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Shopping tips for the mother-of-the-bride: Look gorgeous and not matronly

It is your daughter’s wedding day, and you have to find a dress to wear. Let’s face it! This is a difficult task.

After your daughter, you are the next person who will be scrutinized by the wedding guests on this big day, and you do not want to disappoint.

Just because your little girl is getting married, it doesn’t mean you should restrict your dress choices to ones that are matronly, and a safe choice. This is your chance to shine too, and a well-dressed mother will be appreciated.

So, here are some tips to help you find a dress that will allow you to look glamorous, and be a perfect reflection of the woman you are.

Forget safe choices

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As they age, women are usually uncomfortable flaunting their figure, even though they may look better than they did when they were getting married themselves. The so-called age-appropriate dress choices are often boring and without personality. Don’t make this mistake when you choose your mother-of-the-bride dress.

When you look at dresses, choose a flattering silhouette, and a pretty design that matches your personality. Go for a color that isn’t blah! You don’t need to expose skin to look glamorous, a dress that fits well, and enhances your best features can do this for you. You don’t want to upstage your daughter at her wedding, but make sure you don’t disappoint either. For once, choose a design that isn’t your signature style, and you will feel fabulous everytime you hear a flattering comment.

Don’t be afraid of experimenting with the latest trends

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If there are mother-of-the-bride dresses that incorporate the latest fashion trends such as ruffles, asymmetrical pleats, off-the-shoulder necklines and embellishments, its because they are what women of today love. So, don’t think the latest trends are not worth your attention. You have nothing to lose by trying it on and checking whether it suits you. If the dress reflects your spirit, take it; if it is a little too girlish for your choice, leave it.

Sometimes, a dress in an unusual shade may have a stunning effect, so keep your mind open and you may find a fantastic choice. To know your options, make sure you check with your daughter on which colors would go with the wedding color palette. Once you know your options, you can make a good choice.

Customize to suit your taste

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If you love a sexy, stylish gown, but are worried of whether you may later think it is inappropriate or regret it, consider having sheer sleeves added, or pair it with a matching wrap or mock bolero, and you can have the best of both worlds. Also, when choosing a dress, pay attention to whether it covers or camouflages problem areas. This will allow you to feel more confident when wearing it. Consider using good shapewear that will support your figure, and you will immediately feel the difference.

Accessorize with a matching stole or scarf, and attractive jewelry, and make the effort to look fantastic on your daughter’s special day. Don’t forget to add a matching pair of comfortable, but elegant shoes to complete your look.

Check out our mother-of-the-bride collection at Best for Bride. You are certain to find a dress that is totally You!

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Unlock Savings: Smart Tips to Cut Costs on Wedding Dress Alterations!

It is very unlikely that you will find a wedding dress that fits you perfectly. Any dress you buy off-the-rack will require minimum alterations, so it is just right for you. Hence, it is necessary that you set aside a part of your wedding dress budget to account for alteration costs.

The amount you will have to pay for altering your dress depends on the extent of work that has to be done. So, the less work your dress requires, the lesser you will have to pay to get it done.

Keep this factor in mind.

Let us now look at how you can minimize your wedding dress alteration costs, by first choosing your dress properly.

Choose a size that is closest to your actual measurements

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When the dress size is accurately chosen, it will require minimum work to fit perfectly. When you choose a dress that is much bigger, remember that the measurements will be bigger not just for the sides, but for the neckline, the shoulders and the bust. So, just taking the sides in will not do. You should ideally choose one that is no more than one or two sizes bigger, so altering it won’t be too difficult.

Simpler gowns are easier to alter

The more embellishments the gown has, the more difficult it will be to replicate the look when it is altered. So, you will have to pay for the effort that goes in. A gown that has less detailing, or doesn’t need much work around the embellishments, can save you some money.

Also remember that the more fabric a gown involves, the more work it will correspond to. So, it is only logical that a ball gown skirt will cost more than an A-line skirt when being altered.

Customizing is costly

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If you are certain that you want your wedding dress to sport a certain neckline or have sleeves, it is better to look at gowns that already have this feature, than choosing another and having it customized with this factor. Transforming a gown to look different is expensive, and it may sometimes end up losing its original charm in the process.

Look for versatile features

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A gown with a corset-back usually requires little to no changes in the bodice to fit you, when chosen in the right size. Where the skirt is concerned, it will be easier to shorten a wedding gown that doesn’t have too many details at the hemline, as it can be cut to the right length without worrying about losing any details. If you choose a longer gown with an embellished hemline, it will have to be shortened by taking fabric out at the waist, and this takes more effort and time.

On a final note, remember that wedding dresses are complex garments, and not everyone may be able to work on it. In your attempt to save money, don’t make the mistake of entrusting the job to someone who isn’t familiar with wedding gowns. Keep the above points in mind when buying your wedding dress and have the alterations done by a professional seamstress, so your wedding gown will look just right for your big day.

For more wedding tips and advice, visit us on Best for Bride.