You’re Wearing What? Helping Mom (In-Law) Choose The Perfect Dress

by Mia Bolaris-Forget (Staff Writer)

So, now that you’ve picked out your dress and maybe even the attire for your gals or your entire bridal party, it’s time to accompany mom and help her pick out her dress.

You’re confident that this will be a fun bonding experience and in most cases you’re certain that mom will “do you justice” and pick something that’s flattering and in good taste, after all, she’s the one you got your great taste from.

On the other hand, his side of the family, particularly mom may not share the same eclectic taste(s) and you may find yourself fearing the worst.

Still, “dictating” what she should wear (and questioning her style) could be as “ugly” as letting her pick something out on her own.

Besides, if you (the bride) can select the attire for you bridal party, why shouldn’t you have a say in the attire of some of your other prominent and visible “guests”?

Well, actually, there’s nothing to suggest that you can’t, except for good judgment and not wanting to insult or offend your future in-laws. Remember, choosing your bridesmaids’ gowns is a custom, choosing your mother-in-law's gown is NOT.

With that said, you may not want to take a chance that she’ll show up wearing something too casual, too formal, or something that may be too revealing or ostentatious.

According to experts and professionals the best way to have a say, without saying anything accusatory or offensive, is to invite your future mother-in-law to go shopping with you and mom, or to set up a day where the two of you can go alone.

Remember, it best that YOUR mom picks out her dress first and that your future mother-in-law understands that her dress (color, style, formality, etc) should compliment what mom is wearing.

But, keep in mind that, unless you get along, have a good rapport, and she’s (fairly) open minded, she may be “insulted” or get “defensive” and insist on wearing something you may not like or approve of, which means, your only option is smiling and dealing with it, especially if you want to start your marriage off on the right foot.