Etiquette for Your Mother of the Groom Dress

Traditional etiquette states the mother of the groom should wait until the mother of the bride has chosen a dress. The idea is for both mothers to end up wearing similarly formal dresses (one should not wear a ball gown if the other is wearing a strappy sundress).

Not all brides (and mothers of the brides) follow all etiquette rules. You may feel more comfortable wearing a pantsuit instead of a traditional formal dress. This is not a problem, but it should be discussed with the bride and her mother to avoid any awkwardness.

The color of your dress should not match the mother of the bride, but you may want to stay in the same color family. You definitely will want to stay away form the same color as the bridesmaids. If you want to keep in line with the style of the bridesmaid dress, you can invite the bride to go shopping with you for your dress.

Black is Coming Back

Black has been a color that mothers of the groom have stayed away from for years. It is gaining popularity, and if you are able to wear a colored jacket or scarf with your dress, it may be acceptable. The idea would be to stay away from a dress or outfit that will make you appear older or dowdy. You will also want to refrain from an outfit that can be also worn to a funeral (you will want something more festive than this).

Colours to Avoid

You will also want to avoid white, tan, ivory, or off-white (for the obvious reasons of course). Shopping for the mother of the groom dress is easier than in years past. With online shopping, you are able to go to “virtual boutiques” for prior to the wedding. This can give you an idea of what stores carry the items that are of interest to you. When it is time to shop for a dress (approximately 4-6 months prior to the wedding), allow yourself plenty of time to finding a dress. Besides shopping in bridal shops, elegant dresses and gowns can be found in department stores and boutiques. If you are not a shopper, selecting dresses online and having them shipped to your home might be an option for you. You can try on the dresses in the privacy of your own home. Be aware of your home lighting when doing this! The lighting in bridal studios and department stores tend to be brighter than the light we have in our homes.

Ultimately, if you are unable to find a dress that meets your satisfaction, consider finding a pattern that meets your requirements and have the gown made for you. Whatever gown you choose, looking your best on your son’s day is important. Find a style that fits and flatters, and you will not go wrong!