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LIMITS OF LIABILITY/DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY:©Mother of the Bride Deborah Boland 2014. All Rights Reserved

The author and publisher of this book and the accompanying materials have used their best efforts in preparing this material. The authors and publisher make no representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the contents of this program. They disclaim any warranties (expressed or implied), in merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. The authors and publisher shall in no event be held liable for any loss or other damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages. As always, the advice of a competent legal, tax, accounting, or other professional should be sought. This manual contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. You do not have the right to copy or distribute this guide.


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Table of ContentsLimits of Liability/Disclaimer of Warranty

About Deborah Boland

Mother of the Bride Dresses - Myth vs. FactMyth #1 - The Bride’s Mom Has to Wear Pink to the Wedding

Myth #2 - I Can’t Wear Black

Myth #3 - I Have to Lose 10, 30, 100 lbs Before I Can Shop For a Dress

Myth #4: My Dress Has to Match the Bridesmaid’s DressesMonotone

ContrastTonal

PatternNeutral

Myth #5 - I Have to Shop in the Mother of the Bride Section of a Bridal Salon

Myth #6 - I Have Plenty of Time to Shop. I’ll just Go Grab Something Off the Rack

Formality

Black TieWhat it is

Typical black tie settingTypical bridal/ bridal party attire

What to wear

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White TieWhat it is

Typical white-tie settingTypical bridal/ bridal party attire

What to wearSemi-formal

What it isTypical semi-formal setting

Typical bridal/bridal party attireWhat to wear

InformalWhat it is

Typical informal settingTypical bridal/bridal party attire

What to wearSeasonsSummer

SpringWinter

FallGeography Matters

Styles for Your BodyWhat Shape Are You?

Pear ShapeInverted TriangleCurvy Hourglass

AppleAthleticReview

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Industry SecretsTips from a Dressmaker

AccessoriesShoesPurses

JewelryUndergarments and Hosiery

Make-up and HairQuestions to Ask Yourself

1. Do I Look Like I’m Trying to Relive My Youth?

2. Do I Look Like an Old Lady?3. Am I Stealing my Daughter’s Thunder?

4. Am I Blending into the Background?

Wedding Day Bliss

A Note from Deborah

Pictures and Credits

Special Thanks

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About Deborah BolandDeborah Boland is the publisher of Fabulous After 40®, a global online style magazine delivering daily beauty and fashion tips to help mature women Tweak their Chic®.

Prior to launching the site, Deborah was an award winning Television Producer and Host as well as a top media image consultant.

Now, as chief “Glam Gal” at Fabulous After 40, Deborah believes that life is too short to be Frumpy!

She’s on a mission to help women 40+ look stylish and feel confident, because when you look good you feel


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Congratulations

the Mother of the Groom to shine too. Most likely, you’ll be reconnecting with various friends and family, many of whom you may not have seen for years. It may also be the first time the other side of the family has met you, and they will be relying on you to set the tone for this important occasion.

Also, don’t forget you are going to be photographed and will likely have more pictures taken of you in one day than in the past ten years, combined!

Needless to say, you’ll want to look your absolute best come the wedding day. But what does that mean? What color should you wear? What styles are age-appropriate? Which dress will show off your best assets without making you look like a prom-wannabe, or an old lady?

Deciding what to wear may be the hardest, if not most stressful, choice you will have to make throughout the entire wedding planning process.

If the thought of trying on clothes, not to mention – gasp! – wedding party dresses, makes you feel stressed and anxious, relax! I’m here to help ease you through the scary waters of dressing as a Mother of the Bride or Mother of the Groom.

It will be her day, but don’t forget about you!

Your daughter has just accepted a shiny new diamond ring and taken her first step in her walk down the aisle. If you’re like the average mother of the bride, you have 9-18 months of planning and organizing to look forward to before the Big Day.

Get ready for the whirlwind that awaits you! There will be agenda planning, vendor contracting, dress fittings, floral arranging, menu tastings, invitation addressing, décor designing, and music selection. In between it all, you mustn’t forget one of the most important things - you!

That’s right – the wedding day is not just about the bride. It’s a special time for the Mother of


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I understand all the problems women face when they’re shopping for something to look fabulous on their 40+ bodies. I’ve got dozens of top tips from designers, merchandisers and dressmakers and I’ll give you solid advice from the bridal field, all aimed at making you look fashionable and feel fabulous on the biggest day of your child’s life.

You’ll learn what cuts to look for, what big name Mother of the Bride dress designers are showing, what hot accessories to check out, as well as what specifically to avoid. By the end of this eBook, you will feel confident and well-equipped with enough style information to “own” that reception!

As you read on, keep your Mother of the Bride Worksheet (located at the back of this eBook) on hand to jot down notes and help you answer some difficult questions that will narrow down your decision. The choices may seem overwhelming, but I am about to turn daunting into doable. So take a deep breath and get ready to be magnificent, Mom!

*Please note: From this point on for simplicity sake, whenever I refer to “Mother of the Bride”, I also mean Mother of the Groom. The same advice applies.

Now, to get you in the mindset for success, let’s start off by dispelling those silly old myths we’ve all heard about how a Mother of the Bride should look.

http://www.fabulousafter40.com/?s=mother+of+the+bride+myths


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Mother of the Bride Dresses Myth vs. FactIt’s inevitable. As soon as you begin talking to friends and family about what you should wear you are going to hear some strange suggestions and antiquated advice. While some of their input may be helpful (like that suggestion from your friend with the hip shoe collection), you really should ignore a lot of what you’ll hear.

There are dozens of bizarre rules and regulations out there that simply aren’t true. Don’t feel obligated to follow some tradition that is just plain silly. Here’s a rundown of some of the most common Mother of the Bride Dressing Myths you may have already heard.

Myth # 1 – The Mother of the Bride Should Wear Pink and the Mother of the Groom Should Wear BlueFalse! Maybe someone was thinking about baby showers and not weddings when this silly rule was made up. These days the notion of matching girl and boy colors is out of date. It’s also just not practical. What if you hate pink, or don’t look good in it? What if the entire bridal party is in blue? What if blue and pink are not being shown that season when it comes time to buy your dress?

Beautifully coordinated - The Mother of the Bride in rich chocolate brown and the Mother of the Groom in midnight blue.The bridesmaids wore black. Photo: Tyler Boye, make-up: Béke Beau

If you listen to this outdated bridal commandment you’ll have no flexibility when shopping for your perfect dress. Instead, take control and decide which color works best for you and don’t feel bound by this bridal myth.

As far as mothers of the wedding matching, it’s generally felt that there must be some coordination between what the two moms are wearing. Typically, the Mother of the Bride chooses her outfit first (all the more reason to start shopping now!). Then the Mother of the Groom decides what to wear after taking that style into consideration.

http://www.bekebeau.com/

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For example if the Mother of the Bride buys a full length dress, the Mother of the Groom should also choose full length. The same would go for color. If the Mother of the Bride chooses a color that coordinates with the wedding party, then the Mother of the Groom should choose a color that coordinates with the Mother of the Bride and the wedding party.

Here’s what I mean. Let’s say the bridesmaids are wearing lavender silk chiffon dresses and the Mother of the Bride is wearing raspberry, then a soft shade of gray would look lovely on the Mother of the Groom. The key is to look like you are both attending the same event.

Myth # 2 – I Can’t Wear BlackFalse! You can wear black if the circumstances are right.

At one time, wearing black as Mother of the Bride painted you as the evil disapproving mother mourning the loss of her daughter. Today, while some may still disapprove of black for the Mother of the Bride, the vast majority view black as an elegant, flattering shade that is very appropriate for this type of gala celebration. This is particularly true in more sophisticated, urban areas.

Black is sophisticated and appropriate. Sequins and sparkles make black more festive. Photos: Mike Kehr and Alison Conklin, make-up: Béke Beau


http://alisonconklin.com/

http://mkphoto.com/


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If you want to explore wearing black, there are a number of things to think about.

First, do you look good in black? Black can be a tricky color to wear after 40. As we age our skin gets paler and our features begin to look a little washed out and black creates a harsh contrast and can drag us down.

If you are going to wear black, make sure your black dress has some shine to it to lighten up your face and give it life. Or wear some sparkly or colorful jewelry close to your face to create a buffer zone between your face and the black.

A brighter or deeper lipstick also keeps black from overpowering.

Keep in mind also that you can accessorize with colors and metallics to liven up your look. A mix of black-on-black patterns can add depth and elegance, and varied textures in black will create a rich, sophisticated evening look.

Also, consider the style of your black gown. A gown with too much fabric will make you look like a grieving widow; too little fabric will make you look like you belong in a nightclub and not a church.

Your best bet is a gown with some structure to contour and shape your body and to give you that classy Audrey Hepburn appeal.

If you choose to show some leg, keep that hemline around the knee! Love your neck and chest? Opt for a wide V-neck rather than a plunging neckline. Show just enough skin to look feminine, but not tacky. Elegant should be your aim when picking the perfect Mother of the Bride Dress.

Sheer material makes black less overwhelming. Both dresses: Watters

If you wear black keep it simple and elegant.

http://watters.com/Collection/Collection20/


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Black can open up a whole new world of options for you. However, since the “black is inappropriate” myth is still so instilled in some, I strongly suggest you get the approval of the bride before going this route. After all, it is her day.

One note: If you really have your heart set on black but the bride disapproves or if you feel that black is slimming but your worry it is a bit draining on you, why not try navy? Navy, and/or midnight blue is slightly softer. These shades also will still make you look slim but they are more forgiving than black.

Navy or midnight blue is more forgiving than black, but is just as formal. photo: Marie Labbancz, make-up: Béke Beau

Myth #3 - I Have to Lose 10, 30, 100 lbs. Before I Can Shop for a DressWrong! As one last-minute mom told me, “When my daughter got engaged, I was finally motivated to lose those stubborn 30lbs I had been trying to lose for years. I told myself I couldn’t look for ANYTHING until I did. That was a year ago. Now it’s weeks before the wedding and I still have nothing to wear.”

