Few relationships in the dynamics of the wedding will rival that of the daughter/mother and the daughter/mother in law. She can be your greatest mentor and your biggest frustration. I see this as a biological "debonding" process as you move towards the female of a new household and family. Relax, enjoy the ride and love the fact that your mother is there. She really does want what you want and what will make your day and hers the very best it can be. Below are some guidelines on choosing her dress as well as what your bridesmaids will wear.
The biggest mistake we see brides make in regards to dressing maids and moms is to select wedding colors without taking into account the colors and styles that will look best on each individual. After all you want every body to look and photograph their best.
Mothers Traditionally, the mother of the bride is the hostess of the wedding reception, and the mother of the groom is the most honored guest. They are not senior bridesmaids. In a Christian wedding her dress does not have to match or blend with the bridesmaids' dresses either. And remember, I'm not talking styles-I'm talking about color.
The mother af the bride selects her dress first in a style and color that she loves, feels good in and doesn't clash with the wedding colors. She then notifies the mother of the groom who will select something that she feels and looks good in that is the same length as the mob's dress and doesn't clash with either the wedding colors or the mob's dress.
The word clash refers to combination of colors that just don't go well together. Examples of colors that clash are red and orange, or orange and pink as contrasted to blue and green or brown and pink which do not clash. Blues, greens and browns are considered neutrals as they make up the background for everything in nature.
As a bride you would not let a grade school age child choose your wedding dress you should leave the selection of the second most important dress your mother will ever wear up to her and a trusted professional who will help your mother look her very best. (excerpts taken from "I Want my Mother's Dress to Match the Napkins" by Barbara Coolidge Tibbetts.
Maids Bridesmaids dresses should also be selected with the above criteria in mind but with the idea that maids are usually dressed somewhat alike. In considering dress styles there are 3 factors. Style, color and fabric. If you keep at least 2 of the 3 constant you will have a pleasing outcome. If you send them out to find a dress in a color you will have a jumbled look which might be fine for a very casual wedding but for a more put together and pleasing look I highly recommend a more controled approach.
Traditionally with any wedding, the one who wears it pays for it but we have seen some instances where the bride or her family will buy all or some of the dresses. When you ask your bridesmaids to be in your wedding they also know if you expect them to buy a dress. This will eliminate problems later.
Schedule a time to bring in as many of your maids as possible to determine which colors, fabrics and styles will be best. We're not suggesting a free for all. Your bridal consultant at The Gallery by Lynette is trained to guide you in this decision. She will show you the options and make recommendations based on what is most important to you and the style and level of formality for your wedding. She can also help you determine which sizes to order to minimize alterations.
It is recommended that you order your Moms' and Maids dresses at least 3-4 months before your wedding. There is no reward for procrastination and you could be paying rush charges if what you want is available at the last minute.
Few relationships in the dynamics of the wedding will rival that of the daughter/mother and the daughter/mother in law. She can be your greatest mentor and your biggest frustration. I see this as a biological "debonding" process as you move towards the female of a new household and family. Relax, enjoy the ride and love the fact that your mother is there. She really does want what you want and what will make your day and hers the very best it can be. Below are some guidelines on choosing her dress as well as what your bridesmaids will wear.
Mothers Traditionally, the mother of the bride is the hostess of the wedding reception, and the mother of the groom is the most honored guest. They are not senior bridesmaids. In a Christian wedding her dress does not have to match or blend with the bridesmaids' dresses either. And remember, I'm not talking styles-I'm talking about color.
As a bride you would not let a grade school age child choose your wedding dress you should leave the selection of the second most important dress your mother will ever wear up to her and a trusted professional who will help your mother look her very best. (excerpts taken from "I Want my Mother's Dress to Match the Napkins" by Barbara Coolidge Tibbetts.
Traditionally with any wedding, the one who wears it pays for it but we have seen some instances where the bride or her family will buy all or some of the dresses. When you ask your bridesmaids to be in your wedding they also know if you expect them to buy a dress. This will eliminate problems later.
It is recommended that you order your Moms' and Maids dresses at least 3-4 months before your wedding. There is no reward for procrastination and you could be paying rush charges if what you want is available at the last minute.