Back then, it was the tradition for weddings to have the bridal mothers wear
something matronly. Or something beige. It’s always beige for some reason.

Whatever the case, it used to be the norm for the mother of the bride to show up at the
wedding wearing something that is definitely not there to make a statement.

Fortunately, that’s in the past and mothers of brides today have many options to choose from
and say to the rest of the crowd that their days of being fashionable are far
from over. The question is, what’s the best MOB dress out there right now and
where to get it? Here’s how:

Some Considerations

Before anything else, you must understand that choosing the dress for the mother of the bride should not be an afterthought. There are a few things that you must remember in order to make the bride’s mother look at her best for that big day. Here are some of them:

Let them Choose

This might sound elementary but do not ever (big emphasis on the ever) choose the
dress for the mother. Wedding etiquette dictates that the bride of the mother
should get to shop for her own dress, even before the mother of the groom.

But how do you make sure that what she chooses fits the theme of the wedding? Let the bride and her mother shop for their dresses together. This will not only make sure that she picks a dress that matches the theme but its a great bonding experience for both women and with their prospective in laws.

Mind the Length

Length often determines formality. The more of the knees the dress covers, the more formal it would look like. If possible, the length of the MOB dress and the bride’s should match. It does not have to be accurate but just make sure that both of them wear dresses of matching length. This way, the mother does not stand out for all the wrong reasons.

Coordinate with the Maids

A complementation of colors is always ideal in weddings. As such, whatever the
mother wears should have a style and color that matches the bride’s entourage
as closely as possible.

And fortunately, there are brands out there that have made a name for themselves making dresses for mothers, maids, and brides that complement each other. You’ll learn more about them later on.

Go for Specialty Stores

Looking for a dress at a department store is not recommended these days as their
options for mother’s dresses are always limited. Instead, always head on to a
dedicated wedding dress shop.

Not only will these shops provide you with more options for dresses, they can also give you all the care and attention you need as they allow their customers to try out every dress that they have to offer. Depending on the budget and theme, of course.

Keep Simplicity in Mind

Although mothers are expected to be fashionable for the wedding, you must remember that they must not upstage their bride daughters. There are a number of wedding dress designers out there that make dresses for bridal mothers that are simpler but elegant.

Comfort First

Always remember that weddings can seem like they take forever to finish. If the mother
is not able to move their arms, bend over, or even sit comfortably with the
dress of their choice, they are missing out on enjoying from the big day.

Make sure that the mother can breathe comfortably in the dress of their choice by letting them move around while trying the dress. Make them move their limbs and see if they don’t feel restricted doing so.

Black is Not Always Good…..

Yes, black may be stylish but it does not always go with everything. If black is one
of the themes of the wedding, then there should be no reason why the mother of
the bride should not walk down the aisle wearing that.

But if the color scheme of the wedding does not include dark colors, then it is best to consult with the bride or whoever is in charge of the wedding dresses first.

….But Not White

Contrary to black, white is considered the “safer” color option for mothers. Shades like
Ivory, champagne, and pearl white are always great options for mother.

But there is a chance that white could make the mother look boring or out of date, depending on the wedding’s themes. Either way, just make sure to get the opinion of the bride first.

Don’t Go Crazy on the Accessories

As was stated, simpler is always better for the MOBs. When choosing a bride for the mother (or with here), make sure that they don’t go crazy with the sequins, the accessories, and other embellishments. The last thing that should ever happen in a wedding is for the mother to take away all the attention from her daughter.

Communication is the Key

The most important tip for mothers is to always communicate with the bride to be
when choosing their dresses. The mother’s opinion and input should matter but
the same could be said for the bride’s.

If both women are happy with their choices, then they would feel all the more
confident wearing them on the big day. And, of course, the less resentment
there is on the wedding, the less problems there would potentially pop up for
the rest of the marriage.

