David's Bridal

The Perfect Mother-of-the-Bride Dress

By Carmen Ordonez

You probably pictured your daughter’s wedding dress since she broke the news that she was engaged. But now it’s time to pick your own dress and you might be feeling at a loss. Sure it’s your daughter’s big day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still look fabulous yourself. Gone are the days of frumpy Mother-of-the-Bride dresses, here are some tips and dresses to help you look stylish on the big day.

Don’t wait until the last minute to start looking for your dress. Give yourself at least three to four months in case your dress needs to be altered. Also keep in mind the location of the wedding.  If it’s an outdoor wedding, look for easy breezy styles made out of breathable fabrics. This long jersey dress from David’s Bridal is the perfect choice. The fabric will allow you to move comfortably, and you’ll definitely make a statement when you leave the room with this open back detail. It’s absolutely stunning and a steal for only $119.

Peplums made their way into the fashion scene last year and they’re not going away anytime soon. This peplum dress manages to combine both style and sophistication in one piece. The knee length skirt makes it age appropriate, while the all-over lace adds a nice chic touch. This particular silhouette is also great for those with a straight shape, since the peplum flare gives the illusion of an hourglass figure.

This Cross Over Bodice Gown from David’s Bridal is elegance at its best. It’s ideal for a formal black-tie affair. The rushing detail in the waist highlights the shape, while the ¾ sleeves gives just the right amount of coverage.

This short satin dress is a perfect Mother-of-the-Bride dress. The royal blue goes great with almost any skin tone and the satin jacket provides coverage for those chilly spring nights. It can also be removed, for a dress that can easily be worn time and time again.

Dan Rentillo, David’s Bridal Design Director
As the mother of the bride or groom, the outfit selection for your son or daughter’s nuptials is important. Over the past few years, mother of the bride and groom dress designers have embraced new fashion trends to offer even more options for the big day.

When selecting your dress, it’s important to choose a color that complements the bridal party. No matter what color scheme your daughter or future daughter has chosen for her bridesmaids, there are a variety of options that will coordinate beautifully with the rest of the bridal party.

Whether the wedding is casual or formal, modern or traditional, David’s Bridal offers styles and silhouettes for everyone.

For a formal or black-tie affair, a floor length dress is the most appropriate style. This iridescent taffeta ball gown with beautiful beaded detailing along the sweetheart neckline is a stunning and sophisticated option. The coordinating wrap is perfect for the ceremony and for those who want more coverage throughout the whole event.

For a more semi-formal evening or afternoon event, most styles and silhouettes will work well. This one shoulder 3D floral detail is an on-trend option perfect for any type of affair. The flowing chiffon fabric creates a chic and slimming silhouette while the berry color surely makes for a dramatic entrance!

For a more informal event or an outdoor wedding, choose a knee length dress made from comfortable fabrics that breathe well. Shorter silhouettes have become the new trend and can take you from day to evening in style.

This stylish and chic short chiffon tiered dress is perfect for an event like this and has plenty of wear-again potential. The tiered skirt and flattering V-neck bodice creates a slimming effect while the flutter sleeves give this dress a romantic and feminine feel.

And remember: accessories can make an outfit. A fabulous pair of heels and a great evening bag are “must-haves” to finish off your look.

Regardless of what you wear, the most important thing is to find a style makes you feel confident and beautiful.

Congratulations and Happy Dress Shopping!

Dan Rentillo, David’s Bridal Design Director

Season to season, brides seek out the latest trends for themselves and their bridal party with the hopes of making their day extra perfect and uber stylish. Each season our design team at David’s Bridal unveils styles that can be tailored to every bride’s unique vision. Our luxurious Spring 2011 collection is no exception, truly complementing both the bride and her bridal party’s personal styles, body types and budgets.

Here are a few of my current favorite spring looks based on two of the must-have trends of the season – feminine detailing and fanciful fabrics:

• The Blossoming Bride: This season, bridal silhouettes range from sleek, sexy flowing styles to dramatic, jaw dropping voluminous ball gowns. A major trend is gorgeous details including three-dimensional flowers, modern laces and ruffles. This Galina Signature strapless taffeta ball gown is a glamorous example of what’s on trend. With a form-fitting bodice and dropped waist, the gown also features cascading floral appliqués, shaping the breathtaking skirt. Brides can personalize her look with dramatic crystal jewelry, long white gloves and/or a floral headpiece.

• Fashion-Forward Bridesmaids: This spring, brides and her bridesmaids will love the fashion-forward, feminine wear-again bridal party styles. Playful, girly prints and bright colors are key and this David’s Bridal strapless charmeuse dress is a perfect example of this trend. The slim skirt and ruched waist creates a silhouette that is both flattering and versatile for the entire bridal party. Brides can even add some flair to their party by mixing this print with solid dresses in the same color – Horizon.