Let this common sob story be a lesson to you. Dress the body you have NOW. As we get older, it becomes more and more difficult to shed that extra weight. Don’t punish yourself by refusing to go shopping until the day you lose it. That day may never come, but wedding day will.


http://artoflove.com/


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As with any special event, the best advice I can offer is to start searching early. Many salons, boutiques and stores will be showing next season’s styles a month before that season arrives. If you start too late, you may miss out on some of the best selection that is out there.

Also, starting early and trying on many dresses gives you a head start educating yourself as to what looks good on your body and what will be appropriate for the event. With this knowledge, you can take your time and choose wisely instead of jumping on the first dress that fits. I guarantee that if you love a dress now, you will love it 20 lbs. from now. There’s nothing a good tailor can’t take down in size. And if you don’t drop the weight you will still have a gown that looks great!

Myth # 4 - My Dress Has to Match the Bridesmaids DressesNot true! You definitely don’t want to appear as though you are trying to be a bridesmaid.

For example, one popular trend is for the bride to select a color and have each bridesmaid choose the style of dress with which she is most comfortable. If the bridesmaids are all wearing variations on peach colored dresses, and you are wearing peach too, you will blend into the bridal party.

The Mother of the Bride is more important than that! Furthermore, good luck finding something age appropriate in the exact color of the bridesmaids! And heck, what if peach is just not your color?

I advise you to steer clear of the word “match” all together. Instead, focus on coordinating. Understand that you will most likely be seen in many pictures with the bridesmaids and therefore, you don’t want to look like one of them.

On the other hand, you don’t want to clash with the bridesmaids either by wearing a color that is too loud or extreme, or that looks jarring. If the girls are in hot pink, you wouldn’t want to wear a bright red dress without first handing out sunglasses or Alka-Seltzer to guests in the first few rows.

Once you know the bridesmaid colors, grab your Mother of the Bride Worksheet (located at the back of this eBook) and follow along to figure out what color to wear. Here are some no-fail ways to “go” with the bridal party without matching them:

Myth #3 - I Have to Lose 10, 30, 100 lbs. Before I Can Shop for a DressWrong! As one last-minute mom told me, “When my daughter got engaged, I was finally motivated to lose those stubborn 30lbs I had been trying to lose for years. I told myself I couldn’t look for ANYTHING until I did. That was a year ago. Now it’s weeks before the wedding and I still have nothing to wear.”

Let this common sob story be a lesson to you. Dress the body you have NOW. As we get older, it becomes more and more difficult to shed that extra weight. Don’t punish yourself by refusing to go shopping until the day you lose it. That day may never come, but wedding day will.

http://www.fabulousafter40.com/video-what-color-to-wear-when-you-are-mother-of-the-bride/


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MonotoneIf the bridesmaids are in one color, choose a different variation of the same color. For example if the bridesmaids are in warm purple, you could wear deep purple or eggplant.

Different shades of the same color is a very elegant way to color coordinate. photo: Joe Craig, make-up: Béke Beau

Varying shades of blue is also very popular. photo: Kevin York , make-up: Béke Beau


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ContrastAnother way to co-ordinate is for the Mother of the Bride to wear the opposite color on the color wheel.

For example if the bridesmaids are in navy, the mother of the bride could wear pumpkin. If the bridesmaids wore purple the Mother of the Bride could wear yellow or gold.

You might also decide to wear a color that sits beside the color the bridesmaids are

Whatever color scheme you go with, the key is to make sure you have matching intensity of colors.

The bridesmaids below look radiant in hot pink. The mother of the bride looks equally radiant in electric blue. Pastel or baby blue would have looked too washed out.

This bold color scheme works because this pink and blue are equal in intensity. photo: Asya Photography, make-up: Béke Beau


http://asyaphotography.com/


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Tonal

Choosing a color in the same theme or seasonal palette as the bridesmaids is also popular.

For example, if it is a fall wedding and the bridesmaids are in gold or warm brown or green, a rust or brick color would look lovely.

Lace is a popular choice this season. Dress: Watters

PatternAnother idea is to pick up on the bridesmaid’s color with a print in your dress. If the bridesmaids were in in pink chiffon, then mom could wear a pink patterned silk dress.

Pink dresses for the bridesmaids, pink pattered dress for mom.



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If you want to wear a metallic color remember that silver and pewter suit women with cooler (pink) skin tones and ash hair while golden and bronze tones look best on women with warm ( more golden peachy) skin and golden or reddish hair .

Both dresses: David’s Bridal

To learn more about the Colors That Make You Look Age-Amazing™ pick up a copy of my eBook: Color Me Fabulous.

Myth # 5 - I Have To Shop in the Mother of the Bride Section of the Bridal Salon Not at all! Sure, bridal salons are a great jumping off point for getting ideas. They will have loads of books filled with designer dresses and racks of mother-specific styles. But some traditional bridal designers think “mom” and design “old and frumpy.”

There are enough shapeless jacket dresses and chiffon mock two-pieces out there to last a lifetime. Granted, there are also a lot of really beautiful mother styles out there, but I want to give you the freedom to search beyond the bridal salon and stop being categorized into one demographic. There are fabulous styles everywhere, but they don’t have to be labeled “Mother of the Bride” to be appropriate!

Thinking outside the bridal box will not only allow you creativity when planning your outfit, but you may even find a bargain! I’ve seen the exact same dress, marked at over $300 in the Mother of the Bride section of a shall-not-be-named bridal salon, at a designer discount department store

This pewter gown works best with cool skin tones.

This gold gown complements women with warm undertones.

http://www.fabulousafter40.com/ebooks/color-me-fabulous/

http://davidsbridal.com/


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Myth #6 - I Have Plenty of Time to Shop So I’ll Just Go Pull Something off the RackDon’t Do It!

It’s is so easy to put your own needs on the back shelf while you focus on your daughter or son during this exciting time.

Don’t set yourself up for failure! I’ve heard DOZENS of horror stories about last minute shoppers who find themselves overwhelmed and underdressed. Shopping too late only means extra stress for you, your dress shop, your alterations specialist, and your wallet.

Don’t wait until the last minute or you will be sorry!

There is more of a chance that something will go wrong if an item is rushed, not to mention there’s an increased expense. I guarantee that the longer you wait, the more you’ll pay to rush the order, to rush alterations, etc.

Giving yourself four months minimum to shop for a dress is what I strongly recommend. It is ideal to shop between six and eight months beforehand. Make an appointment, and allow yourself two hours if you are going to shop at a bridal boutique.

It is a common misconception that Mother of the Bride dresses are available off the rack. If you go to a more upscale boutique, many of the dresses displayed will be sample sizes 10 or 12, which means most will have to be ordered and will have lead times of between 12 and 18 weeks.

This means that when an order is placed, there are seamstresses working from all the miniscule measurements you’ve provided and designing a custom dress specifically for you. That’s three months! Now tack on a few weeks for alterations. And what if it comes in and it’s the wrong color or you just don’t like it? (It happens!)


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Start making calls and booking appointments now with the help of your Mother of The Bride Worksheet. This will allow you personal time with a consultant who can advise you and help you explore various options.

Not only will you have plenty of time and flexibility to experiment with lots of looks, but if you DO need to purchase a special order dress, you will have wiggle room for error and scads of time to customize and personalize it. I can’t stress how important this is.

Hopefully, by this point, you’re getting the idea that timing and individuality are key to choosing your dress for the big day. Just because you are the Mother of the Bride does not mean you have to lose your identity the day your daughter walks down the aisle.

Celebrate your uniqueness and your personality, and don’t be discouraged by some outdated rules that your mother may have adhered to. Now of course, there are certain tenets that you should stick to when shopping so your dress fits in with the theme of the wedding. Let’s look at those next.


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Formality

A special celebration calls for a special dress. photo: Marie Labbancz

One aspect of the wedding that is very important to keep in mind is the formality of the occasion. It’s crucial that you discuss with the bride how she envisions her big day. Try to use her thoughts as a way to guide your look.

It is inexcusable to show up to an uber-formal affair in a sundress when everyone else is in floor length gowns and opera-length gloves. Of course, this is an extreme example, but you would be surprised how often ignoring the formality of the event leads to inappropriate and sometimes comical attire on the part of wedding guests, and sometimes even moms.

Don’t forget that I have come up with a great planning guide for you to use in your search. Make sure you follow along with your Mother of the Bride Worksheet in the back of this eBook to help you find the perfect dress!

http://artoflove.com/


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Black TieWhat is it?Black Tie settings are the most formal of celebrations, with all the pomp and circumstance. At a black tie wedding there tends to be a large bridal party with hundreds of guests in attendance, and it usually calls for a three-course, sit-down dinner. If the bride wants a fairy-tale kind of princess spectacle, this is most likely the style she is envisioning.

Typical Black Tie SettingFrequently, black tie weddings take place on a Friday, sometimes Saturday, night. The ceremony may take place in a grand hall or ornate cathedral, and the reception may be in a hotel ballroom. Regardless of where it takes place, black tie events focus on elegance and drama.

Typical Bridal Party AttireThe black tie bride generally opts for a large, dramatic ball gown with a cathedral length train, long veil, and lots of embellishment. The bridesmaids will be wearing equally striking floor length gowns, and the men will, of course, be in black and white tuxes.

The Mother of the Bride wore this striking black and gold print which complemented the bridesmaid’s solid black dresses. The Mother of the Groom wore a long silver gown. photo: Shari D’Angelo, make-up: Béke Beau

http://Bekebeau.com/

http://sharideangelo.com/


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What to Wear?Finding a dress to fit in at this type of wedding can be daunting, especially if you are a jeans-and-tees kind of gal. You need to really wow them! Make sure you get something full length, probably with some volume on the bottom to hold your own around all those ball gowns.

Be as glam as you want to be. Drama, drama, drama! Photo: Faith West make-up: Béke Beau

Black is especially acceptable for this kind of wedding. Think drama. I suggest an impressive portrait collar, or bold, eye-catching costume jewelry. Pull out the bling. Chandelier earrings and multi-layered necklaces are quite appropriate.

