In the midst of all of the wedding planning, moms have a tendency to be forgotten and to forget themselves when it comes to shopping for their outfit for the wedding. Here are a few simple tips to help moms feel and look their best on your big day!
Shop Early
Get an early start when shopping for a dress. Even if you aren’t at your ideal size, it is important to look and figure out what style of dress you want or would feel most comfortable in. This is a great way to see what you like about your body type. You should also try on things you may not think you’d like and remember, some dresses can look totally different on the hanger compared to what they would look like on your body!
Style
Mothers of the bride and groom are often so concerned about upstaging their daughter or son that they run the risk of looking dull. Some mothers even wear a dark colored suit to the wedding to try and blend in. But remember, you are not doing your daughter or son any favors by fading into the background and looking drab. Sometimes it can have the opposite effect and draw more attention to you.
Don’t be afraid of color. You may feel like you look slimmer in black, but colors tend to photograph better. Wear a color that you would normally wear and are comfortable in. Something to keep in mind is that you don’t have to coordinate perfectly with the color scheme of the wedding. As long as you are in the same color family your dress will look great. It is also helpful to see if you prefer a dress with a jacket, sleeves or both. It is always more helpful to know these things earlier rather than just before the wedding.
Above all else, dress to flatter your figure. You will not be the center of attention during the wedding, but that does not mean you should hide in an obsolete outfit. If you carry weight on the bottom half of your body, choose an A-line dress. Women who carry weight in the middle of their bodies should pick dresses with intriguing necklines. Mothers with traditional hourglass figures will look fantastic in dresses that put focus on their midsections. If your body is thin all over, you can choose an outfit with an empire waist.
Undergarments
The right undergarments can make a difference in your appearance. It is helpful to try your dress on again just before the wedding during your alterations fittings (if necessary) to make sure that straps and panty lines are not visible through your dress. Remember, your undergarments should make you feel comfortable and confident. Check out our preferred vendor, Just Like a Woman, to find the perfect foundational pieces to make you feel secure!
Accessories
Once you have found the right dress, picking accessories should be easy. Draping yourself with jewelry is not appropriate. Choose one piece of jewelry as a focal point. You could wear stud earrings with a choker or an attractive pearl necklace. Your shoes should be well-suited for the venue, especially if it is an outdoor wedding. Grass or sand will be difficult to navigate in heels. If you are uncomfortable with baring your shoulders, consider wearing a wrap or bolero. It may prove to be the best accessory for your outfit.
Timeline
You should allow three to five months before the wedding to order your dress. This will assure plenty of time for your dress to arrive and time for any alterations you may need. We have a list of seamstresses that we have worked with for many years and would be happy to give you a list of them when you pick up your dress.
If you forget to shop for your dress and have less than three months, don’t panic. We have options such 
as rushing an order or looking for a dress in the designers’ inventory if necessary… But the more time you give yourself, the more options you will have.
We have an area on the Charlotte’s website designated for Mother’s of the Bride and Groom. You can go online and screenshot some favorites to bring with you to your appointment. Then when you come in we can help pull dresses we think you’ll like! No appointment is needed for moms, so come in any time during business hours!
-Angela, Social Occasions Consultant