Your child’s wedding day is a special, once-in-a-lifetime event, which calls for a unique dress. You will want a dress that complements your child’s wedding aesthetic, without taking away from the bride’s look. Start your search for your mother of the bride dress with the following tips.

How Do I Shop for Mother of the Bride Dresses?

1. Talk About Your Options

Traditionally, the mother of the bride chooses her look first, followed by the mother of the groom. There’s no need to stick to this old-fashioned rule, though. Let the other mother know what you envision for your ensemble in terms of style, length, or color. You might even choose to go shopping for dresses together. 

2. Start Looking for a Dress Early

Just like with wedding gowns for the bride, don’t wait too late to start shopping for mother of the bride dresses. Start your search about six to eight months before the wedding, which leaves plenty of time for alterations and shipping. 

3. Think About the Season, Location, & Wedding Theme

There are no set rules on what the mother of the bride has to wear. However, you should take details like the expected weather, location, and formality into account. If the wedding is taking place on a Florida beach during the summer, you’ll want to find a summery dress that will keep you cool and will look appropriate. Likewise, that same sundress might look out of place at a romantic, vintage winter wedding. A long gown with a fur stole would be more fitting instead.

Think about the expected weather, if the wedding is indoors or outdoors, the formality and theme, and the wedding party colors if you are expected to follow them.

4. Think Outside the Box

There’s also no set rule stating that you need to wear a dress specifically labeled for a mother of the bride. You can also try on a variety of cuts of  formal gowns or bridesmaid dresses. If you are stuck and keep seeing similar styles, try a different dress department that suits your style and highlights your best features.

If you’re searching for the perfect mother of the bride dress in Orange, CT, head to Lucille’s Bridal Shop & Val’s Formal Wear. With over 50 years in business, this shop has gowns, tuxedos, and formal wear to suit every body type and taste. Call (203) 795-0546 to schedule an appointment or visit their website.