• Delicate Flower Girls: New Flower girl styles featuring ruffled skirts and three-dimensional flowers mirror the feminine bridal and bridesmaid designed dresses. This David’s Bridal angelic full-length ball gown includes a charming floral detail on the shoulder. Plus, the pop of color in the sash (a key trend for flower girls) gives the bride an easy way to seamlessly incorporate the flower girl with the rest of the bridal party.

• Modern Mother of the Bride or Groom: It’s all in the details for Mothers of the Bride and Groom with modern designs reigning supreme. Figure-flattering ruching, sleek off-the shoulder necklines and multi-tiered skirts, finished with shimmer and shine in metallic soft chiffons and taffetas, truly let mom sparkle on this special day. This stunning off-the-shoulder style showcases what’s on trend at the moment. Finished with a center broach, the stretch taffeta fabric is comfortable, flattering and chic.

Happy Shopping to you and your bridal party!

Seasonal trends have always played a huge part in the world of bridal party fashion. For example, if you’re planning a winter wedding you’ll want a hint of luxury and drama to match the outdoor landscape. A wedding during this season might simply mean there is a crisp chill in the air, or you could have the beautiful backdrop of wintry white snow. Either way, consider a new palette of rich bridal party colors, heavier fabric choices, and textures galore. Weather appropriate attire is a must for your bridal party and guests, and luckily, David’s Bridal won’t leave you out in the cold, so to speak.

For all our Mothers-of-the-Brides out there, a winter wedding offers some serious wardrobe advantages that you might not have considered. Learn how to embrace the cold and feel ultra confident with these totally hot mother of the bride dress styles:

1. ‘Tis the Season for Texture
When it comes to winter dresses, you’ll feel naturally inclined to choose a thicker fabric to ward off that wintry chill, but don’t be too quick to dismiss a mother of the bride dress that features tiered layers of beautiful, yet thin fabric. This will add warmth without adding thickness to your figure. Our fave? This shimmering cap sleeve short tier mother of the bride dress in this metallic champagne color (Style 081840190). Use a sash to cinch your waist to keep fabrics from looking too chunky and to help coordinate with your daughter’s wedding colors.

Faux fur is one of the best textures for winter, and its rich and sumptuous qualities will make you feel like the most beautiful mother of the bride (or mother of the groom). This fabric screams luxury and warmth and will make you feel at ease on your daughter’s wedding day. Accent your dress or two piece ensemble by adding a touch of texture with our faux fur stole wrap.

2. Free Weights Not Necessary
If you’re like most moms, a stroll down the aisles of your local supermarket has probably substituted as your cardio routine for many years now, making special occasion shopping a tad intimidating. Not to fear, my dear. Choosing a flattering matching jacket to pair with your mother of the bride dress offers a triple treat, smoothing the sides of your torso with its structured shape, covering the upper arm, and of course, keeping you warm as your daughter says, “I Do”. Among our list of favorites for mom is jacket and dress set Style EJOM8537.

3. Purple is the New Black – And It’s Still Ultra Flattering
Winter is a wonderful time for rich colors and patterns. Deep colors such as eggplants and plums, like that of this chiffon tiered one-shoulder mother of the bride dress (Style 6170340), are a great option for a moms of all ages. This color will perfectly contrast with your daughter’s white or ivory wedding dress, and its warm undertones will compliment a lighter, winter skin tone without washing you out. Complete the look with a neutral or metallic special occasion clutch like HBKNOX to hold all the essentials.

Alternatively, if you prefer to opt for something less dramatic, metallic hues couldn’t be more in style and offer that hint of sheen and shine that won’t let anyone forget it’s a special day for you, too! Our top picks include this trend-setting, one-shoulder suede charmeuse side-drape mother of the bride dress (Style 48770D) in glamorous gold.

With these 3 tips as food for thought, you’re well on your way to finding a fresh and fabulous mother of the bride dress for your daughter’s winter wedding!

Dan Rentillo, David’s Bridal Design Director

Every Mom wants to look fabulous on her child’s wedding day and this season’s beautiful designs makes shopping easier than ever. Here are a few of our favorite dresses to keep Mom stylish, sophisticated and comfortable!

All about Lace
With its knit bodice and slim beaded lace skirt, this luxe dress is a chic option for Mom’s walk down the aisle. The sophisticated portrait collar shows off her fabulous neckline and she can easily accessorize her look with a great pair of heels to dance the night away. Plus, this timeless design can definitely be worn again for future special occasions!

Two-piece Flattery
Looking to cover up those shoulders? If so, this style is perfect for Mom! The short sleeve top features an on-trend, ruffle neckline and jeweled buttons, while the slimming trumpet skirt creates curves in all the right places.

Comfortable yet Chic Pants
Not exactly sure if Mom wants to go with a long or short dress? Why not opt for pants? This season, there are plenty of elegant options. These chiffon pants are ultra comfortable, yet fashionable. Plus, the ¾ length brocade jacket provides plenty of coverage and the ribbon adds a little flavor.

So, remember Moms, it’s important to feel comfortable and once that’s mastered, everything else will fall into place. From short to long dresses and everything in between, there are so many gorgeous options to choose from for this special day!