless or strapless gowns.

Do take off gloves to eat or drink.

Do use good judgment if the invitation doesn't specify the formality of the event. A pastel suit or soft floral dress for daytime or a little blackdress for evening (after 6 p.m.) will take you almost anywhere.