How do I choose a Mother of the Bride dress colour?

Choose a shade that complements the bridal party palette without matching the bride or the bridesmaids exactly. Deep jewel tones, champagne, navy and soft metallics photograph well; it is customary to avoid white, ivory and anything identical to the bridesmaid colour.

What length should a Mother of the Bride dress be?

Full-length gowns suit formal and evening weddings, while midi and knee-length dresses suit daytime, garden and more relaxed venues. The most reliable guide is the dress code on the invitation and the venue itself.

Should the Mother of the Bride and Mother of the Groom coordinate?

Traditionally the Mother of the Bride chooses first and the Mother of the Groom selects a dress of similar formality in a complementary, non-identical shade. Sharing your colour choice early avoids clashes in photographs.

How do I choose the right Mother of the Bride dress size?

Take bust, waist and hip measurements and compare them to the size chart rather than assuming your usual size, as occasion-wear sizing often runs smaller. If you fall between sizes, the larger size is easier for a tailor to take in.

What fabrics are Mother of the Bride dresses made from?

Common fabrics include stretch jersey (comfortable, forgiving drape for long days), chiffon (light and floaty), mikado and jacquard (structured, formal) and lace overlays. Fabric determines how the dress moves, breathes and photographs.