Things to Consider choosing Mother of the Bride Dresses:

Who's the LEAD Singer: The Hat, the Dress or the Shoes? If the Hat has oodles of detail or colour, then let the hat steal the show, and pick a simple one tone shift dress and keep the shoes to Neutral shades. This includes Champagne, and Metallic tones.

The SEASON: Cold Mums aren't a good look. Make sure the outfit is going to keep Mum snug and warm all day and night. For a winter wedding you have lot's of textures to choose from that are super smart and sophisticated for Mother of the Brides. The most popular being Velvet, Wool, Lace and Jacquard. There are also lot's of pretty velvet shoes in rich jewel colours that will pair well for a regal looking Winter wedding Mother of the Bride outfit. If the ceremony is in the afternoon, then a large part of the reception (if not all) will be after dark hours, making the wedding not just winter, but also a nighttime wedding. An elegant evening dress could also be a option. An evening Mother of the Bride dress in a fabulous fabric will provide you with that red carpet look. A velvet full length dress will transition well day to night. A heavily beaded evening dress, even ball gown, could be an option for weddings that will be almost entirely night time.

Dress Length / Style for the Venue: Needless to say, a long maxi dress, might not work for a country wedding in winter (watch those puddles), and a floaty A line or silk fit and flare might not be best for Weddings in the Highlands (no one wants to see the Mother of the Brides booty). The length of the mother of the bride’s dress depends on the season, formality and setting of the wedding. For a daytime celebration, a dressy suit or cocktail dress is most appropriate, usually to knee length. For a Winter, or evening reception, a knee or floor length cocktail dress is not uncommon, so long as it doesn't look like a brides weddings dress (so no cream, ivory or white).

Chose a Feminine Shoe: I know you might wear the 5" heels you used to wear in your twenties, but please choose a pretty shoe. Choose a 2-3" heel, with an pointed toe, and they'll will still be elegant and comfy, rather than frumpy.

Quality and Comfort: So, you aren't the most important person at the wedding, but you certainly rank high on the list! A lot of people are going to notice what you are wearing and how it looks, and if you wear the right dress you'll get complimented on your figure all day long. You are going to be in lot's of photos. You want to wear an outfit that suits your shape, and holds you in (or hides you) at the right places. You really do get what you pay for. Indulge a little for a better cut dress made with higher quality fabric in order to ensure it shapes your figure as you'd like it to. The more expensive dresses do have better construction, better seams, more flexible and more breathable materials. If you don't have the budget to spend hundreds on every item in your outfit, then cut costs on the other elements. A cheap handbag won't make you uncomfortable, nor would cheap jewellery. But a cheap dress and shoes might.