If you love glamour and sparkle, this is the best opportunity to show off your movie-star style! As far as fabrics, stick with dark colors and rich textures like heavy satins, luminous taffetas or shiny organza.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001F2CC30?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwcafeglamco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001F2CC30

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White TieWhat is it?The most popular style of wedding is white tie. It’s less strict than black tie, but still calls for classic evening wear. The guest list spans medium to large, with either a sit-down or buffet style meal.

Typical White Tie SettingThe white tie wedding can take place at a variety of different locations. Probably the most common location for a white tie wedding is a church ceremony followed by a party at a reception hall.

The Mother of the Groom in rusty brown, the Mother of the Bride in paprika. The bridesmaids wore navy. photo: Tracey Williams, make-up: Béke Beau


http://thwphotography.com/


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Typical Bridal Party AttireBrides usually still maintain their formality in a mid-size A-line or mermaid style dress with a chapel length train and an elbow or fingertip length veil. Depending on the time of day and location, bridesmaids may wear floor length evening gowns, separates or shapely tea-length dresses. Men may still be in tuxes, but they will probably be sporting colored vests or ties to coordinate with their female counterparts.

Not everyone wants to wear a long gown. This raw silk dress with bolero jacket is pretty and appropriate and coordinates beautifully with the bridesmaid’s plum dresses. photos: Sarah DiCicco make-up: Béke Beau


http://sarahdicicco.com/


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What to WearWhite tie outfits are going to be the easiest to find, especially if you shop at a bridal salon. These styles run the gamut from silk shantung tea length dresses with bolero jackets and satin suits to luxurious long Mother of the Bride gowns.

A cocktail suit is another lovely option for a white tie wedding. photo: John Dolores, make-up: Béke Beau

Unlike black tie, where accessories are big and bold, white tie calls for smaller, more classic accessories. The key is to make sure your accessories do not overpower your outfit. For example, if you choose a dress with embellishment, keep the accessories simple. If your gown is plain, dress it up with a few classy pieces. Basically any formal gown can fit into this scenario, so be flexible and shop around for your favourite style!


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For a white tie wedding look for luxurious materials, such as taffeta, chiffon, lace and dupioni silk. Dresses: Watters



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For a white tie wedding look for luxurious materials, such as taffeta, chiffon, lace and dupioni silk. Dresses: Watters

Semi-Formal WeddingWhat a Semi-Formal Wedding?In the past few years, semi-formal weddings have been gaining huge popularity. The rules are slightly looser for this style of wedding. With a guest list usually under 100, this event is less showy and more intimate. Expect relaxed dinner attire and a more comfortable, laid-back ambience.

Typical Semi-Formal SettingMany brides choose outdoor or destination weddings that fit well with this theme. You may find the ceremony in a garden, on a cruise ship, at a winery, on a beach- which is a huge trend nowadays - followed by a reception in a tented terrace.

This Mother of the Groom looks pretty in a pink print at this relaxed semi-formal beach wedding Photo: Joe Craig

Typical Bridal Party AttireSemi-formal brides are often drawn to sheath gowns with small sweep trains, or form fitting slip dresses. This year, I am seeing many with empire waists and flowy fabrics, worn with ethereal veils that catch the wind. The bridesmaids may still be wearing long dresses, but in less stiff fabrics like chiffon, or they may choose cocktail or tea-length styles. The men will probably be in suits, or at least nice slacks and sports jackets.

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What to Wear?I suggest staying away from floor length gowns for this type of wedding. Suits would work, depending on the season and time of day. If you wish to wear a print or pattern, this is the perfect setting. Stick with colorful washes or stylish, sophisticated geometric patterns (I tend to find that floral prints can look very dated unless they are highly stylized and modern).

You can have a little more freedom in your choices here too; rather than strictly matching your outfit, feel free to accessorize with colored accents or funky fabrics. For example, for a formal wedding, you’d be best to choose a mocha colored wrap to match your mocha dress, but at a semi-formal wedding you could accent that mocha dress with a brown and yellow vintage shawl. This would soften your look, and show off your personality more.

With this sophisticated color pallette, fit, and pattern, this suit is perfect for a day-to-evening semi- formal wedding. Dress: Watters

A dress like this is ideal for an afternoon tea wedding, a garden wedding, or a morning brunch! D ress: Watters

This length gives the dress some formality and the cut and silk jersey make it acceptable for some semi-formal events. Dress: Rachel Pally

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001GP0P94?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwcafeglamco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001GP0P94



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Informal WeddingWhat is an Informal Wedding? A casual event, usually very small with only immediate family and close friends, at a very intimate setting. This will appeal to a no-fuss bride.

Typical Informal SettingAn informal setting – may be a backyard barbeque, a trip to city hall, a brunch at a country club or at the beach.

Typical Bridal Party AttireInformal brides may or may not choose to wear a white or ivory dress. I am seeing a trend in which brides opt for champagne, light pink or even dove-gray cocktail dresses with sparkly combs or flowers in their hair. If she has bridesmaids or attendants, they would be in sun dresses, and the men would be wearing sport slacks and button-up shirts or Polos.

What to Wear?Since this is still a wedding, there are still formality rules to take into consideration! Do not even think of showing up in jeans or khaki shorts. Cotton and linen fabrics are definitely doable in a sundress, paired with a cardigan for easy wearing. Dresses are perfectly acceptable and encouraged. One great option is a wrap dress with a print or a skirt and a nice blouse. A pretty summer maxi dress could work too.

You can wear a solid color or print sundress to an informal wedding!

Vintage prints are always pretty too for weddings.

By now you have probably pinpointed exactly what style wedding your daughter is planning. Once she has set the tone for you, it is your job to go out there and start shopping!


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SeasonsAfter formality, the next huge consideration regarding the appropriateness of your outfit should be the season in which your son or daughter is getting married. The season of the wedding dictates certain fabrics, colors, and styles that are acceptable to wear. Here I’ve compiled some loose rules to follow for each season. (Remember, a lot of it comes down to personal taste, your style, your body type and your vision.)

SummerSummer weddings are colorful and festive and HOT! Because of this, you want to stick to light, breathable fabrics that absorb sweat and keep you cool. There are many cotton blends that look incredibly chic, almost satin-like.

If it is going to be hot you will want a short sleeves or sleeveless dress. This off the shoulder satin dress is a stunning choice for a June wedding. Photo :Shea Roggio, make-up: Béke Beau

Of course, silk is always an option, and comes in a variety of colors and hefts. Fresh eyelet or floaty chiffon is great in summer, depending on how formal the wedding is. Be wary of any heavy materials or synthetics such as polyester that don’t let your skin breathe. Especially stay away from taffeta – it shows watermarks when you sweat that stain the fabric. And on taffeta, those armpit stains are permanent!

As far as colors go, summer is definitely the season to get away with lots of pastels. If baby blues and banana yellows are not your cup of tea, feel free to wear brighter blues, pinks, peaches and other summer colors as long as


http://shearoggio.com/


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This lace top is breathable, but looks extremely luxurious. Dress: Watters

Light materials and soft colors look gorgeous for a summer wedding.Dress: Watters

Chiffon in the summer is light and airy.Dress: Sophia Tolli

http://rstyle.me/~KVhR




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SpringAhhh, spring! A time for birds, bees and love blossoming all over! But what to wear when it’s warm and sunny in the daytime and slightly cool and humid at night? Any of the above summer fabrics are appropriate, but I especially love silk for this season. It always looks elegant, adjusts to your body temperature, and absorbs moisture. If you opt to go sleeveless, make sure you have a stylish jacket or a light shawl to ward off unwanted chill.

Feel free to experiment with bright colors during the spring. Some of my favorites are coral and rose, which breathes life into dull skin. Floral patterns are best suited to spring, so shop for something colorful that suits your style!

This spring blue sheath looking striking alongside these soft blush bridesmaid dresses. photo: David Campli, make-up: Béke Beau


http://campliphoto.com/


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All dresses: Watters

This coral chiffon gown with elegant cowl neck is feminine and warm.

A sheath dress with a ¾ length sleeve embellished, platinum metallic brocade jacket in a light color is great for spring.

The saturated spring green color and glossy silk duplioni fabric make it perfect for a semi-formal spring affair.



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WinterWinter weddings are gaining popularity. Many venues and vendors give discounts during the cold months, and since many family gatherings happen around winter, it can be the perfect time for a wedding while everyone is in town. That being said, there are some nice options out there for winter formal wear.

You definitely want to stick with heavier weaves that keep you cozy, but still have some sheen and elegance to them. Velvets and layered silks are a great option, as well as heavier satins and stretch taffeta. Jewel tones and deeper colors are widely used during this season, so stick to charcoal, navy, burgundy, silver, rich jade and hunter green.

Royal jewel tone ruled at this January wedding where the Mother of the Bride wore silver, the Mother of the Groom wore Emerald Green and the bridesmaids wore midnight blue. Photos: D’Mont Reese, make-up: Béke Beau


http://dreesephotography.com/


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Deep, rich jewel tones and sumptuous fabrics complement a winter wedding. All dresses: Watters



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FallDuring the fall, you can wear many of the same fabrics that are appropriate in winter. As far as color palettes go, look to nature for your inspiration. Rich, warm tones like gold and rust that mirror the fall leaves are the perfect choice for a Sept- October- November wedding.

The colors of fall: chocolate brown, teal blue and wine. All dresses: Watters



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Geography MattersThe season in which a wedding occurs does give you some ideas and guidelines about appropriate colors and styles but be careful about being too rigid.

For example, a fall wedding. If you live in the Northeast United States don’t wear a heavy brown taffeta and orange dress on the first day of September – you will roast! The same goes for wearing a sleeveless chiffon dress in March. It just won’t be warm enough to pull off spring fashions comfortably!

These bright colors were perfect for this early September wedding on the U.S. east Coast, where it is technically fall, but is often still very hot out. The Mother of the Bride grounds the colorful wedding party in a sophisticated black strapless gown. photo: Amber Shader

Also, keep in mind that if you live somewhere very temperate or very cool, you can bend these rules to make them your own. But, please don’t buy a ruby colored velvet suit for a December wedding in Florida! A jewel tone dress in a lighter fabric would be more appropriate. Once you zero in on a style that looks best on you, keep in mind the weather, the light, and the temperature of that season.

