Spectacular Autumn Weddings 

                                        September wedding in Napa features colors of the grape harvest 

A September or October wedding brings contentment, symbolizing the fruition of a relationship in starting the new life chapter of marriage.  In the world, it is a season of beginnings--new academic years, new jobs, moves to new locations. In nature, it is a season of mature beauty and harvest abundance. Nature has yielded its bounty which has been gathered in. People can relax and take time to celebrate the formation of a new family bringing another cycle of life.

These two months are the second most popular choices for weddings, after the summer season. Some romantics love this season best. The weather is reliably pleasant, the air is richly fragrant, natural light is softened, yet there are still many hours of daylight. Evenings may be pleasantly cool. Traveling for guests is convenient, with long weekends a possibility.  The saturated color palette of nature suggests slightly exotic yet pleasing combinations to pique the imagination and inspire dreams of happily-ever-after. The bride might consider a color scheme of burgundy or purple for her bridesmaids dresses. Flower bouquets and centerpieces develop the scheme with colors of royal purple, plum, aubergine, cornflower blue, magenta or bordeaux. Combine table decorations of fabric, flowers and fruit in seasonal deep blue hydrangea, with teal green leaves, purple grapes, russet and green pears, and pomegranates.  Mothers can select from this wide range of royal hues to easily harmonize with this varied scheme. Purples, lavenders and plums are surprisingly flattering to many skin tones and sometimes can be found in designer fashions. Many designers like to work with an autumn palette and introduce new collections at this time of year. The rich, blended, slightly muted colors do justice to the creativity of fashion designers. There are wonderfully luxurious tactile fabrics such as soft burn-out velvets or shimmery organdies in either softly draped dresses or more structured, shaped suits. Add a touch of paisley pattern in a purse,  jacket coverup, or shrug. If you do have one year advance notice for the wedding and find a dress or outfit you like early on, consider purchasing it. Formal and semi-formal dresses remain in style much longer than day wear. The deeper colors are more available in the fall. If a color is "it" for the season, it will still remain in vogue for a few years.  Makeup colors can be rich and deep, and fragrances warm and spicy with oriental tones.


   Traditional Autumn Colors Create a Memorable Display

Autumn's spectacular burst of energetic colors suggest a party. The seasonal foods and holidays are a festive backdrop for a "Fall in love" theme wedding. There is mystery and magic in the air. Trees are bathed in reds, copper and gold, the air is scented with pine cones, petals have fallen from flowers, revealing seed pods in quirky shapes and colors of deep purple and mauve. The calendar fills quickly with informal celebrations. Anticipation is in the air. An afternoon, semi-formal wedding with bridesmaids in shorter or tea length dresses complementing the bride's long gown is contemporary. Moms can wear longer skirts to do justice to the rich color scheme, but keep the look informal and harmonize rather than match. 

 Carry out the theme in copper, burnt orange, sienna, pale gold and burgundy accented with mango or fuschia to keep it bright and new.  For flower selections for bouquets and tables, consider the deep,  saturated hues of mango cala lilies, dahlias in various colors, burgundy-red roses and pincushion protea. It is an inventive, warm, memorable look that will make stunning photographs. The warm toned copper and rust fashion collections are strong this year,  many make-up companies have introduced many more "neutrals" or "naturals" in lip-colors and eye shadows. This makes it a breeze for bridesmaids to do their makeup in colors they are probably already wearing. Moms, too, just in deeper shades. 

While not everyone can wear the warm coppery colors, most women can wear burgundy or gold, these are more neutral colors. Bridesmaids can wear various colors, suggesting the diversity of the season. This theme also provides ready-made ideas for a bridal shower. Apple cider, pumpkin and apple desserts are easy and natural choices.

For women wanting to celebrate a renewal ceremony or a second marriage, fall is a great time to do so. Mother-of-the-bride styles are good choices for a more mature bride, especially if choosing a color other than white. A jacket or suit with a street length skirt is pretty at this less formal time of year. For palette suggestions, refer to the following website. http://www.ThePerfectPalette.com

When you are ready to choose your outfit, do stop by or call Joanie Char Boutique. As a mother or other honored guest such as grandmother, you would want to know the bride's color scheme. Even if that is not yet settled, you can still begin your shopping for your own outfit. If you are a second-time bride or celebrating a renewal ceremony, perhaps you are scheduling a trip or a cruise to continue the celebration. Joanie Char has many selections for casual wear. The hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Samples of Joanie Char fashions for mother of the bride and special occasion attire can be viewed on the post below,"Mother of the Bride/Groom Ensembles," dated Saturday, 11/26/2011. 

Joanie Char Boutique

537 Sutter Street

San Francisco CA 94102

Tel (415) 399-9867

http://www.joaniechardesign.com/                                     (c)2011 Joanie Char Design Group

A Word about Accessories

Shoes by Karen Millen
T he topic of accessories has been touched on in earlier posts. The choice of dress or outfit dictates what accessories will look best. The necklace and earrings play a supporting role to bring out features of the dress and to flatter your overall complexion and reflect your personal style. Often, you will need only one great piece of jewelry plus earrings. Usually, several styles of necklaces will look well. The selection becomes a matter of personal preference. Now is the time to experiment. For example, some women wear as their trademark a strand of heirloom pearls. If this is you, consider updating your look with a contemporary pearl design multi-strand necklace.