The Best Dresses for Bridal Mothers

With these considerations out of the way, what are the best gowns for bridal mothers today? That answer is different from one woman to another. But, with that being said, there are some dresses out there that are considered the most ideal options for mothers on their daughter’s big day. Here are some of them:

Alex Evenings Embellished A-Line Gown

Perfect for MOBs that want to look simple but elegant, this gown from Alex Evenings reaches way past the knees and covers half of the foot. This gown is form fitting at the top and the embellishments, while heavily featured, do not take too much focus away from the dress to make it cheap.

The gown might be a bit too long for some mothers but shortening it is always an option. It is available in multiple colors and is sold at stores like Nordstrom and Dillard’s.

Fenn Wright Manson Llana

Sold exclusively at John Lewis & Partners, this short dress comes in a Rose color and is perfect for mothers who want something simple and unassuming for the wedding. It comes with a floral sequinned pattern that covers the entire dress which makes it perfect for summertime weddings.

The design of the dress naturally tends to complement mothers of short and small statures but those that are taller should be able to wear the dress confidently as well. The dress is also made with a light fabric, making movement more comfortable for the mother for the ceremony.

Adrianna Papell Floral-Print Column Gown

Available at Macy’s, Amazon, and Anthropologie, this dress is quite popular for its floral pattern all over which gives off a rather metallic gleam. It also comes with a satin ribbon at the waist which is perfect for mothers who want to show
off their figures.

A major feature with the dress is the shiny fabric used to make it which gives the colors a distinct glimmer especially on a bright, sunny day. The gown also reaches past the knees and stops before the feet, giving it a long but not trip-prone appeal.

Gina Bacconi Lacey Navy Crepe Coat

For mothers that want to look formal on the big day, this coat and dress combo is the ideal option. Coming in a distinctly deep, navy shade, this dress by Gina Bacconi covers the arms and to the knees up.

It features a mixture of light sequins and heavy fabric that meets together at the center, forming a lopsided cross shape. The dress is available exclusively at John Lewis and can be adjusted to meet the measurements of the mother.

Adrianna Papell Beaded Blouson Gown

Available at Bloomingdale’s and Amazon, this gown projects a formal but not over the top image. It comes in a dark blue shade and is adorned with metallic beads way down to the feet.

It comes with a concealed back zip with hook and eye closure, giving the dress a seamless look at all sides while holding everything together for the rest of the big day. The dress can also come in various colors upon order.

Debut-Navy Paint Floral Sparkle Swing Dress

This
dress is perfect for mothers who, for the lack of a better term, don’t want to feel their age. It is a sleeveless dress that extends just at the knees and comes in deep blue color.

What is immediately distinct with it is the various floral patterns that adorn the dress. It also is made with a light polyester fabric, making movement all the more comfortable during the wedding. This swing dress is available at Debenhams exclusively.

R&M Richards Sleeveless V-Neck Dress and Jacket

For mothers that want to hide a bit of their figure without feeling conscious about
it, this dress and jacket combo should be ideal. It comes in a distinctly dark
shade of maroon and comes adorned with various beads all over.

The dress is made from a light fabric which gives off a flowing motion every time the mother moves. It is sold exclusively at Macy’s with shipping provided for those that need the dress ASAP.

Quiz Curve Berry Lace Bardot Fishtail Midi Dress

Sold exclusively at Debenham’s, this dress comes in a bright crimson shade and is
perfect for mothers with curved features. The dress is sleeveless and
form-fitting but tapers off into a short, flowing skirt below the knees.

The back portion of the lower skirt is longer than the front, giving off a tail-like impression. As such, the dress gives the impression of constant motion even if the Mother of the Bride is just standing or sitting still.

Pisarro Nights Embellished Mesh Gown

If the Mother of the Bride wants to have an old-timey but still timeless look, this gown might be the best option. It is a sleeveless, sequinned dress that takes cues from high fashion dresses from the roaring 20s.

It is adorned with crystals all over the body, making the mother sparkle whenever she moves. The dress is available at Nordstrom and in various colors. If you are in between sizes, it is best to order one size down since the dress is form fitting.

Maya Delicate Sequin Embellished Kimono Dress

Available exclusively at Next, this dress from Maya takes cues from both Eastern and Western designs. It is knee-high and comes in a deep, blue color.

