Posted by
The thought of our batik and blue jeans-loving artist mother donning a demure taffeta sheath and bolero for the wedding strikes us all (but most of all my mom) as a little silly, but she'd still like to wear something festive that reflects her special relationship to the bride and groom.
She's stuck, my sister's stuck, I'm stuck. We'd love some offbeat ideas for the mother of the bride! -Megan
I consulted with my own mom about this one since she too is not the sheath and bolero type. She's a cool chick and totally understands how to look fashionable, non-frumpy, and age appropriate all at the same time.
Your mom should wear something that not only looks and feels good, but that expresses her style (and potentially the style of the wedding!). Here are some suggestions for the Offbeat Bride and Groom's moms out there. (Note: most of these come in plus sizes too!)
Click the photos to see where to buy!
How about this taupe and lime color-blocking with all those pleats from Jessica Simpson? Adorable.
Destination wedding in Hawaii? Color-loving mom? This might be her dream dress. IGIGI, an awesome plus-size shop, brings you “Rainforest Paradise” maxi.
This empire-waisted, swing skirted dress from Roaman's has a little bit of a retro vibe.
Kiyonna is such an amazing brand for plus-sized women. They really understand how to work the curves. This dress is all scallop, lace, and just the right amount of stretch. It also comes in classic black.
This crochet-style casual dress from Roaman's would be perfect for an outdoor or barbecue wedding. Or, you know, in my closet! It comes in five colors and plus size too.
[related-post align=”center”]
So, what is your (or your partner's) mom planning to wear? Let us know in the comments.
Offbeat Bride Vendor
This page features vendors from our curated Offbeat Bride Wedding Vendor Directory. They're awesome and we love them. If you're a vendor let's get you in here!
About the Author: Catherine Clark
Catherine Clark loiters at her local library, makes art, watches movies en masse, plays video and tabletop games, poorly cooks healthy things, cuddles with her feline fur babies, and blogs at BijouxandBits.com.
For my sister’s wedding, our mom had a beautiful royal blue dress, long and spaghetti strapped, in a nice material.
The suggestion about Jones New York is a good one–I have a nice dress by them that I got at Ross for a great discount!
The description of Megan’s mother’s style gave me the best brain-bolt of all time: jeans-jacket bolero! Why isn’t this a fashion staple? 🙂
I must say, my mom wore a smoking hot red little number to my sister’s wedding and she looked fabulous! I expect nothing less for my wedding too! 😉 It fit her personality so well, but wasn’t like a micro or anything, just above the knee but tight fitting and strapless.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/alex-evenings-portrait-collar-mesh-dress/3093951
The Alex Evenings dress (the gorgeous charcoal 5th dress) link was broke. Heres one that should work.
I’m pretty sure my mom is going to be wearing a tuxedo-inspired pant-suit to my wedding — she has a shawl-collared silk vest, a tuxedo shirt, and lots of dangly tangly necklaces all lined up! The YSL ad from the 70s shows the look: http://cs1.fashionising.com/media/2012-fashion/lesmoking_ysl.jpg
Want! 😀 Your mom’s going to look great!
I stumbled upon your great site as an offbeat bridesmaid.
Those are some fun suggestions, but what would you recommend for the MOB who looks more like she’s borne three children and less like a supermodel? Plus-sized mammas want awesome duds too.
I think this would make a great pinterest drive! My mom wants something dressy, but she doesn’t want to “outshine” (her words) the bride, which I think she finds difficult since I’m wearing a plain tea-length blue dress. I’d love to see what other MOBs are wearing.
I would really love to know where I can purchase the second last dress it is gorgeous, I clicked the link & it took me to amazon.com but it said the page was not available, would you know the designer/shop etc? plllleeeassse 🙂
It was originally from Avenue, but it looks like it’s not available anymore. But here’s the current stock in case you find something similar that you like.
My mother, my sister, and I will all be wearing bridesmaid dresses to my wedding. My sister and I went with Bill Levkoff Chiffon dresses (mine’s white and strapless, hers is wine colored and has straps, but they have a matching twist on the front.) My mother found an Alfred Angelo hi-lo with an illusion neckline that she loved – and the “mahogany” Alfred Angelo matches the “wine” Bill Levkoff so closely you wouldn’t know they were from different designers. The shop where I bought my dress gave them discounts as well, I just had to list mom as one of my ‘maids. Close enough ^_^
I expect my mum and dad to trun up on there motorbike…..wich means jeans and shirts and bike jackets it wouldn’t be them if they didn’t do that ?