Photos (above) : Suite attire (left) : Bruidsmode Els Lucienne – Photographer: Jamie Neirynck Photography / Suite attire (right) : Pursuit Femmes
What does the mother of the bride/groom wear?
The answer: (almost) everything! Mums are free to choose an outfit that also shows them off to their best advantage, as this is obviously a very special day for them too. Our fiancée Scarlett recently visited Bridal Boutique Els Lucienne with her mother and mother-in-law, and shares some tips and factors that mothers of the bride and groom can take into consideration.
1. The season and the setting
These factors are the starting point for choosing your look. In summer, as the mother of the bride or groom, you may prefer not to wear a long dress or skirt with dark colours and heavy fabrics. If you prefer long sleeves in summer, lace sleeves are a perfect option. As well as the season, the venue and setting are also important: you might choose a different outfit for a traditional wedding than for an intimate garden party with a more relaxed atmosphere. So think carefully about what outfits would suit the season and the setting.
2. The colour palette
It's important that mums - and any other guests - don't wear an outfit the same colour as the bride's dress, so as not to distract attention from the bride; unless, of course, the bride herself wants them to. In terms of colour, you can also consider the bridesmaids‘ dresses, if they match a certain colour palette. As a mother, you could, for example, choose a slightly different colour that goes well with the bridesmaids' dresses, so that you stand out but still look good together in the photos.
The same goes for the clothes in the mothers‘ suite. Is there a particular colour palette that wedding guests have passed on ‘for inspiration’? It can be fun to see what colours work for each of the mums, so that they each have their own look while still fitting in. If the mums want to go for the same colour, they can differentiate themselves with accessories. Think a pretty jacket, a colourful handbag or eye-catching jewellery. "My mother and my mother-in-law wanted to match each other. They didn't want one to overshadow the other. Els gave us that advice," explains Scarlett.
Of course, this is not an obligation. If there's no particular preference, there's no need for the clothes in the mother's suite to match.
3. The dress code or theme
Does the wedding have a dress code or theme? If so, as a mum you'll need to take this into account. If there's no specific dress code or theme and you're struggling to find the right dress, it might be useful to consult each other. If one mum is thinking of a long bohemian dress and the other a classic, fitted dress, this can create a strong contrast. It can be useful to coordinate with each other or with the bride and groom.
Tip: coordinate with each other - or go shopping together!
As a mum, you can feel free to choose your gown as you wish; of course, it never hurts to consult each other or the bride and groom. Do they have a particular colour palette in mind for you, are they working with mood boards? By discussing all this, you may already be able to shorten the long list of your future wishes and options. If both mums want to wear the same colour or not, a joint shopping trip can certainly be useful, ideally in the presence of the bride or groom. After all, they know best what colours and styles suit the bride and groom. That way, you can see for yourself what the best outfit combinations are!
Extra tip: go shopping in a wedding dress shop
Professionals at work
For your mother's bridal suite, it's definitely worth considering a bridal shop or bridal boutique that also sells bridal suites. There are professionals on hand who can help you choose her outfit like no other. For example, show them a photo of your wedding dress, your wedding suit or your bridesmaids' outfits, and they'll be able to advise you on the colours and styles that go best with them . What's more, these boutiques usually sell shoes, handbags and other matching accessories.
A boutique just for you
Another reason to visit a bridal boutique? You can make an appointment! During your appointment, you have the whole boutique (or part of it) to yourself and you can try on clothes as you please, without other people waiting in the fitting room. You'll enjoy total privacy.
Made-to-measure outfits
Finally, the sales assistant is completely focused on you. As a mum, tell them what you absolutely don't want to wear, so that the sales team can help you better. For example, you absolutely don't want a green dress? Let them know! Do you want to cover your arms? If so, the sales assistant will suggest an outfit with sleeves. By the way, did you know that you can have many of the dresses you see in the shop altered? At Bridal Fashion Els Lucienne, several dresses are available in other colours, you can add sleeves and even the collar can often be adapted.
So you can see how rewarding it can be to take a look in a bridal shop where they also sell dresses as a suite. Good luck to you!
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