Next I’m going to give you some ideas that work best with your body type.

http://ambershaderphotography.com/


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Styles for Your BodyWhen it comes to special occasion shopping, I often find that women who are more than capable of dressing their bodies stylishly and suitably on a daily basis are suddenly at a loss when faced with a rack of Mother of the Bride dresses. Somehow, when the pressure is on to look fabulous at the wedding and expectations run high, it can be very confusing to wade through your options!

As you try on various styles, keep in mind some basic shapes and cuts that complement your specific body type. (Don’t know your body type? I dare you to strip down to your skivvies before you hit the shops and really examine your figure. What are your problem areas? Your favourite parts? What is the largest part you will have to fit? What is the most youthful looking area? Having a really good look at yourself will arm you with knowledge about your body before you hit the racks.)

The key to dressing for your body type is to understand balance and proportion. For example, if you have larger hips, then balance them out with a more voluminous neckline like a portrait collar on top. Putting the emphasis on the opposite part of the body will make the waist look smaller and balance out your figure.

Similarly, you do not want to look “top heavy” if you have a big chest and small hips by wearing a pencil skirt. You’ll look like a walking spoon! Instead, balance out the chest by wearing pleats or an A-line skirt on the bottom. With this very easy equation, you can figure out what shapes look best on you. And remember – don’t be upset if it doesn’t fit right off the rack! Everything can be altered to fit you perfectly. Not all shapes were created equal!


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IMPORTANT NOTE

Before I continue, I must mention one item of HUGE importance that you CANNOT LEAVE HOME WITHOUT! That item is…………A BRA!

And I don’t mean just any bra. I mean a good, brand new, professionally fitted bra. Take this opportunity to get fitted by an expert! Call ahead to J.C. Penny’s or Nordstrom’s to book an appointment with one of their experienced specialists. Having a fresh new bra with intact elasticity is a must to properly support “the girls”. Nothing ages you like a saggy chest!

Here is a story that underlines this fact: I know a gal working in a dress store who got a call from a frantic customer. This customer was going to a wedding in a week, and still had not found a bra to wear under her strapless dress. She was looking for a strapless bra to fit and support her 46 FFF chest!

Unfortunately, this poor young woman went about it completely backwards. Why would you purchase a strapless gown without having a proper fitting strapless bra first? She should have never considered that style of neckline in the first place, knowing she would have to wear a real, supportive bra under her outfit.

If she had invested money and time in choosing the appropriate undergarment first, and then looked for an accommodating neckline, she would never have been in such a predicament. That being said, go shopping armed with the bra you will wear on the day of the wedding! It will save you time and mistakes, and you can skip trying any style that doesn’t cover your brassiere. You’ll thank me for it later!


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What Shape Are You?Many women have pear shaped bodies; that is, narrow shoulders, small chests and bigger hips and thighs. To downplay your hips, go for a sleek, slight A-line or circle skirt that nips in at the waist, skims across your hips and flares out. The beauty of wearing these kinds of skirts is that any volume at the hip looks like part of the design, not part of you! Stick to dark colors on your bottom half to minimize hip size.

Pear ShapeTo balance your shoulders with your hips, you need to draw attention upwards towards your décolletage. I suggest a deep V-neck, a portrait collar or a cowl neck (looks drape-y) collar. Detail or embellishment at the neck will also help.

A cap sleeve will add width to your shoulders. Stay away from puffed sleeves as they are too “junior” looking. Also, avoid super tight fitting tops which emphasize that your chest is a lot smaller than your hips. If the difference between your top half and bottom half is substantial, you may even want to wear some sort of short, structured jacket or bolero to even

As for a halter, it can be tricky. It can work, if the straps are wide enough. But be honest with yourself when you try a dress like this on. Padded bra cups will also even things out. Don’t forget a wrap too!

Other tips for pear shaped women-Do NOT wear any waistline that confuses where your tiny, natural waist is. Therefore, avoid wearing an empire waist dress (that is, where the waistline is just under the bust or at the ribcage), or a drop waist gown (one where the skirt starts below the natural waist, like at or below the hip). This will draw attention to your hips and butt, while downplaying your chest. Both are no-no’s to creating a nice proportion!


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All dresses: Watters

Choose a dress that makes you look broader in the shoulders and shows off your small waist. Your skirt should be an A-line or circle.

Perfect neckline for pear to balance hips and the ruffle draw the eye up to your face and away from your hips.

Keep the color dark on the bottom to minimize your hips.



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Inverted TriangleLadies with inverted triangle figures have larger shoulders and chests but smaller hips, what many refer to as “top heavy.” I like to think of it as “well endowed” or “darn lucky.” V-neckline or scoop necklines are great because they draw attention away from your broad shoulders.

Avoid straight boat neck necklines, or puff sleeves which add width up top. If you choose a jacket go, for one with a slightly higher stance (that is, a button enclosure that fastens at the bust line, not below) to de-emphasize a big chest by lessening cleavage. And absolutely no shoulder pads please or else you will look like a football player.

Also, if you are an inverted triangle, don’t choose dresses with too much detail, a busy pattern or that are too shiny up top, as this puts the emphasis where you don’t want it.

To show off those slim hips and legs, but balance out your bottom half, try a pleated or tiered skirt.

Don’t be afraid to go bright on the bottom with color or print. This can help balance out your top half too by drawing the eye downwards. One caution - don’t go too short with your skirt, as it will make your top half look extra-large compared to your slim legs. Palazzo pants are another great option for inverted triangles.

Finally, be sure to choose a pair of sexy shoes to highlight your fabulous legs.


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All dresses: David’s Bridal

A simple one shoulder neckline, natural waist, and movement in the skirt will fit you wonderfully!

A full skirt with a pattern anchors your top heavy shape and shows off your great legs.

These soft pleats will widen your hips and balance your figure.

http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=wwwcafeglamco-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B000VRBCKO&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr





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Curvy HourglassAh, you lucky ladies! Women who can boast this body type have the ideal towards which the rest of us are working! You don’t have to trick anyone by covering up anything however a quality fit is the key to making you look sensational. You definitely want to show off that waist, so choose something that nips in around the middle.

A dress or jacket with a belt would even look great, and a fitted skirt hugs your curves all the way down, making you look long and lean. A V-neckline or an open scoop neck works well to show off your beautiful bust-line, but basically any neckline can be appropriate, as long as it works with your bra! Just avoid covering up your curves with tons of heavy fabric and shapeless dresses.


Ruching and draping can hide a tummy and emphasize that hourglass.

Dresses that nip in at the waist play up your curves.

This pretty sheath dress would look lovely on an hourglass at a semi-formal.



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Round AppleFor those of us who shrug and say “What figure?” support and structure of a garment is key. The goal is to offset your roundness by creating angles where none exist. To do this I suggest you buy a good bra to get “the girls” up and off your tummy. Dresses with nipped in waists, darting to hold in your chest, and skirts that fall in a straight line from the hip and loosely over the midsection will also help create definition.

Stay away from a lot of pleating, gathering, and tiers around your tummy as it will exaggerate your fullness. An empire dress with a V-neckline is a great choice because it gives the illusion of a waist and highlights your bustline.

Apples generally have lovely, shapely legs, so I Prints and patterns can actually camouflage problem areas on an apple, but make sure the print is slightly larger to match your body shape and break the pattern up with a bit of solid color.

Another option for rounded figure apples is an open third layer such as an unstructured evening jacket that skims your body, creates a vertical line and camouflages that mommy tummy.

As for materials, choose fabrics with a bit of weight that drape well over your curves. A sheer layer of fabric worn over a dress that skims your curves is also a good way to camouflage. Also, most apples have heavy arms so a dress with long sleeves will ensure there’s no jiggle.


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The lacy neckline puts the emphasis on the face and bust line, not the tummy. The gathering under the bust line helps suggest a waistline without cinching.Dress: Amazon

A fitted sheath dress with a sheer draping over the tummy camouflages this trouble spot. Photo: David’s Bridal

A duster or evening coat will create a long lean line making you look taller and thinner. Dress: Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2F&tag=fabuafte40-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325

http://www.davidsbridal.com/



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Boxy Rectangle

Trumpet skirts also hug the waist and hips, but be careful to get these tailored specifically for your body! Many athletically shaped women find that they don’t have the hips to fill out a trumpet style skirt, and worn off-the-rack, they tend to gap and pucker around the butt and hips. Sometimes a skirt with more draping and movement works better. Or try a pencil skirt to create the illusion of having hips.

One of the best pieces of advice I can give to you athletically-built ladies is break it up! Have a definite top, middle, and bottom to your gown. Otherwise, you will look like one solid block of color walking around. No one wants to look like a piece of Lego on their child’s wedding day!

Proud of your rock hard abs but think you look like you’re in drag when you put on a dress? You may have an athletic frame. That also means you don’t have too many curves, and your overall shape is more rectangular. The best way to combat looking too boxy or masculine is to create a shape with feminine details.

Concentrate on narrowing the waist, as it will make everything else look shapely in comparison. That means, you can get a dress with a belt or some detail around the midsection. The best dresses for this body type have some sort or feminine detail, like a jacket with a peplum (that is, a loose ruffle around the hip), which creates a womanly figure.


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This empire waist dress has a defined bust, waist and skirt, and may be perfect for a semiformal event.

Feminine touches like lace and small ruffles, as well as a dramatic collar and draped skirt, will flatter an athletic figure.


A peplum waist gives you curves where there is none.



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ReviewSHAPE PROBLEM GOAL TRY IT! DENY IT!Pear Figure is

smaller at top, wider at bottom

Balance out hips and shoulders

Boatneck, off the shoulder tops, and portrait collar necklines will help broaden the shoulders

Embellishment at the neckline

Cap sleeves, shoulder pads or a structured bolero jacket add width too

Dark solid colors on your bottom half

A-line or circle skirts skim over trouble spots

Interesting earrings and necklaces will draw eye upwards

Pant suits Pleated, puffy

or tiered skirts Tight, narrow

skirts Empire or drop

waist Pattern,

embellishment, or bright colors on your bottom half

Inverted Triangle

Figure wider at top, smaller at bottom

Balance out hips and shoulders

V-neck (shallow V for large chests, deep V for small chests)

Voluminous skirt with pleats or tiers

Palazzo pants Bright colors,

patterns on the bottom

Knee or tea-length skirt to show off your great legs!

