Where Do I Start?
What kind of dress do you wear?
From my personal experience, picking out my dress was an
easy one. It was pure luck and great timing. I didn’t know what style I was and
it turned out to be a combination of modern and elegant and I narrowed down
three dresses within 45 minutes. What was truly important for me is to getting
my future daughter-in-law’s approval and that my dress was ultra-comfortable
and I got both.
What is your style – modern, glamorous, classic, romantic,
elegant, over-the-top, or are you not even sure? If you do choose a dress, it
is highly advisable not to choose anything that can be considered over-the-top.
Even if your son or daughter is a rock star or Lady Gaga, your dress should be
just one level simpler. Your dress should not look similar to the bride’s, or
the other Mom’s dress for obvious reasons, but you also do not want to clash
with the bride’s vision. There are thousands of dresses to choose from so the
following tips may help you narrow down your choices:
Modern – look for clean lines with a unique neckline, color
should be unique and accessories do not have to match the dress. Your dress
should be easily worn again at a modern art museum gala or even another wedding
with simpler jewelry and accessories.
Glamorous – a toned down version of going to the Oscars is
the look for you. Do not show too much skin, but explore dresses with one
shoulder strap or a halter top. You need not borrow your diamonds from Tiffany
or Harry Winston, but diamonds, or similar gems, should make great accessories.
Again, this can be worn again at a posh event where you can lose the jacket or
shawl.
Classic – this style of dress is a simple style but can be
in a striking color like salmon or teal. A suit or non-trendy dress will
suffice with pearls and low heels or sandals. This outfit can be worn again at a
fundraiser, luncheon or a holiday party by just changing the accessories.
Romantic – Silk, chiffon and ruffles are good features to
look for and you want to pull out that old broach or the earrings your hubby
gave you for your first anniversary to add as sentiments. This can be worn
again at a fundraising event or wedding anniversary party.
Elegant – A mixture or taffeta, silk and lace might be
involved, a jacket or shawl to cover the arms, pearls and diamonds are the
perfect jewelry. The skirt or bottom half may be a simple cut but the jacket or
top may be slightly off the shoulder. Like the other dresses, this can worn
again at special occasions with a slight change of jewelry or jackets.
If you don’t know what style looks best on you, and you have
no experience being the Mom of the Groom or Bride, do what a bride does. Make
an appointment at a bridal salon and try on several gowns of style and color.
Do you need to buy one as soon as possible? Yes, if the wedding is less than
six months away and need to be ordered. If you are shopping at a department
store, you can buy it right then and there or wherever available.
If you decide to wear a shorter dress, make sure it is
knee-length or below. Since your feet will show more, make sure to wear a
visually appealing pair of shoes. It is also not unusual these days to have a
second pair to change into for comfort after a few dances.
You can still apply the above styles even for casual beach
or outdoor weddings. You may replace the material with cotton, silk or gauzy,
colorful textures but keep the elegance keeping the event in mind.
This is one of the most important days of your child’s life
and you should look beautiful. You want to look “presentable” but in your own
style and personality. What is the big deal about the Mom’s dress? Your dress
is just as important as the bridal parties’ wardrobe, and other than the bride
and groom, the parents’ role is highly respected when their children are taking
this huge step in their lives. This is not her basketball game or his track
meet you’re going to, this is THE day.
It’s Not Just the Dress
Use professionals, if possible, to apply makeup and hair.
The main reason is you want to look good for almost 12 hours straight.
Professionals know what makeup or hair products to use to sustain your look for
that long with minimal application from you during the festivities.
Let the florist know ahead of time what kind of corsage you
prefer to have – a wrist or a pinned corsage to better suit your dress. It’s a
little difficult to pin a corsage on certain dresses.
Keep the balanced look in mind. Be poised, and no slouching
for the first few hours at least. Putting up your feet and relaxing in the last
hour or two is very excusable. One of the worst accessories is too much
drinking. It’s great to celebrate and dance the night away but no matter how
beautiful you look, you will simply not look very “balanced” acting silly or
passed out. Digital cameras are everywhere and you do not want that photo
taken. So drink water or soda in between to keep hydrated.
Final Tip
The final tip is once you have narrowed down your choices to
a few dresses, ask the bride to help you choose. It will make her feel
respected and if it happens to be your future daughter-in-law, she will
definitely appreciate it. If it’s your daughter, she will appreciate any time
she has with you before she officially leaves your home, and that her opinion
matters. If it’s your son, just show your final set of choices by showing him
photos even if he has an opinion or not. He will still appreciate your
enthusiasm and participation on his important day.
BBFN (Bridal Bliss For Now),
Adel Domingo
(Guest Blogger)
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