THE Mother Of the Bride MENTALITY: Inspiration Boards

Inspiration Boards

August 04, 2009

Mother of the Bride Dresses: Black Tie Optional and Formal

Black tie optional and formal evening weddings call for very formal wear. Because they are evening events, darker colors are called for.

The Father of the Bride can't go wrong wearing a tux to a black tie optional wedding. If he chooses, he could wear a dark well-made, well-fitting suit ... which would also be the appropriate wear for a formal evening event.

Formal daytime weddings still call for formality, with the Father of the Bride wearing a good suit and tie. Because it is a daytime event, the Mother of the Bride could wear lighter colors.

While a black tie optional wedding typically still calls for the formality of a floor-length gown, the Mother of the Bride would be acceptably dressed in a formal -- key word, formal -- dress of any length. The fabric and detailing on the dress and the accessories worn play a big part in creating the element of formality. Black tie optional and formal weddings always call for heels and an appropriately formal dress purse. Keep that in mind and you can't go wrong!

1. ABS by Allen Schwartz gown at Nordstrom's, Linea Paolo shoes at Nordstrom's, Amarie purse
2. Christina Gowns, Via Spiea shoe at Nordstrom's, purse from Accessory Bug
3. Henri Josef gown, Christian Louboutin shoes and Judith Leiber clutch via The Purse Blog

I love the punch of color the red shoes and purse give that black dress (love the dress too!).

What do you think about adding color to an otherwise solid outfit?

Aug 4, 2009 10:48:24 AM | Dresses, Etiquette, Inspiration Boards, Mother of the Bride Dresses, Mother of the Groom

July 30, 2009

Mother of the Bride Dresses: Black Tie Attire

Elegance is the theme for a black tie event.

Tuxedo with cumberbund, white shirt, bow tie, and patent leather shoes are a Father of the Bride's ensemble for the evening.

A Mother of the Bride can't go wrong with any of the gowns from our White Tie inspiration board. She would be outfitted equally correct -- and oh, so beautifully -- in any formal floor-length gown, tea-length dress, or formal separates like the one in the center below. Add heels (a must!) and a cute little clutch, and the Mother of the Bride will be perfectly dressed for the day!

1. Rina Dimontella gown at Brides.com, Stuart Weitzman shoes at Nordstrom's, Carlo Fellini clutch at Nordstrom's

2. Siri tea-length dress, Jacqueline Ferrar shoe at JC Penney, Carlo Fellini clutch at Nordstrom's
3. Jordan Fashions gown, Paris Hilton shoe at Macy's, Worthington clutch at JC Penney

Barbie only wishes she had some of these Black Tie ensembles! I love the little gold clutch...which one would you carry?

Jul 30, 2009 7:26:53 AM | Dresses, Etiquette, Inspiration Boards, Mother of the Bride Dresses, Mother of the Groom

July 21, 2009

Mother of the Bride Dresses: White Tie Attire

An ultra formal, evening "White Tie" wedding calls for the very best.

The Father of the Bride should be outfitted in full tuxedo (tails would be perfect!) with white vest, white shirt, and bow tie. Black patent shoes ... shine 'em up and slip 'em on.

A White Tie event calls for the Mother of the Bride to don her most elegant and formal evening wear. A MOB can never go wrong with beads or sequins at a White Tie affair. Heels are a must. An updo with knock-em-over-with-a-feather earrings would be icing on the cake!

Here are a few gorgeous evening ensembles that would be perfect...elegant and formal, yet subtle enough not to out-shine the bride...always a MOB's dress goal!

1: Tadashi gown at Nordstrom's, Valentino shoes at Saks, and Christian Louboutin clutch at Saks
2: Adrianna Papell gown at Nordstrom's, Valentino shoes at Saks, and Judith Leiber at Saks
3: Jordan Fashions gown, Prada shoes at Saks, and Christian Louboutin clutch at Saks

Check out the MOB's Guide to Wedding Dress Codes!

I've never been to a White Tie event, have you? If so, spill the details!

Jul 21, 2009 8:40:12 AM | Accessories, Dresses, Etiquette, Inspiration Boards, Mother of the Bride Dresses

June 24, 2009

Entertaining: They're Hooked

It's not uncommon for the Mother of the Bride to do some pre-wedding entertaining: engagement party, bridesmaid brunch or lunch, welcome to out-of-town guests, or a post-wedding wrap-up celebration.

Since orange is one of "the" colors for this wedding season, I thought I'd "reel in" an idea that could be used in that color scheme. I came upon the favor idea first -- and when I found an inspiration board to go along with it, I just couldn't resist!

"They're Hooked" from The Hostess with the Mostess

Then...a little favor from The Spoon Sisters: IT'S SOAP!

Note...I couldn't find the blog where I originally saw the goldfish soap. If I find out which blog, I'll update with the appropriate credit...sorry!

Question...would you then have little bowls of goldfish crackers scattered around???

Jun 24, 2009 7:23:00 AM | Entertaining, Inspiration Boards

June 22, 2009

Mother of the Bride Dresses: Tea Length

My definition of "tea length" is: below the knee but above the ankles. It's not floor length, and it's not knee-length. It's anywhere in between.

When should a Mother of the Bride wear a tea-length dress? In my oh-so-humble opinion, it's always fine for the Mother of the Bride to wear a tea-length dress as long as the formality and weight of the dress are in keeping with the bride's and bridesmaids' dresses AND as long as the daughter bride gives her okay.

There's more to a dress than just the length. The type of fabric, the beading and trim, and the styling of a dress have as much to do with the formality and weight of a dress as the length. Whatever length dress a MOB wears should coordinate with the look and feel of the wedding party's dresses.

For instance...If the bride is wearing floor-length silk and the bridesmaids are wearing floor-length taffeta, it is NOT okay for the Mother of the Bride to wear floor-length cotton. Cotton is typically too casual and too lightweight to coordinate with silk and taffeta.

If the wedding party is all wearing floor-length, the Mother of the Bride could feel comfortable wearing either a floor-length or tea-length dress. And, truthfully, if she finds a wow! knee-length dress that totally coordinates with the wedding party, that's good too. As long as her daughter bride gives the thumbs up.

If the Bride and/or bridesmaids are wearing knee-length, the MOB could wear either knee-length or tea-length. In this situation, floor-length really doesn't blend. That being said, if the bride has always envisioned her mom in a floor-length gown at her wedding, then that's what is right. As always...the bride's opinion rules.

So...let's check out some tea-length dresses!

1. Jones Wear via JC Penney 2. Light in the Box 3. Jade Couture via The Perfect Dress 4. Signature Collection by Atelier Alyce via Magic Moments 5. Jordan Fashions via Scarlett's Closet 6. Soulmates via Nordstrom's 7. Dream Bridal Dress 8. Siri