The fabric used for the dress is polyester, making it light and easy to breathe through. It also comes with a sparkling sequin pattern all throughout the body to give the gown extra flair.

Karen Kane Scalloped Lace Sheath Dress

For mothers that want to be a bit more, well, daring on their child’s big day, then this gown might have what they are looking for. This gown designed by Karen
Kane features a scalloped trim is made with an all-over fabric lace and plunging v-neck.

The dress was designed to accommodate every curve of a woman, giving off a rather flattering look. Available at Nordstrom and Amazon, this dress is available in multiple colors and in petite and regular sizes.

Want That Trend Floral Wrap Midi Dress

Available at Next, this dress is a short, knee-high attire that comes in a salmon color with distinct floral patterns on top. As such, it is the ideal option for
mothers that do not want to draw attention to themselves but want to maintain a dignified look for the wedding.

The dress was designed to huge every curve of the mother, highlighting their features. Plus, it comes with a satin belt at the belly to showcase the mother’s figure even more.

1. Alex Evenings Long Mock Dress

Designed by Alex Evenings, this gown features the brand’s trademark A-Line skirt and comes with a sequined top. It comes primarily in a deep blue color although shops like Macy’s and Amazon do offer other colors.

The gown flows down to the heel which gives the impression of the wearer being taller than they are. The lace top is also made of a material that is neither stiff nor scratchy, keeping the mother as comfortable as possible on a long wedding ceremony.

Frill Sleeve Dress Coat

Sold exclusively at Kaleidoscope, this coat and dress combo is perfect for MOBs that
want to look simple and dignified for their daughter’s wedding. The coat comes
in a peach or pink shade and is complemented by a v-neck dress with floral patterns.

The major highlight here are the large ruffles on the elbows which are lined by satin. The dress coat can also be complemented by equally simple accessories on the neck and the wrists.

Alex Evenings Long Line Rosette Dress

Sold
at outlets like Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Amazon, this dress from Alex Evenings
(again) features the brand’s iconic deep blue colors and flowing A-Line skirts.
What makes it different from the others, however, is the inclusion of small rosettes and sequined patterns that give off a shapely silhouette for the wearer.

This dress is available also in other colors and comes with a V-neck back. It is recommended to use this dress with Navy heeled sandals, a nude lip, drop earrings, and an updo.

Lace Dress with Peplum Helm

Available at Kaleidoscope, this dress comes in a strikingly white shade. It features a semi-sheer lace overlay above a lining, a short sleeve, and a v-back. It also comes with a fastened centered back with a concealed zip, creating a seamless look for the dress.

This dress is best complemented with white high heels and a clutch. This should make the outfit look dignified yet effortless for any special occasion, most importantly a wedding.

JS Collections Soutache Mesh Dress

Designed
by JS Collections, this dress gives off a striking and yet distinct look with
its multi-fabric build and patterns. It also comes with a unique trumpet silhouette which makes it ideal for mothers with curved figures.

Sold at outlets like Nordstrom, Anthropologie, and Amazon, the Soutache Mesh Dress is available in other colors. However, it might be slightly larger for some women. As such, it is best to consider sizing down a few weeks before shipping.

Pisarro Nights Embellished Mesh Gown

Sold exclusively at Nordstrom, this gown features a beaded top and a skirt that moves smoothly whenever the wearer turns around. It comes in a bone white color although other colors are available depending on the time.

The top is made with various sequins and patterns, giving off a simple yet elegant look. It is best complemented with strapped heels and a color-coordinating clutch.

This mesh gown might run large for some body types. As such, it is recommended that one orders one size down weeks before the big day.

Irresistible Off the Shoulder Dress

As
the name would give away, this dress sold exclusively sold at Catherines of
Partick features an off-shoulder design, allowing the wearer to reveal more of
her figure while keeping things at a dignified level.

The dress was designed with a fitted lattice which hugs the body comfortably. This all ends with a fuller-style skirt that reaches just above the knees. The shirt comes in either turquoise or deep blue.