 If you have chosen a simple style of dress with an open neckline, then the necklace becomes
the fashion statement.  The color of your dress will determine the colors in your necklace. If your dress is beaded or has sequins, you might not need anything more than earrings. 


If wearing a suit or jacket, consider one noteworthy broach accented with simple earrings. If a dramatic neckline makes a statement on its own, all you will need is a pair of stunning earrings. Rather than wearing a lot of jewelry, many women prefer to carry a small,  beaded or glittery clutch to tuck in a hanky and lipstick. A more contemporary look for the purse is to choose a fun color to match your dress rather than trying to match your shoes. 


If you are wearing a sleeveless or strapless dress or sheer fabric, do consider a coverup for later on when temperatures drop or when you depart from the reception facility. If  your dress is custom-made, a jacket can be made to match it, or bring a swatch of the fabric when shopping for a jacket. We suggest a jacket rather than a wrap as you will be moving around a lot.  


Today, many lovely shoe designs are available in comfort styles. You are likely to be wearing the shoes for a long stretch and be on your feet much of the day, perhaps walking a lot and dancing. It is really important to choose shoes with hidden comfort features such as extra padding and heels placed on the shoe in such a way that your foot is cradled. Today, there are many designers who offer comfortable sandals and pumps for dressy occasions, available with either low or high heels. Fabric or leather pumps or high-heeled sandals are more worn and can be found in a wide range of formal colors such as silver or gold. Know beforehand, if possible, what kinds of surfaces you will be walking on, whether on lawn, carpet,  ground or concrete. Some women say they will wear a two to three inch heel at the wedding then change to flats for the reception. Keep in mind that if you do that, with a floor length dress, it will be two inches too long at the reception. 

Mom and bridesmaid wear street length. Mom has Great Legs

If you want a "second opinion" on jewelry, purse, or shoes, you may stop by the shop where you purchased your dress and ask the associate who helped you. They often enjoy seeing how all the elements of the outfit come together.

Mother of the Bride at a wedding in wasilla, ak.

We invite you to visit Joanie Char Boutique for a selection of hand-made necklaces and earrings to complement special occasion dresses and ensembles. The jewelry is made by local San Francisco artists and is affordably priced. They also have lovely mother of the bride ensembles in a variety of shapes, styles, and fabrics. All the outfits are custom-made locally so you can work with the designer or stylist to put together your own unique look. If you are not local, they can assist you on the phone and send swatches and photos. Samples of Joanie Char fashions for mother of the bride and special occasion attire can be viewed on the post below,"Mother of the Bride/Groom Ensembles," dated Saturday, 11/26/2011. 


Joanie Char Boutique
537 Sutter Street
San Francisco CA 94102
Tel (415) 271-0620
Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
www.JoanieCharDesign.com                                                   (c)2011 Joanie Char Design Group

Choosing the Perfect Dress for Your Shape 




Finding a mother's dress can be challenging. Often, mothers tend to put off this step, then have difficulty finding a dress. We often hear a mother say that she will wait until the bride is taken care of.  But  then pressure builds. Allow yourself three to six months, at least. 


Both mothers' dresses are important and the mother of the bride takes the lead. She will need to select her dress, color and degree of formality then let the groom's mother know. The groom's mother should try to choose a dress of the same length and degree of formality and in a color that will harmonize. If the mother of the bride has not started her search, then the groom's mother should begin. She can make her final decision once she hears from the bride's mother. 


Today's innovative bridesmaids dresses in tea length are pretty. This means there is flexibility in deciding on the length of the dress the mothers choose. If the bride's dress is floor-length and formal,  the mother's dress can be floor-length. If you want to go with a shorter hemline, there are pretty dresses with fuller skirts that are tea length. Or suits that are street length. 

When choosing a color, select something that looks good on you and that you will enjoy wearing. Think of how the color will look in photographs, as that is what you will be looking at for many years to come. The color you choose may be within the same color family as the bridesmaids dresses, your daughter will have some input here. You might choose a shade within the same family. Or choose a contrasting color, with the same intensity as the bridesmaids dresses.  


Visit boutiques and salons that specialize in bridal wear or upscale or evening wear. Finer clothing stores sometimes carry special occasion or evening wear. On the days that you shop, wear something dressy, wear good undergarments and hose if you plan to wear hose on the day and bring dress shoes. This will help you get a better sense of how you will look in the outfit on the actual day. Try on a few styles, you cannot tell how a dress will look until you try it on. Unless the wedding is very formal, you might feel that some of the dresses in the evening wear department are dressier than what you want. Trying on a few dresses will give you a sense of shape then you can look for similar items elsewhere that are less formal. 