Boatnecks, horizontal stripes, or any busy pattern up top

Puff sleeve, cap sleeve

Shoulder pads Short or tight

narrow skirts Busy detail on

the top Too much

cleavage!


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Curvy Hourglass

Ideal body – just don’t be too sexy

Compliment your curves

Any neckline! Fitted dress or

pencil skirt to accentuate curves

Belted dress will show off your waist

If you wear a jacket make sure it is fitted at the waist

Full or loose blousy styles that cover up or hide your curves

Overwhelming, heavy fabric

Apple Rounded body, full

midsection and bust

Create angles where none exist

V-neck with empire waistline

Knee length skirts

Substantial fabrics that drape nicely

Structured jackets over loose flowing dresses OR….

Long flowing jackets over structured dresses

Large prints, with consistent patterns

Anything shapeless

Anything that clings to the fuller parts of your body

Very light, flowing material

Teeny tiny prints (they make you look huge in comparison!)

Athletic Boxy boyish figure with no waist

Create curves to feminize body

Outfits with a definite top, middle, and bottom

Feminine detailing

Fitted skirt or Trumpet style skirt

Wrap dresses Gauzy flowing

fabrics Asymmetrical

hemlines

One flat color Shapeless,

boxy cuts Straight skirts Jackets that

fall below the hip

Masculine styles


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Industry SecretsI was lucky enough to sit down with Marissa Rubinetti Sanders, Sr. Buyer of Special Occasion Dresses at David’s Bridal. David’s Bridal is the biggest bridal retailer in the country, and in recent years they have expanded to specialize not only in bridal gowns and accessories, but bridesmaid, flower girl, mothers of the bride dresses, and everything to go with them.

Marissa is in tune with what’s cutting edge in “mother of the wedding” styles, so I gave her my list of most frequently asked questions. Here are some helpful tips and an update of what to look for this season.

Some of the latest and most popular styles. Dresses: David’s Bridal

Q: Moms often struggle with balance and age-appropriateness. How can a Mother of the Bride avoid looking frumpy without looking like a bridesmaid? As MOB styles continue to evolve, it’s becoming easier for moms to look updated and fashionable without looking too frumpy or “maidsy”. A long silhouette with ¾ sleeves or even a cap sleeve can be the perfect option. Also, selecting a style with beautiful embellishment on either the neckline or the waist will set her apart from the bridesmaids as most maids’ styles are plain with no beading.



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Q: What kinds of trends and hemlines will we be seeing in 2013/2014?Long lengths will be prominent for 2013/2014. The elegance of a long dress is perfect for a formal affair, therefore great for the second most important woman in the wedding, the Mother of the Bride. Lace is going to be a key fabric trend going forward, whether it’s just a touch of lace, like sleeve or jacket, or all over lace styles. Beaded necklines are emerging as an important trend for Spring 2014.

Mother of the Bride dresses are long and luxurious this season. Dresses: David’s Bridal

Intricate beading on a neckline draws the eye upward to a mom’s glowing smile on her daughter’s (or son’s) big day and it makes the dress stand out from other guests of the wedding. Neutral colors such as taupe, champagne, silver, gold or black are great options for an MOB because they easily coordinate with any color bridal party. But if the mom is looking for color, eggplant/plum, navy or blush are amongst the most popular for the season. Try David’s Bridal’s color coordination tool to select the color that will look best on you and work with the wedding party photos.

For more information about what Marissa and her team are working on, and to peruse the selection, head to David’s Bridal and click on the Mother and Special Guest tab.


http://www.davidsbridal.com/Resource_Style-Fashion-Guide-Color-Inspiration?contentName=/Left_Nav/Style_and_Fashion_Guide/Color_Inspiration/color_main



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Tips from a Dressmaker

photo: Karin Laffend

Even with all this information, you still may not be finding what you want in stores. Do you have a vision that the boutiques, salons and department stores just can’t seem to grasp?

Nilah is a Philadelphia-based dressmaker who has been creating styles for creative women who just can’t seem to fit the mold when it comes to Mother of the Bride dresses. Her beautiful creations like this one on the right, can be found at Nilah.

Nilah creates Mother-of-the-Wedding gowns for frustrated women who just can’t find flattering, fashion-forward styles off the rack. Many designers neglect to accommodate aging problem areas like arms and waists. Additionally, as we get older, our color palettes change. Once hair goes gray and skin tone dulls, certain colors like bland neutrals and pastels tend to wash us out. Interestingly, those are exactly the colors that are most prevalent in Mother of the Bride dresses!

So what does Nilah design to combat these shortcomings in the industry? For one thing, she gets a lot of requests for retro styling. Many women find 1930s-era slip dresses more forgiving. Think Jean Harlow, the curvy starlet and a fashion icon symbolic of that era’s fashion. Nilah also creates 1950s-style dresses, with nipped-in waists, boat necks, bracelet-length sleeves and flared skirts. Both are very well-suited to highlighting the shapes of larger women. Many moms may be larger, but they still have curves!

As far as colors, Nilah believes there is no reason not to use a wide color palette and to incorporate pattern. Have you ever noticed that every special occasion gown you see nowadays is a solid? When you choose a dressmaker, you can change all that! Nilah has made gowns with Asian-inspired silks, watercolor washes, and big, bold, colorful Pucci-like prints for those who are not afraid of attention.

If you feel you are unable to wear an entire dress covered in pattern, contain it to one signature piece, like a dramatic evening jacket over a simple sheath cocktail dress underneath.

http://sidneystudios.com/

http://nilah.com/


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A dressmaker may be a great choice for you, particularly if you have a hard-to-fit body. For you “tall drinks of water,” for example, it can be extremely difficult to find a full length gown that is fashionable AND doesn’t make you look like you tried to squeeze into a short, junior-sized dress.

Unfortunately, the industry uses a 5’8” frame as standard height; if that cuts you at the ankles or shins, tough luck! Big and Tall stores have good intentions, but the selection leaves something to be desired.

Finding petite women’s sizes can also be nightmarish, particularly since merchandisers tend to hear “plus size” and translate it to mean “potato sack.” Again, a dressmaker can ensure that you get the style, color and fabric you want, but also give you a custom fit that’s good for YOUR body, not the industry “standard”!

The sky is the limit when it comes to designing your own dress, and a good dressmaker will guide you towards flattering shapes and colors and reel you in if your design becomes, well, unbecoming. No matter where you decide to purchase your dress, accessories are always important.


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Accessories

Accessories are the finishing touches. Photo: Nordstrom

Congratulations on finding your gown!

You may have selected your Mother of the Bride dress based on a piece of signature jewelry or a killer pair of shoes, but if you are like most women, you probably went out and bought your dress first. Now you’ve settled on a style, it’s time to spice up your dress with some fabulous accessories!

Accessories tend to be a brick wall for a lot of women. How much is too much? What is appropriate? What “goes”? It can be difficult to narrow down your selections based on the sheer amount of choices out there but with a little help, you can become an Accessory Aficionado too!

http://nordstrom.com/


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ShoesShoes are the hugest stumbling block for women when it comes to occasion dressing. A poorly chosen pair can make a good outfit go horribly wrong. I hear all the time how difficult it is to find decent, stylish Mother of the Bride shoes that will not give you blisters or make your big toe go numb in under a minute of dancing. I agree - it is of utmost importance that the shoes you wear on your daughter’s big day be comfortable enough to support you through hours of standing, greeting, running around, and dancing. However, “comfortable” does NOT have to mean ugly!

Case in point, I saw one unfortunate lady resort to wearing matching bedroom slippers with her gown. Granted, she had a bad back and difficult to fit feet, but whatever her outfit may have looked like, it was eclipsed by her terrible footwear choice. Were there really no other choices out there?

I suggest you start early when shopping for shoes. Ideally, you should start as soon as you pick out a dress. No, NOT because you have to match the color, but rather, so you can choose shoes that are appropriate and fit with the style of gown you have chosen.

I know I’ve said it a million times - a matching shoe and handbag is unnecessary. In fact, they are not only unnecessary, but can be disastrous. Being too monotone will age and date your look (when was the last time pink-on-pink-on-pink was embraced? The 1980’s?), and adds no visual interest to your ensemble. Granted, designers have made HUGE strides in the dyeable shoe field, and I give them tons of credit! They have made leaps and bounds in both the amount and the sheer variety of styles out there. However, I am still not convinced that wearing a dyed-to-match shoe is the best way to complete your outfit.

That being said let me provide you with the real deal on dyeables:

Dyeable color is not water resistant. That means that if your foot sweats, you step in a puddle, or you get a cocktail spilled on you, your foot will turn the color of the dye, and probably leave a splotchy water mark on the shoes!

http://www.fabulousafter40.com/video-how-to-pick-mother-of-the-bride-shoes/

http://www.fabulousafter40.com/video-how-to-pick-mother-of-the-bride-shoes/


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They are designed to “coordinate” with, not match, your dress. You will notice bridal salons being very careful about the verbiage they use when it comes to this. The shoes are satin, and dye can only be one matte color. Therefore, if your dress has any shimmer or undertones to it, you can forget having matching shoes. Unless they are made of EXACTLY the same fabric as the dress, the closest you can come is to have one flat color that will only match in certain lights.

Most are poorly made. For the most part, I have yet to come across a truly well-made, comfortable dyeable shoe. This is nothing against the salons that sell them; it is just the nature of the beast. Designers must contend with using only dyeable materials, and as a result, there may be glue marks or detaching soles that will not hold up after hours of dancing. Since they’re only intended for one use anyway, they tend to not be quality.

What can a Match-aholic do? Let me introduce you to the wonderful world of metallics and neutrals! These color options open up a whole world of opportunity for your feet! A metallic or neutral shoe not only adds dimension and individuality to your look, but it also shows that your fashion sensibilities go beyond that antiquated theory of a perfect match. If choosing between a gold or silver shoe makes you break into a stress-induced sweat, here is a no-fail approach to picking out the right metallic: If you are wearing a warm tone (like orange or brown), stick to golds, nudes, tans, or bronzes.