Veni Infanto Short Fitted Bead Dress and Coat

Sold exclusively by the Catherines of Partick brand, this knee-high dress features a covered sweetheart neckline. It also features several diamond patterns all over the body which makes the dress sparkle.

This is all complemented by a coat with a thicker material which the wearer can take on or off to their liking. This dress is available royal blue shade although a bone white variant is also provided for those who want another color option.

What You Should Ask Your Wedding Dress Provider?

Knowing the best MOB dresses out there is all well and good, but where should you go to get them? Regardless if you head to your nearest specialty store or go to the
Internet, you must always make sure that the boutique/store of your choice has what it takes to meet your needs.

And you can do this by asking them a few questions such as:

1. What’s Your Price Range?

A good wedding dress should set you in between £50.00 and £1,000.00. Regardless of the entire wedding’s budget, you must make sure that you do not overspend on a single item.

Some wedding shops cater for budget-friendly weddings and others towards couples who are a bit on the excessive. Take a look at their product list and you should have a good idea if that store is for you budget-wise.

• How Good is Your Shipping?

A wedding store, especially online ones, should be able to send their orders in a timely fashion. A week or four is a good standard, the latter all the more to be expected for those that ship to international shores.

But what about rush orders? Can that store cater clients that need their MOB dresses ASAP? If they can assure that they can get such orders shipped out within a day or two, it’s a telltale sign that that store has awesome customer service.

• Do You Allow Adjustments?

Every wedding dress out there was made to fit certain body types but, as we all know, not every woman shares the same exact body type. As such, you need a wedding store that can make the necessary adjustments for your orders depending on the measurements of the one who is about to wear it.

You would be surprised how an accommodation of just a few inches at the belly or at the skirt, shoulders, and everywhere else can go a long way in making the mother of the bride all the more comfortable. And if she is happy with her dress, that would be one less problem for the couple to deal with on their big day.

Sources:

https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/alex-evenings-embellished-a-line-gown/

Yes you read it right.

More than 20,000 wedding gowns are being sold off at knockdown prices.

Why ?

Unfortunately, Berketex Bride went into administration back in November 2018. The business said it has eleven outlets an one in Dublin. Berketex had been serving the wedding market for over 50 years. 

All this stock has gone to Auctioneers John Pye where you can buy for pennies on the pound.

Anyone hoping to grab a bargain will have to travel to Port Talbot, South Wales to get their hands on dresses from designers such as Emily Fox, Amy Hamilton, Rosetta Nicolini, Tom Flowers and Christina Sposa at significantly reduced prices.

South Wales (live now): Fridays 12pm – 3pm; Saturdays 10am – 2pm.

Marchington (commencing February 9th): Saturdays 10am – 2pm.

The Wedding Beard

It used to be the case that only certain cultures of our society wore a beard but try walking down the street without seeing at least one. Yes, times have changed and beards are commonplace. With beards actually raising the standard of looking their best no doubt our grooms will want to parade their furry friends on their big day so today we are going to talk about how you might prepare your beard for that wedding.

Firstly note that not everyone can grow the same type of beards. So first thing is to know what suits you.

Like looking for that particular style of wedding suit, preparation begins months in advance for a well-manicured beard.

We suggest the ManCave beard oil is a reasonable product to keep the beard soft and itch-free.

But before anything else, let’s lay out some “ground rules” first.

The Do’s and Don’t’s of Having a Wedding Beard

The key to having a perfect Wedding Beard is just forgetting you have shears and shaving cream, right? Wrong. Growing that perfect beard is going to take a lot of care and a whole lot of common sense. In fact, there are a few things that you have to keep in mind.

1. Do Mind Your Role

When it comes to beards, just remember that the range of your options is inversely proportionate to your importance in the wedding. If you are a guest, then pretty much anything goes. This is true if you are attending the wedding on your own.

And even if you have your wife or girlfriend with you, your options for beards are going to be considerable. However, keep in mind that you might also be dragged into a lot of photo opportunities. As such, looking your very best will still matter.

