At a wedding, all eyes should be on the bride. After all, it's her day. But just because the bride does not want to be upstaged, does not mean the mother of the bride should be out of fashion. Today, mothers of the bride are no longer willing to blend in with the wallpaper. Today, mothers of the bride are more than just mothers, they are style icons. They want dresses that perform in more than one function. The mother of the bride is one of the busiest members of the wedding party prior to, as well as on, the big day. There is so much to think about and so much to do that she needs to put together a checklist for herself in order to make sure everything is covered. No doubt, she'll attend at least one bridal shower for her daughter, and she needs to dress with sophistication in spite of the fact that it is probably a casual affair. Item one on her checklist-as far as clothing goes-is to choose an appropriate outfit for this fun party. Today, mothers of the bride want dresses they can actually wear after the wedding. Today, mothers of the bride can find all this, and more.

To get the perfect dress, mothers of the bride should follow some rules when picking out dresses for before, during, and after, the wedding:Simple is timeless. Following the latest fashion or runway trend limits the time and wearability of an outfit; Accessorizing with lightweight outerwear not only is figure slimming, it takes an outfit from morning to night; Tailored outfits for your body type will flatter your figure. Off the rack is fine, just remember to nip and tuck; Choose an outfit that respects the wedding color(s), however remember colors come in all palettes and hues. Bold does not always mean loud.

Something simple and fresh is a 3/4 Brocade Jacket and Chiffon Pant Set in heather and black. The soft heather of the brocade jacket is complemented by black buttons and a black ribbon at the waist. The chiffon pants have wide legs for added comfort as she joins in the party games. Everyone will remember the mother of the bride as a woman who is not only friendly and fun but also possesses a great sense of style; A small top, wide bottom woman has a small to average bust, a slender waist, and full thighs and hips. To create a sense of balance with your body, wear two tone dresses with bright tops and darker bottoms. A-line skirts are slimming. Consider blousy and off the shoulder necklines which give depth. Adding matching or coordinated outerwear to the dress also brings balance. Here are styles that bring style to women with small tops, and wide bottoms; Tall and slender mothers of the bride have small busts, narrow waists and hips, and long lean arms. Choose light and soft colors, as well as pleats and full skirts, to round out your frame. If you add outerwear, choose one with large colors and cuffs; An afternoon wedding might call for a Two Piece Floral Jacquard Suit with Rosette Detail. This lovely outfit features a jacket with a portrait collar, a single rosette detail on the button, and three-quarter length sleeves. The skirt is slender and falls to the knees. The fabric is silver jacquard with a lovely floral print that shimmers in the sunlight of this glorious day. When she wears this suit, Mom will shimmer, too.

Weddings are auspicious occasions. Today, mothers of the bride have a vast selection of dresses and ensembles that are stylish and fashionable. Selecting a well-tailored and ageless designed dress that complements your body type, mothers of the bride dresses can be worn after the wedding to all types of special occasions. For a formal evening wedding, the mother of the bride might choose a One-Shoulder Sueded Charmeuse Side Drape Dress. This is a dramatic look in a subtle shade of gold. The dress is made of sueded charmeuse fabric, draping from one shoulder in an elegant shimmering fall of gold. It's a slim dress, with just a slight flare below the knees. A Pleated Mother Of The Bride Dress will let mom look sophisticated and elegant as she escorted down the aisle to take her place at the front of the church. Until her daughter enters, every eye will be on the beautiful woman in the front row. And that is as it should be.

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