Sure, they’re cute. But will the color stay put on your sweaty, dancing feet?

These were bought red, not dyed to match, and therefore they won’t run.


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This metallic colored shoe has just the right amount of detail. I love a bronze pump with anything!

If you are wearing a cool color (like blue or purple), silvers and grays will be your friends.

(Notice I did not mention black or white as neutrals. These neutrals are far too harsh, and can be too overt and heavy looking for many special occasion gowns. Only wear these color shoes if you are wearing the same color dress…and I hope you won’t be wearing white!)

Another bonus to wearing neutrals is that they elongate your legs. Think of your leg with a heavy black, chunky-healed shoe on the end. As you can imagine, this brick-like feature weighs your whole body down and cuts the leg off at the ankle, making you appear shorter and stockier. Now, imagine your leg with a nude, pointy-toe pump. The eye will travel down the leg from top to the very tip of your toe, with no visual obstacle to stop it half way. Your leg will appear longer and slimmer, and make your whole outfit

Silver peep toe pumps are great with any cool tone.

Don’t know which metallic to use? Wear a shoe with both silver and gold!

You might want to wear a cocktail length skirt, just to show these puppies off!

A little bling goes a long way.


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This brings us to choosing a shoe style. The Great Debate about wedding shoes has always been between flats and heels. Sure, you’ll be on your feet all day, but will flats really cut it fashion-wise? Here’s the debate. You can decide…

FLATS HEELS

• Comfortable (if they have arch support)• Only good with long dresses (so no one can see your feet)• Very small selection of appropriate, formal looking flats available in stores• Make you look stumpy and frumpy• Can make a plain gown look…duller

• Comfortable (if they are well made and fit correctly)• Good with long and short dresses• Huge variety of shapes, heights, and embellishments• Make you look taller and thinner!• Can make a plain gown look snazzier!

Swap these… …for these!

Booooring… Beautiful!

http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=wwwcafeglamco-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B0016OI6C8&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr


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It’s really no contest. Yes, I bemoan the invention of heels every day, but they really are the best option when it comes to formal attire. Leave the sneakers and the sandals for everyday use. If you just can’t fathom wearing high heels, stick to a princess heel, which is a little lower. You could also try a platform. Believe it or not, your foot is more supported when you wear a platform or wedge. Not only is the wedge easier to balance on, but the ball of your foot will be at less of an angle with your heel. Your foot will be more level and therefore your legs and back more relaxed.

Pointy-toe kitten heels will still elongate the body. Small heel, smart shoe!

Wedges lend the foot more support, and can still be attractive as long as they are dainty like these patent wedges.

A feminine and comfortable choice.

If you are not used to wearing heels on a regular basis, then stay away from stilettos or strappy sandals that cut into your foot at extreme angles. Those styles are ambitious and should only be left to the pros (or the truly masochistic)!


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They may be comfortable, but where is the pizzazz?

Snubbed, boxy, or rounded toes with clunky, blocky heels do nothing to elongate and slim the body.

Too many straps come off as age inappropriate, and pinch your toes!


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These are too clunky and the height is best left to the pros!

Beware of mules – they are difficult to walk and dance in, especially when wearing hose. You tend to slip right out, and it could be dangerous! Ankle straps are also hard to wear, as they cause your feet to teeter way too much.

Still feel unbalanced? Grab some stick-in foot pads or arch supports at your local drugstore. Many are designed to be put into heels and other evening footwear. I cannot stress enough the importance of breaking shoes in either. Do NOT let wedding day be the first time you wear your new shoes! Band-Aids are not attractive accessories, and neither are bare feet. Starting a month before the wedding, make yourself wear your new shoes for at least half an hour a day. Climb stairs in them. Do laundry in them. As goofy as it sounds, walk the dog in them. You’ll be glad you did, and your feet will thank you come the wedding day!

I have also heard of women kicking off formal shoes in favor of a more comfortable option to wear on the dance floor. If you choose to take this route, please keep in mind a few details. First off, if your dress was hemmed while you were wearing heels, the hemline is going to drag on the floor with your flats on. Be careful that no one steps on your dress as to avoid an embarrassing catastrophe.


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These are too clunky and the height is best left to the pros!

Beware of mules – they are difficult to walk and dance in, especially when wearing hose. You tend to slip right out, and it could be dangerous! Ankle straps are also hard to wear, as they cause your feet to teeter way too much.

Still feel unbalanced? Grab some stick-in foot pads or arch supports at your local drugstore. Many are designed to be put into heels and other evening footwear. I cannot stress enough the importance of breaking shoes in either. Do NOT let wedding day be the first time you wear your new shoes! Band-Aids are not attractive accessories, and neither are bare feet. Starting a month before the wedding, make yourself wear your new shoes for at least half an hour a day. Climb stairs in them. Do laundry in them. As goofy as it sounds, walk the dog in them. You’ll be glad you did, and your feet will thank you come the wedding day!

I have also heard of women kicking off formal shoes in favor of a more comfortable option to wear on the dance floor. If you choose to take this route, please keep in mind a few details. First off, if your dress was hemmed while you were wearing heels, the hemline is going to drag on the floor with your flats on. Be careful that no one steps on your dress as to avoid an embarrassing catastrophe.

Also, don’t let me catch you with bedroom slippers on the dance floor! These should most definitely be left – you guessed it – in the bedroom! I’ve heard many women describe themselves as “flip-flop girls.” If you MUST change into flip flops, please do not pick up those horrible rubber ones at the drug store that are designed for college kids who don’t want foot fungus from their dorm showers.

Realize that the camera is still flashing during the reception! Go with a more mature choice, perhaps metallic leather with some embellishment that will complement your gown. And don’t forget the pedicure – your dance partners will appreciate it!

Aren’t these much more sophisticated… …than these?

Another option when you want to kick off those heels for flats is to purchase flats of a similar color and fabric to your wedding shoe, so the change is less noticeable.

Trade this pair… …for this pair when you hit the dance floor.

Another rule of thumb (rule of toe?) is, keep it light! I don’t mean putting your shoes on a scale, but make sure the look of your footwear doesn’t weigh down your entire outfit. You don’t want to look like you’re standing in a cement block or, worse, your mother’s orthopedics.


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Make sure your shoes are feminine, with a thinner sole and a dainty heel that doesn’t inspire a Rambo-esque romp in the jungle. When in doubt, conjure the image of your favourite fashion icon and ask yourself – do your shoes make you want to waltz around a ballroom or walk a red carpet? If the answer is no, you probably have an unflattering shoe.

Clunky = Casual. Keep it light! Still casual, but still sleek and classy. Wear this to a garden or beach wedding in the spring and summer!


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PursesThinking of using your husband’s suit pocket to stash your lipstick? Forget it! Not only does a purse complete an outfit, but you will be glad you have it in the long run. You’ll need to hold all your essential beauty products, tissues for tears, cash for tips, as well as your obligatory cell phone to handle incoming calls from lost family members and outgoing calls to late vendors. Therefore, an attractive purse is necessary for holding all these items you will use throughout the day.

For those of you concerned about whether your purse should match your shoes, refer to the previous shoe chapter. The answer is, no! You don’t need to exactly match your shoes to your purse, but your purse and shoes must “go.” This means that the colors can coordinate or they can have the same blend of neutrals or even the same design elements (both with gold beads, for example). To avoid making them too incompatible, make sure they are similar in formality. You do not want to be carrying a canvas shoulder bag while wearing your silver snakeskin peep toes! As long as the purse and shoes have a similar feel, that’s a step in the right direction.

A purse can really show your sense of style. If you like something funky, really go for it! Just be careful that it doesn’t catch on the material of your dress.

You can never go wrong with a glamorous clutch in a neutral color.


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No, no – these don’t go! Avoid wearing formal shoes with a bag you’d take to the supermarket or the office.

Consider the fabric and feel of your bag compared to your shoe. This clutch is a simple shape in elegant satin.

These shoes are a too dark, heavy and textured to go with this elegant purse.

But these shoes work great!


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SHOES PURSE IDEA

Sure, they’re not the same exact color or pattern… …but this bag and shoe are harmonious. Both have brown and gold tones, and have a vintage feel. Therefore, they “go”!

I always love the combination of a black shoe… ...popped with a rich red handbag if you are wearing a little black dress.

Purple and black in the shoe... …and purple and black in the bag.


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As far as style goes, I’ve seen many evening bags go wrong. Generally, the more formal the event, the smaller and glitzier the bag you’ll want. When you need to jam a lot into your bag, finding an appropriate size is tough! I love clutches, and there are some that have more elongated frames, which increase how much they can hold. Also, small bags that are less structured give you more surface area to shove things into.

Determine how much you are going to need to hold before splurging on one this small!

The longer the bag, the more stuff you can squeeze into the corners.

You can shove a lot into this bag because of the soft fabric, and the sheen still makes it elegant.

However, please resist the temptation to use the little, flimsy rope or chain hidden inside a small bag that allows you to sling it across your shoulder and have it dangle by your hip. These insubstantial little appendages detract from the whole look of the bag and your outfit.

Who cares what lovely dress you are wearing when there is a distracting black string cutting up and down the right side of your body, crinkling up your shoulder? If you must have your hands free, find a table or a ledge to put your purse on, or carry it with your elbow against your side. Remember, everyone at the wedding is friends and family – no one is going to take your possessions. And if they do? You know where they live!!


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I love this metallic python peep toe & silver clutch.

Avoid the itty bitty skinny strap – it’s so distracting! If you have to hold on to your purse all night, go for a more glamorous handle like this. It looks like a bracelet, so no one will mind that it’s adorning your wrist!

Always keep in mind class and sophistication. Don’t wear anything too trendy or young, or it can come off as trashy!


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JewelryVolumes have been written about what jewelry is appropriate to wear with what outfit. Creating the perfect look involves trying lots of accessories on, and jewelry is no exception. Here I’ve boiled it down to a few rules that will serve as a guide while you shop (whether it is in a fine jewelry store, a department store, a flea market, or your own jewelry box).