However, if you are playing an important role in the wedding like the best man or, better yet,
the groom, then how you can style your beard is going to be limited. In fact, you might have to fight it out with your partner and family just to have a beard on your big day.

Either way, it is best that you pick the styles that highlight your best features. Which leads to our next point.

• Don’t Make a Drastic Change

Ironically, the rule that brides have to follow with their wedding makeup applies to men and their wedding beards: pick one that reflects YOU, and not you putting on some costume.

If your everyday stubble goes along with almost every formal wear that you have ever worn, then adding a few centimetres of hair on your face is not going to hurt. If you have always looked good with a full-on beard, then trimming it at the edges would work well to your favour.

That being said, a wedding is not the time to do something cool with your beard. If you’re just fine with a regular beard, then showing up on the wedding looking like you’ve just stepped out of the 18^th century is going to make heads turn; for all the wrong reasons.

• Do Clean Up

Having the perfect wedding beard is actually finding a balance between letting things grow and cleaning up. Think of it like you are making sculpture out of a bush: you’d have to know where and how to trim things to add dimension.

And, of course, you can’t do this without the right tools. There are products out there like
Professor Fuzzworthy’s Beard Shampoo and Old Spice’s Sculpting Pomade that are going to give your beard the volume and luster it needs. Plus, these products can help you keep your beard in place when you opt for something stylish.

Investing on a good brush and comb will also do wonders. There are several products out there
that do come with a complementary comb or brush made specifically for beards.
As such, it would be best that you consider these items.

• Don’t Make it a Last-Minute Decision

Growing a beard takes a lot of time. In fact, it would take you more than a month to grow a
beautiful patch of beard over your face for the wedding.

Planning to get a beard a few days before the wedding is not going to bode well for you. At the
least, you’ll get something pathetic. At worst, you’ll end up with something that looks scraggly and unkempt. And no, even the best growth oils out there like Growther Beard Growth Oil can’t get your face blanketed with enough facial hair in such a short amount of time.

Give yourself at least a week to a full month to grow a beard and then trim and care for it. Not only will you end up with something majestic but you’ll send a signal that you have actually made an effort in making yourself look good to everybody; especially if you have an important role in the wedding.

And while we’re on the issue of last-minute decisions, never ever shave your beard on the night before the wedding. Not only does this mean that you are going to throw out months of work literally down the drain, but you’d end up with a haphazard shaved look. Think of it this way: you can’t expect to remove an entire beard of your face overnight without leaving stubble here and there.

The Best Wedding Beards Today

Now that these concerns are out of the way, let’s get to the part of actually growing your beard. Sure, you can grow your beard however you like but there are some styles out there are more suitable to a wedding. Here are some of them:

1. Imperial Style

One of the more trending styles today, the Imperial style is traditional enough to give men that “macho” vibe. However, it has an artistic flair to it to give anyone wearing a bird that much-needed class.

Imperial style beards have a standard beard that measures up to an inch in volume along the lower jaw. However, this is then topped with a full moustache that curves upwards at the side.

The imperial style works well if you have short yet styled hair. Also, it works great for men with long faces but are of average height.

• Short and Trimmed

This style is quite popular because it is easy to grow and manage. All you have to do is to let 

your beard grow for a week and then trim it at the edges just before the wedding day. There are trimming kits readily available online that can give your beard the dimensions it needs. Also, this style is best for men with round-shaped heads.

• The Full Beard

For the ultimate of dashing manliness, the Full Beard is your best option. This style is quite straightforward a concept as it simply means you allow your beard to cover your entire face and have it reach as far as your Adam’s Apple.

However, the key to success here is to reduce the “fuzziness” of your beard. That means you have to constantly trim it at the edges especially at the lower sections. This way, your beard takes on a more bulb-like shape by following the contours of your chin.

Also, this is the style that is going to take the longest to prepare. If you don’t have the genes to grow facial hair that fast, it can take months for you to get a full beard. As such, it’s best that you start growing your beard as soon as you get that wedding invitation.

