At French Novelty, we know that choosing what to wear to your child's wedding is a big part of the excitement. As a family-owned business in Jacksonville, Florida, we've helped mothers find dresses for these special celebrations for decades. Our collection of mother of the bride gowns includes a range of styles, sizes, colors, and fabrics, so you can find something that feels comfortable, polished, and like you.
Decoding Wedding Dress Codes: Your Style Guide
Before you start shopping, take a look at the wedding invitation and make note of the dress code. Knowing how formal the celebration will be can make it much easier to narrow down your options.
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Portia and Scarlett PS26916E |
Black Tie & Black Tie Optional: This is the time to bring out a floor-length gown or another especially formal look. Satin, chiffon, lace, and other dressy fabrics work well, along with elegant beading or other subtle embellishments. Formal Attire: Formal weddings call for a polished, dressy look, but you may have a little more flexibility than you would with black tie. A full-length gown is a classic choice, while a sophisticated midi or tea-length dress may also work depending on the venue and time of day. Semi-Formal/Cocktail: This dress code gives you plenty of options. A cocktail dress, elegant midi, or polished pantsuit can all work beautifully. Choose something that feels appropriate for the venue while still letting your personal style come through. Casual/Beach Wedding: For a more relaxed celebration, lightweight fabrics and easy-to-wear silhouettes are a great choice. Chiffon, linen blends, and georgette can work especially well in warm weather. A maxi dress, tea-length dress, or another comfortable style can keep you feeling put together without feeling overdressed. |
Finding the Right Silhouette and Fabric
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There's no single silhouette that every mother of the bride needs to wear. The best choice is the one you feel comfortable and confident in. As you shop, it can help to try a few different shapes rather than deciding ahead of time that one particular style is the only option.
A-Line: An A-line dress has a fitted bodice with a skirt that gradually widens toward the hem. It's a classic option that works well for everything from formal weddings to more relaxed celebrations. Empire Waist: This style has a waistline that sits just below the bust, with the rest of the dress flowing toward the hem. It's a comfortable option if you prefer a little more room through the middle. Sheath/Column: If you like a more streamlined look, a sheath or column dress creates a long, simple line. Ruching, draping, or other details can add interest without making the silhouette feel overly complicated. Ball Gown: A full skirt can absolutely work for the mother of the bride, particularly for a formal evening wedding. A gown with a more structured or sophisticated take on the ball gown silhouette can feel especially appropriate for a black-tie celebration. |
Fabric is worth considering, too. Lace, mikado, chiffon, and satin all create very different looks and feel different when you're wearing them for several hours. Think about the season, venue, and weather, as well as how easily you'll be able to move around and enjoy the celebration.
Choosing a Color and Adding the Finishing Touches
Portia and Scarlett
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Once you've found a few dresses you like, it's time to think about color. Traditionally, mothers of the bride avoid white, ivory, and colors that are very close to the bride's gown unless the couple has specifically said otherwise. Beyond that, there's plenty of room to choose a shade that works for you and the wedding.
For an evening wedding, jewel tones like sapphire, emerald, and ruby can create a rich, sophisticated look. For daytime or spring and summer celebrations, shades like dusty blue, lavender, and sage can feel a little lighter. Metallics such as silver, gold, and champagne can also work beautifully for a dressier event.
When it comes to embellishments, you don't need to go overboard. Beading, embroidery, sequins, or other details can add some interest and sparkle while still keeping the overall look elegant. |
Then there are the accessories. A pair of earrings, a necklace, clutch, and comfortable shoes can pull everything together. You can keep your accessories simple if your dress has a lot of detail, or use them to add a little personality to a more understated gown.
Don't Forget About Comfort
You'll probably be wearing your dress for several hours, so comfort matters just as much as appearance. You'll want to be able to sit, stand, walk, dance, hug your family, and enjoy the day without constantly adjusting your dress.
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When you're trying on mother of the bride gowns, take a few minutes to move around in each one. Sit down, walk around, raise your arms, and make sure you like how the dress feels. Details like stretch fabrics, supportive construction, and a comfortable fit can make a big difference during a long wedding day.
Alterations can also help take a great dress and make it fit even better. Small adjustments to the length, straps, waist, or other areas can make a noticeable difference in how comfortable the dress feels.
Most importantly, don't feel like you have to choose a dress simply because it's considered a traditional mother of the bride style. Your dress should work for the wedding, but it should also feel like something you'd genuinely enjoy wearing. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should the mother of the bride shop for her dress?
Starting about 6 to 8 months before the wedding is a good idea. That gives you plenty of time to look at different styles, choose your dress, place an order if needed, and leave time for alterations. If you're considering a custom or special-order gown, you may want to start even earlier.
What colors should a mother of the bride avoid?
White, ivory, and shades that are very similar to the bride's dress are traditionally avoided unless the bride has given you the go-ahead. It's also worth checking with the couple about their wedding colors or any preferences they have before you shop.
Can I wear a pantsuit as the mother of the bride?
Yes. A dressy pantsuit or jumpsuit can be a great alternative to a gown, particularly for a cocktail or semi-formal wedding. Look for polished tailoring and a fabric that feels appropriate for the occasion. If you'd simply rather wear pants, there's no reason you can't make that choice.
How do I find a dress that's both elegant and comfortable?
Start with the fabric and fit. Stretch crepe, chiffon, and soft lace can all offer different levels of comfort while still looking dressy. Try several silhouettes and pay attention to how each one feels when you sit, walk, and move. The right dress should allow you to enjoy the wedding instead of thinking about your outfit all night.
What's the difference between formal and black-tie attire for a mother of the bride?
Black tie generally calls for a more formal look, with a floor-length gown being the traditional choice. Formal attire gives you a little more flexibility, so depending on the wedding, a sophisticated midi or tea-length dress may also be appropriate. The venue, time of day, and wording on the invitation can all help you decide how dressy to go.
Find Your Mother of the Bride Dress at French Novelty
Finding your dress should be an enjoyable part of getting ready for the wedding. At French Novelty, our collection of mother of the bride gowns includes a variety of styles, colors, and fabrics, with options for different dress codes and personal preferences. Stop by and explore the collection to find a look that feels right for you and the celebration.