Kennaeco Article Archive

Children bring their mothers enormous pride and joy when they become engaged to be married. The planning for the mother of the bride and groom outfits can begin once the rush of the engagement news subsides. Mother of the bride and groom outfits should be comfortable, well fitted and age appropriate, and can be matched to the color, theme and style of the bridal party. Mothers matching their outfits has been a custom for several years. Attending other weddings, reading wedding magazines and visiting wedding outfit shops can begin the journey. Having a thought in mind as to style preference when commencing the search may also be a good idea.

My son was recently asked to attend as best man in in one of his friend's weddings. The mother of the groom was upset during most of the planning stages for the wedding because not all her ideas were used. The bride's mother attempted to involve the groom's mother in the shopping process for their outfits, however the groom's mother had no interest.. The bride's mother selected her outfit choosing as her mother of the bride outfit an elegant, stylish and flattering gown. She looked beautiful and was a compliment to the entire wedding. The mother of the groom chose as her mother of the groom outfit the same dress style as the bridesmaids, but in a slightly different shade. Unfortunately, the outfit was not age appropriate or flattering to the groom's mother and she spent one of the most wonderful days she would ever have feeling remorseful and absurd.

Some insights. When shopping for a mother of the bride or groom dress, courteously ask the bride if she has any particular style in mind and if time and circumstances allow, take her along for fittings and to help select what she may want you to wear. The bride can have input if she and you want it, but do not hesitate to speak up if the dress she prefers is unflattering or price is an issue.

Specialty dress shops have designated mother of the bride and groom outfits. Remember that you don't have to purchase your outfit from a specialty dress shop. Department stores sell formal wear for specific times of the year and certain occasions. Guaranteed, those outfits will be lower priced than an outfit in a specialty shop.

If, however, the bride has picked out something distinctive in a particular store, you may want to honor her wishes by accepting or at least considering her choice. If cost is an issue, remind her of that fact and see if you can find something acceptable. If she still insists, then compromise becomes the order of the day. This is the bride and groom's special moment and it involves cooperation and support from the mother of the bride and groom. Once you feel the love and happiness on your child's wedding day, every annoyance will be forgotten and you'll be the happiest mothers of the bride and groom ever.

The wedding my son was in made me recognize that the day belongs to the bride and groom, not me. I will aid them. I will offer suggestions if it's solicited, hold my counsel if it's not. I will even allow them input on the mother of the bride and groom outfits so as to not disconcert them as their friend was embarrassed. Realizing that this is the bride and groom's day and not mine may be the most important lesson to come out of my children wedding day.