Like the Imperial Style, Full Beards complement equally fashionable hairstyles. In this case, a high and tight haircut goes well for your full beard or even a simple barber’s cut. The point is that your hair should be shorter than your beard if you want to take full advantage of this style.

• 5 O’clock Shadow

For men that are not genetically predisposed for full-on beards, this is the best (and sometimes only) option. It’s also the fastest style to grow as you can have one just by opting not to shave for a day or 3.

However, the key here is to maintain that thin stubble and prevent it from growing a centimetre further. Again, there are trimming and styling kits online that can help you shave off extra bits of hair. If done right, what you’ll end up with is a quasi-bearded yet still rugged face.

• French Style

Another popular beard style, the French is great for men with round faces or those with a less-pronounced chin. To get this style, all you have to do is to grow a full beard and then shave off the unwanted areas. These are the sides at the cheeks and at the lower jaw.

What you will end up is a beard that covers your chin and connects to your moustache. It would be even better if you can maintain a soul patch below your lower lip to give your beard a crown or anchor-like appearance.

If you want to take things a bit further, you can let the beard grow into a medium stubble. This will make the French style even more pronounced by giving your beard extra layers. After that, all you have to do is just trim off the edges and prevent things from growing any further.

In Conclusion

It’s often said that growing a perfect beard is hard. That is not exactly true if you already have the tendency to grow facial fuzz within a few days. The challenge comes in committing to a certain style and maintaining the health and luster of your beard before the big day.

Fortunately,
there are products and tools out there that can help you grow, trim, and style
our beard. A wedding is a momentous and stylish event, after your face.

Products:

ManCave Beard Oil

Polished Gentleman Beard Growth and Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner

Professor Fuzzworthy’s Beard SHAMPOO

Old Spice’s Sculpting Pomade

Growther Beard Growth Oil

Trimming kits

Photo Credits: Bruce Russell

Wedding Venues are another important detail in a wedding couples list. The venue is usually tied up to the theme of the wedding the couple want to have.

Here are some tips from Jen Barton before booking that Wedding Venue of your dream.

Wedding venues: 5 things to consider before booking yours

Scheduling considerations

This will certainly have an impact on your own big day – timings for the ceremony and other logistics from setting-up flowers (or indeed whether you’ll have to share flowers), coordinating when one set of wedding guests will be leaving and the next arriving, transport etc.

If you are using a large venue with multiple rooms, you should check out their procedure for how they handle multiple weddings over the course of one day – you don’t want to feel part of a ‘production chain’; it should feel special for both you and your arriving guests.

Personalisation vs. venue restrictions

2) Recently I’ve detected a new trend among couples who are moving away from ‘the standard’ suppliers in a bid to create a sense of ‘home’ for their guests on the big day.

This is something I wholeheartedly encourage – the wedding day should be a reflection of the bride and groom. However, this degree of personalisation does require an element of flexibility when it comes to suppliers, set-up and the look and feel of the venue.

Often, couples want to choose their own table settings, rather than hiring ‘the usual’ from the venue, or to work with their favourite restaurant to create a really exquisite private dining experience. The art of beautiful ‘tablescaping’ takes time but looks stunning.

Timings

3) It’s important to confirm timings with the venue, particularly with regards to access – both before and after. How much time will you have to set-up? Is this sufficient for your florist, band or production team? Do check this, as it can cause problems down the line. Don’t just think about the set-up: the de-rig can also be time-consuming and, if it hasn’t been discussed and confirmed, you could end up with a hefty final bill.

Other costs

4) Be aware of hidden extra costs. It’s surprising how many couples don’t read the fine print of their contracts; please do, it’s vital! Best to ask all the questions in the early stages – is service charge included or discretionary? If you’re hiring security, must it be the venue’s own team? Again, timings come into this, too.

Think of ways to save

5) Finally, if you’re working to a slightly tighter budget, one of the first elements to establish is whether the venue allows corkage, or whether ‘dry hire’ is an option and you have the free reign to bring in your own suppliers. This is an area in which couples can make the biggest saving.

How did you consider your wedding venues? We would love to here your input.