Stick to One Bold PieceOne piece of jewelry should not compete with another. That being said, focus on one dominant piece, and give the other less important pieces supporting roles. For example, if you have one signature piece like a fancy bracelet, simplify your look by wearing smaller, less ornate necklace and earrings.

When it comes to adding personality to your outfit, this cuff bracelet speaks for itself.

If you go for one bold, signature piece, keep the other accessories less detailed. This eye-catching necklace is best worn with…

….some very small, simple studs or hoops, so they don’t compete as

the focal point.

Let Your Dress Determine Which Pieces to Wear Play up the embellishments in the gown. If your dress has a rhinestone clip, wear rhinestone jewels. Amber colored beads may call for amber stones, silver threading might call for silver scrolling pieces.

The gown you choose should also dictate what pieces to wear as well. If your dress has detail around the neckline, it would not be a good idea to detract from that by wearing a necklace. However, a bracelet sleeve would be perfect to highlight a gorgeous tennis bracelet or a sparkly ring. Keep in mind you want to highlight an aspect of the gown, not detract from it.


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Stick to a ThemeIt can be very difficult to successfully mix metallics, stones, or even eras (modern vs. antique). If you are drawn to one type of decoration, stick to it throughout. Love vintage gold? Classic pearls? Cool costume jewelry? Separately, they can do wonders to your outfit. Combine them, and you’ll look like a mismatched mess!

A piece like this would highlight your long neck if worn with an open collar and an up-do.

Not used to fine jewelry? Find an antique brooch to liven up your neckline or fasten your shawl to your shoulder.

Silver with diamonds (or rhinestones, cubic zirconia, or diamonique) with an art deco style…

...look best when paired with a necklace of similar materials and style.

If you decide to wear colored gemstones… …keep the same color and metal throughout, so they blend.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JK36BG?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwcafeglamco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000JK36BG


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Highlight Your Best FeaturesMuch like letting the dress dictate what to wear, your body can also give you ideas. Chandelier earrings can bring out your sparkling eyes and bring attention to your long neck. A pendant can draw the eye towards beautiful décolletage. Glittering bangles can show off your long thin wrists, while rings emphasize your long fingers and beautifully manicured nails. Whatever your favourite body feature is, play it up!

Classic pearls are a safe choice… Try funkier earrings that have a similar theme! Just don’t be too tempted to go too matchy-matchy.

Using this color near your face will make your blue eyes pop!

Love your long neck? Show just how long it is by wearing chandeliers.

Some women are very proud of their pronounced collar bone. Frame it with some glittering gemstones!

A plunging neckline + a great push-up bra + this teardrop necklace = a glamorous, sexy look.

A cuff bracelet will show off your thin wrists.

Love your fingers and nails? Celebrate them with a swanky cocktail ring.


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Don’t’ “Guild the Lily”I’m sure you’ve heard this term before, and it means “don’t overdo it”! You are already beautiful. Adding too much is just tacky. I often see brides who pile on tiaras, pearl hairpins, three types of veils, chandelier earrings, thick choker necklaces, gloves and bracelets, and basically turn themselves into huge, puffy white meringues floating down the aisle. Take your cue from this tackiest of bridal mishaps. If you feel over-accessorized, remove one piece of jewelry. That usually does it!


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Undergarments and HosieryJust like a house, an outfit can fall apart without the right foundation! I cannot underscore enough the benefits of good shapewear and a great bra. As we get older, our bodies change. There are lumps and bumps that have never existed before. Gravity starts to take effect, and our shapes morph. Unfortunately, we can’t reverse nature, but thanks to modern technology, we can at least fake it! Let’s start with the bra.

Well- fitting undergarments enhance your shape and make your dress fit perfectly. Photo: Alison Conklin

If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a hundred times. GET A GOOD FITTING BRA! Your chest isn’t what it used to be, and whether you’re a 32A or a 46F, you need to find what works for you. Get a professional bra fitting at your local undergarment retailer, where a pro will tell you not only your correct cup size and circumference, but also what style will lend the most support and contour. The reasons to do this are endless; having the girls up and controlled and in the right place (halfway between your shoulder and the elbow) makes you look slimmer, make clothes fit better, and gives you better posture!

One style you have to be careful with is the strapless dress. I don’t advise them if you are big busted or heavy and even if you are flat-chested and slim, this style can be disastrous. To look right, strapless dresses have to fit snugly at the top so they don’t slip down. Sometimes this snugness can create those flabby chicken wings – bulges of skin where your armpits meet your chest and that’s not attractive.

http://www.conklinphotography.com/


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With a strapless gown you must wear a strapless bra. The problem is no matter how well those things fit, they never seem to hold you in or support you the way a bra with straps does. You’ll be stuck hiking up your top throughout the night. If you are planning on dancing at all, forget this option! Your photographer and videographer will capture every bump, grind, and bounce...god forbid they catch you in a moment of bra-slippage!

One of the most important but often overlooked garments is shapewear. Shapewear is the secret weapon used by celebrities on and off the red carpet to make them look like they have perfect bodies. Shapers nip and tuck, suck in guts, uplift butts, and hide a world of sin. Control top panties, girdles, control slips, Spanx and other shapers can go so far as making you look five pounds lighter. They smooth out lumps under dresses and tighten your waist. Shapewear can firm and contour your whole body!

Cass and Company

Be careful, though. Before you get excited and start dreaming about squeezing into a dress one or two sizes smaller than you’d normally wear, know that shapewear garments are not miracle workers. A good shaper will not make you drop two dress sizes. You will need to wear the same size dress you have always worn, but the shapewear will make your body look much slimmer and fitter.

http://www.cassandco.com/


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With a strapless gown you must wear a strapless bra. The problem is no matter how well those things fit, they never seem to hold you in or support you the way a bra with straps does. You’ll be stuck hiking up your top throughout the night. If you are planning on dancing at all, forget this option! Your photographer and videographer will capture every bump, grind, and bounce...god forbid they catch you in a moment of bra-slippage!

One of the most important but often overlooked garments is shapewear. Shapewear is the secret weapon used by celebrities on and off the red carpet to make them look like they have perfect bodies. Shapers nip and tuck, suck in guts, uplift butts, and hide a world of sin. Control top panties, girdles, control slips, Spanx and other shapers can go so far as making you look five pounds lighter. They smooth out lumps under dresses and tighten your waist. Shapewear can firm and contour your whole body!

Cass and Company

Be careful, though. Before you get excited and start dreaming about squeezing into a dress one or two sizes smaller than you’d normally wear, know that shapewear garments are not miracle workers. A good shaper will not make you drop two dress sizes. You will need to wear the same size dress you have always worn, but the shapewear will make your body look much slimmer and fitter.

Be sure to bring your gown with you when you go shopping for shapewear. Some styles have seams that show through thinner materials, or they push fat up or down into areas that will be visible with your dress on. You also want to make sure that you are comfortable; you still want to be able to eat and breathe and not worry about being suffocated or overheated in a pound of spandex and lycra!

I only have one rule for hosiery: When in doubt, go NUDE! When I say nude I mean wearing sheer hose that are the same color (or one shade darker) than your legs. Twenty years ago, it used to be that black stockings were the height of elegance at evening events, and white were always acceptable for the day. WRONG! Nude stockings are now generally acknowledged to be the one tried and true, modern, never-fail option that goes with everything. If you are still feeling like nude is too informal, go for a sheer stocking with some shimmer to it. These will make you feel more covered and adds some glamour to your gams.


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Make-up and HairThe last step to making you feel like the Queen on your daughter’s big day is making sure you have the proper hair and makeup to complement that perfect outfit. These photos are going to last forever, and you want your great-grandchildren to look back on them with pride, not laugh at your dated look.

Make-up artist Beke Beau with a bride photo: Sofia Negron

I spoke to Béke Beau, renowned makeup artist in Philadelphia and New York who specializes in make-up for brides and their wedding parties, to get her take on what moms should be sporting on their face on the big day. Of course, she recommends putting yourself in the capable hands of a professional. “The best way to ensure that your make-up will last throughout the event, which promises to be a long (but happy) day, is to enlist the services of a professional make-up artist,” Béke says.

“Very often the bride will hire one, but I’ve heard many say that their mother ‘insists’ on doing her own make-up. Those are the same mothers who look frazzled on the day of the wedding, gazing wistfully at the beautiful bride and wishing she’d been smart enough to have makeup professionally applied.”

On the day, make sure you are first in line to get that face made up because you need to be free to oversee everything else going on. You will be needed to help with last minute details, and it is not the time to be sitting in a makeup artist’s chair!

If you are squeamish about trusting someone else with the face you’ve lived with and made-up your whole life, schedule a trial run a few weeks before the wedding. At least you can satisfy the urge to see what can be done before you attempt it yourself.

For those do-it-yourselfers, or those on a budget, Béke has some great

http://sofianegron.com/


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Make-up and HairThe last step to making you feel like the Queen on your daughter’s big day is making sure you have the proper hair and makeup to complement that perfect outfit. These photos are going to last forever, and you want your great-grandchildren to look back on them with pride, not laugh at your dated look.

Make-up artist Beke Beau with a bride photo: Sofia Negron

I spoke to Béke Beau, renowned makeup artist in Philadelphia and New York who specializes in make-up for brides and their wedding parties, to get her take on what moms should be sporting on their face on the big day. Of course, she recommends putting yourself in the capable hands of a professional. “The best way to ensure that your make-up will last throughout the event, which promises to be a long (but happy) day, is to enlist the services of a professional make-up artist,” Béke says.

“Very often the bride will hire one, but I’ve heard many say that their mother ‘insists’ on doing her own make-up. Those are the same mothers who look frazzled on the day of the wedding, gazing wistfully at the beautiful bride and wishing she’d been smart enough to have makeup professionally applied.”

On the day, make sure you are first in line to get that face made up because you need to be free to oversee everything else going on. You will be needed to help with last minute details, and it is not the time to be sitting in a makeup artist’s chair!

If you are squeamish about trusting someone else with the face you’ve lived with and made-up your whole life, schedule a trial run a few weeks before the wedding. At least you can satisfy the urge to see what can be done before you attempt it yourself.

