A Complete Style Guide For The Mother-of-the-Bride (Or Groom)

It’s a fact well known that girls grow up dreaming about their wedding day—their wedding outfit, and walking down the aisle in that outfit. But quietly, alongside those dreams, their mothers carry their own. They imagine the joy of seeing their child begin a new chapter of their lives, and they also picture what they’ll wear that day. It’s a big day for them too, after all, and they too need to bring their A game. 

Planning your outfit for the big day as the mother-of-a-bride can be overwhelming. The look should be comfortable, sophisticated, age appropriate, weather appropriate, should last for 8-10 hours…it’s a never ending list of boxes to check. But we've got your back—we have put together some tips and tricks for you to learn, so you can put your most stylish foot forward as the mother-of-the-bride!

Style tips for the mother of the bride (or groom)

Be mindful of the colour

It’s important to be mindful of the colour of your outfit at the wedding. For starters, it’s better to plan your outfits to make sure the colour does not clash with others in your family, and you can colour-coordinate with them. You shouldn’t be wearing red either—that’s the bride’s territory. Or in your case, whichever colour your daughter chooses to wear—that’s a big no. Avoid neons or overly flashy colours—keep it classy. 

Pick the right shoes

As much as you’d like to avoid it, you’ll probably have to do some running around on your child’s big day. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes. You can opt for wedges instead of stilettos, and sandals instead of pumps. Also, carry a second pair of shoes (juttis, perhaps) that you can change into that you can change into when your feet have given up and the night just won’t end.

Pro tip: Wear the shoes around the house for a few hours to make sure they don’t give you any shoe bites.

Pay homage to your roots (optional but recommended)

Wearing something that reflects your culture is a profound way to honour your roots and values on your important day. It’s simpler than it may seem. For example, you can opt for a Paithani saree to honour your Maharashtrian heritage, pair your outfit with a phulkari shawl as an ode to your Punjabi roots, or swap your maang tikka for a classic borla if your roots trace back to Rajasthan. Not only is it thoughtful, but it will also make for an interesting look.

Dress your age

As the mother-of-the-bride, you should keep things classy. A lehenga with a slit or an underwire bralette blouse might sound fun, but that’s not for you. You should be oozing gravitas in your look. And mind you, “dressing your age” does not mean “dressing boring”. You can still have a lot of fun while keeping it modest!

Carry a 'Fashion Emergency Kit'

This will include everything that will save you from a fashion faux pas. Safety pins, fashion tape, band aids (for blisters), extra earring backs, tissues, needle and thread, hair pins etc. 

Now that you know the generic tips and tricks you need to follow to plan your outfit better for the big day, let's look at what you can consider wearing.

You May Also Like: Five Dubai Brands That Should Be On Your Radar As A Maximalist Bride-To-Be

Here are some tailor-made tips for you, based on the vibe you would like to channel at your daughter’s (or son’s) wedding.

For the minimalistic moms

You can take this approach if it’s an intimate wedding, or a home wedding, or if it’s just your style to keep things minimal. Keep it very simple and elegant. It can be something as simple as a chikankari saree in shades like ice blue, sage green, or beige with a sleek polki choker, earrings and bangles with a nice potli bag.  

Buy here

Buy here

Buy here

For the dramatic moms

This is for moms who love to make an entrance. Think: OTT jewellery, bold colors, experimental silhouettes, crazy hairstyles, the works! Go all out. 

Buy here

Buy here

Buy here

For the classic moms

These moms like to keep it traditional. They like rich textiles, traditional silhouettes, and regal heirloom jewellery. We suggest Kanjivaram sarees, Banarasi sarees, rich embroideries like aari work and zardozi. Channel your inner Sanjay Leela Bhansali actress.

Buy here

Buy here

Buy here

Buy here

For the contemporary moms

This is when a mom looks like she could be wearing her daughter’s clothes—and it flatters her. Mind you, she is dressing her age, but she knows fashion, and it shows.

Buy here

Buy here

Buy here

So, dear mothers-of-brides-to-be, did we make the whole process at least a little easier for you?