For those do-it-yourselfers, or those on a budget, Béke has some great

“Make sure to schedule some time (30 minutes) just for yourself, when you can relax and concentrate on you and your make-up. Make this a non-negotiable instead of last minute, and you’ll have more fun and feel better about how you look.” What to do in that calming half an hour? The following are Béke’s steps to the picture-perfect, wedding-ready face:

Foundation Foundation (or tinted moisturizer) should be applied over well-hydrated skin. To find the best match, test color on your clean jaw line – it should blend in perfectly. Conceal only where needed (inner corner of under-eye, blemishes, age spots, or redness) and set foundation and concealer with a light translucent powder used sparingly. Only the very dry-skinned can skip this step, but be careful not to overdo it.

EyebrowsBrows are the most important feature on the face, and beautifully shaped brows can act like a “mini-lift.” To make sure that the brows look their best on the day of the wedding (and beyond), the Mother of the Bride should enlist the aid of a professional. Some women have very sparse eyebrows due to age or years of over-plucking; these can be filled in using a powder or pencil brow color. Most can use a light to medium ash color, avoiding products with red undertones unless the hair is red. Graying, unruly brows can be concealed and tamed very nicely with a tinted brow gel or they can be dyed by a colorist.

Eye Shadow On your eyes, plan on using a blend of mostly matte, neutral shadows. Taupes, browns and grays in warm or cool tones, depending on your eye and hair color, are the best applied over an eye shadow primer that has been set with translucent powder. No wild shades or colors that match your dress – the eye should be neutral enough to go with everything.

EyelinerLine eyes softly with a classic eyeliner color like deep gray, dark brown, or something a bit dressier like navy or deep purple, especially if you have brown or hazel eyes. If you use a pencil or cream liner, set with a similarly shaded eye shadow, to ensure that it lasts all night. You are allowed a touch of shimmer just under the brow bone, but make sure it’s not overly light or frosty. (We’ve seen camera flashes reflect off shimmer in pictures, and make it look like you’re wearing white eye shadow.) Waterproof or water resistant mascara is a must, since tears are likely.


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BlushYour blush and lipstick should coordinate with, rather than match, your dress, and be flattering to your skin tone. Your make-up color options will be broader if you’re wearing a dark neutral, such as black, brown or navy, and much narrower if your dress is a light neutral, such as beige or gray, because of the lack of overall contrast with your skin.

A cream blush is a better option for maturing skin, and can be topped with a complimentary powder shade to help it last. Go for a clear soft pink or coral with minimal shimmer, if any, and apply to the apples of the cheeks.

LipstickLips should be vibrant enough to be pretty and dressy but not too dark or bright, and avoid flat, muddy colors that might wash you out. A neutral lip liner will work with most lip colors, enhance a thin lip, and keep the lipstick from bleeding – just make sure to blend well so that the line isn’t visible. A touch of gloss over the lip color looks glamorous and adds volume.

BronzerA sweep of sheer powder bronzer (using a fan brush) in the hollows of the cheeks, temples and just under the chin to frame the face but be careful: too much will look obvious and muddy.

Photo: Faith West, make-up: Béke Beau

Best ProductsAs far as products go, there are definitely winners and losers out there, especially for mature and aging skin. To prepare the face, Béke uses Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrate (a make-up artist favourite, available online) or a light primer like Korres Quercetin & Oak Age-reversing Primer. Good foundations for maturing skin include MAC Face & Body Foundation and Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF 15.


http://www.faithwest.com/


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The eyes get treated to MAC or Make-up Forever eye shadows while the eyebrows are defined with Anastasia of Beverly Hills brow color (powder duos or pencils). She recommends Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge – a cream blush that can also be used on lips - and NARS powder blushes for that youthful rosy glow, and Clinique or Jane Iredale products for the lips.

Finally, Chanel Glossimer glosses top it all off, giving you an irresistible pout. Don’t forget to invest in a good set of brushes to really give you that professional quality; Béke doesn’t go anywhere without her Smashbox brush set!

Final Word -Don’t Overdo It!Without great advice like this, we’ve seen makeup go awry on wedding day. Béke urges moms not to overdo it. Just because this is a special event does not mean it calls for layers and layers of color! “Some mothers-of-the-bride can end up looking hard because of too much make-up and hairspray,” says Béke. “Garish make-up, overdone hair (also known as ‘helmet head’) can be so aging. A good rule of thumb to go by is, the more elaborate the clothing, the less elaborate the hair and make-up should be.”

In other words, less is more!


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Mother of the Bride – Questions to Ask YourselfHopefully by this point you’ve picked out a complete outfit in which you look stunning, feel beautiful, and project lots of confidence. If not, something definitely went wrong! Here are some common mom crimes and the questions you need to ask yourself before you commit them.

1. Do I Look Like I’m Trying to Relive My Youth?If you shopped in the junior department for your bedazzled gown, then you probably have the wrong dress. Women in their 40s and 50s who attempt to wear clothing designed for teenagers come off looking trashy and out of touch. In the U.K., they call women who try to hide their age by dressing young “mutton dressed as lamb.” Be age appropriate, Prom-wannabes need not apply!

2. Do I Look Like an Old Lady?On the flip side, could a woman much older than you get away with the outfit you have chosen? Unless Grandma is a cool, hip older woman who passed down her impeccable sense of style to you, don’t commit to anything that is boxy and shapeless that resembles the attire of an old lady. You will look like a frump!

Grandma?


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3. Am I Stealing My Daughter’s Thunder?If you are wearing a lacy white gown with a train, or accessorizing to the hilt, or showing way too much skin or cleavage, or you look like you belong in a pageant, or are dressed far too formally for the occasion, you just might come across as a scene-stealer!

Remember, you’re not the bride!

4. Am I Blending Into the Background?Look at yourself in your outfit objectively. Can you see your curves? Does the color bring your best features out? Are you comfortable and confident? Don’t be a wallflower or disappear from view on this important day. Your daughter needs you to be present, and your guests will appreciate your enigmatic personality that you display through your clothes. Take a step out of your comfort zone – I promise you’ll reap the benefits!

No one will know you exist in an outfit like this!


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Wedding Day Bliss

Take a deep breath and absorb all the joy of the day, mom. No matter what you wear, just being there for your child is going to add beautiful memories to their wedding day. With a smile on your face and your loved ones by your side, you can pull off anything. You look Beautiful, Mom!

Congratulations and enjoy it – it’s your day too! Cheers,

Deborah Boland

Photo: Philip Gabriel Photography, make-up: Béke Beau

Congratulations! The perfect outfit is purchased, the accessories are in place, the time is nigh. The whirlwind of events is drawing to a close, and pretty soon the only item on your list will be to have fun, and to not smear your makeup shedding a tear as the happy couple says their vows. Hopefully, before all the planning comes to a head, you will have put forth the effort to really focus

photo:Tylerboye.com, make-up: make-up: Béke Beau

Photo: Sarah DiCicco, make-up: Béke Beau

http://www.fabulousafter40.com/


http://tylerboye.com/


http://sarahdicicco.com/


http://philipgabriel.com/


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Wedding Day Bliss

Hello Mother of the Bride!I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this book and that I’ve given you lots of ideas and inspiration to look your very best on your daughter’s big day.

I have linked the dresses shown in this ebook to the online stores where you can purchase them. However, please note: dresses do come and go out of the stores. If you are having trouble finding one of the dresses shown I suggest you contact the store/designer directly and they can help you find your dress or something very similar. Thank You to all the stores/designers who participated below.

Mother of the Bride DressesDavid’s Bridal www.davidsbridal.com

Watters: http://watters.com/Collection/Collection20/

Nordstrom: http://nordstrom.com

Nilah: http://www.nilah.com

Bridal Make-UpBéke Beau http://www.bekebeau.com

PhotographersSarah DiCicco: http://www.sarahdicicco.com

Tracey Williams: http://www.thwphtography.com

Faith West: http://www.faithwest.com

Shari D’Angelo: http//www.sharideangelo.com

Kate Callahan: http://www.katecallahancphotography.com

D’Mont Reese: http://www.dreesephotography.com

Joe Craig: http://ww.joecraigphotography.com

Kevin York: http://www.kyorkphoto.com

Campliphoto Photography: http://www.campliphoto.com

http://www.campliphoto.com/

http://www.kyorkphoto.com/

http://ww.joecraigphotography.com/

http://www.dreesephotography.com/

http://www.katecallahancphotography.com/

http://www.sharideangelo.com/

http://www.faithwest.com/

http://www.thwphtography.com/

http://www.sarahdicicco.com/


http://www.nilah.com/

http://nordstrom.com/



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Marie Labbancz: http://www.artoflove.com

John Dolorres: http//www.johndolores.com

Gabe Fredericks: http://www.philipgabriel.com

Asya Photography: http://www.asyaphotography.com

Alison Conklin: http://www.alisonconklin.com

Shea Rogggio: http://www.shearoggio.com

Tyler Boye: http://www.tylerboye.com

Joy Moody: http://www.joymoody.com

Laura Novak: http://www.novakphotography.com

Sofia Negron: http://www.sofianegron.com

Mike Kehr: http://mkphoto.com

Amber Shader: http://ambershaderphotography.com

Karin Laffend: http://sidneystudios.com

Other Special Thanks:Amazon

Zappos

Nordstrom

Bloomingdales

ShoeBuy

Shutterstock

http://www.fabulousafter40.com/

http://www.shuterstock.com/

http://www.shoebuy.com/

http://www.bloomingdales.com/?&cm_mmc=Dotomi-_-default-_-at_120x600-_-freeship

http://shop.nordstrom.com/?cm_ven=Linkshare&cm_cat=partner&cm_pla=4&cm_ite=10004094&siteId=x0SwrQ4HK5I-MCiwnILUjCd5jtWia.dhgQ

http://www.zappos.com/bin/zapposset?src=cj&ref=comjun


http://sidneystudios.com/

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http://www.asyaphotography.com/

http://www.philipgabriel.com/

http://www.johndolores.com/

http://www.artoflove.com/

color me fabulous€¦ · web viewmaybe someone was thinking about baby showers and not weddings...

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