A cavat about the colors of the sample dresses in salons. They are often shown in either ivory, champagne or black. However, these are just samples. They can be ordered in other colors. The "rules" about wearing ivory and black are more relaxed than in the past. But do check with the bride first if considering either of these colors. Your choice would depend on the bride's color scheme. Even if she has chosen a black and white color scheme,  mothers  can wear a contrasting color as an accent, or choose a dress that combines both black and white rather than all black. If the bride is dressing everyone else in ivory, then mothers can have accessories in an accent color.

                                              Lorna Jane Photographer, Helen's wedding

Leaf through bridal magazines, they often have advertisements for manufacturers that specialize in "mother of the bride."  Fashion layouts  are dressy, you might want a scaled back look. However, this will give you and idea of color and shape. Formal gowns and dressy outfits are usually in solid colors. Sometimes there is slight tonal contrast, such as a lighter shade of trim or blouse, or in beading or trim,  or a lace overlay. The overall look with subtle contrast is elegant and dignified and photographs well. Beautiful print dresses can also be lovely, but are not harmonious in formal photographs. Best to save prints for the rehearsal party.


This is a time to treat yourself with a little pampering and carefully choosing your outfit is part of that.  You will be on display, greeting and mingling with many well-wishers. You owe it to yourself to look your loveliest so your son or daughter can "show you off."  


Let's discuss some of the more common figure types and give suggestions for styles. Formal wear tends to be structured with fabrics that have a lot of body and are somewhat form-fitting. If you are more comfortable in hiding figure flaws, you can also choose a softer, looser fitting style.  


The petite woman who is slender has a lot of flexibility. A dress can have movement but not be too voluminous.  An A-line shape that skims the waist can add height. A knee length dress with a cinched waist and full skirt is a current contemporary look that is pretty and feminine. A simple neckline ending in a cap sleeve topped with a jacket will give you versatility. For a suit, choose a street length skirt with a short jacket nipped in at the waist.


Often we hear women request a dress to cover their upper arms and shoulders. Many two-piece designs include sleeveless shells with jackets that can be left on or taken off.  A shell worn under a sheer jacket that you can keep on all day will give you flexibility as you move. 


For a second marriage, the bride chose a more casual look for herself and her Mom.


Some women are toned and proud of maintaining their shape. If that's you, consider a dress or top with a modest vee neck in front and back to call attention to your shoulders. Women with strong shoulders and necklines can also carry off a variety of stately necklines, such as stand-up collars. 


Many women are not perfectly proportional, most need either a slightly larger skirt than top, or the opposite. Separates and suits can work well if this is your figure type. Some women have tummy bulges they wish to disguise. Dresses with ruching are slenderizing and create a waistline. 


Taller women have great flexibility. Consider a long dress or gown with a form-fitting skirt flaring to a  fluted or trumpet hem. A longer, hip-length wrap jacket tied at the waist can also be elegant and dramatic. You can wear the dramatic stately collars dipping to a "sweetheart" neckline. Women with short hair and long necks can wear dramatic necklines. If you have strong "swimmer's shoulders," a dress with a V-neckline in front and back will flatter your build.  


For women with fuller bust-lines, an open neckline is flattering, such as a scoop neck or modest V-neck or cowl neckline. A suit with a double-breasted jacket will help balance your silhouette. Leave the jacket open or button it loosely. A skirt of any length is fine, but tea length or shorter is flattering. Short kimono style jackets are also minimizing. Wear the kimono jacket over a U-neck silk tank top to draw attention up towards your face. This is pretty with wide-legged pants. 

mother of the bride and bridesmaids Yvette Llagan photography

For a woman whose hips are wider, a boat neckline and an A-line shape skirt will balance your figure. Or a skirt cut on the bias will give ease and movement without adding fulness. A bias cut skirt moves  gracefully with your movement. An  empire waist will minimize the hip area. Wider-legged pants, but not too wide, are another good choice. If the pants fall straight from the waist and do not hug the hips, a cropped jacket can be worn, especially if you are shorter. If the pants are  form-fitting in the hip area, choose a jacket that ends below the widest part of the hips. Consider also a strapless dress, it widens the shoulder area and calls attention to the neckline and shoulders.


For a woman with a classic hour-glass figure, you might want a one-piece look that accentuates your waist such as a modified sheath dress. It need not be form-fitting, but can lightly skim your body. If you are full-figured, a scoop or vee neck is slenderizing. For women with square shapes, that is, have smaller bustlines, wider waists, and the appearance of a flat hip area, jackets that tie at the waist over slim pants looks trim.  The strapless ball gown look with a full skirt is lovely look well on a taller woman and when it enhances the bride's dress, is charming.
    

These are a few of the more common figure types. Some women may feel that their figures are hard to fit. If that is the case, custom-made is a good choice. Some women have not had occasion in a long time to dress in an outfit that calls attention to their bodies. For that reason, we find most mothers prefer a modest look that can still be youthful and reflect a sense of personal style. Assistants and stylists who work in boutiques specialize in your age group and are experienced in helping you put together a lovely outfit, no matter what you feel your figure challenges are. 


The first priority is the dress for the wedding. Once that outfit is completed and accessories chosen, you can turn your attention to selections for party events related to the wedding, such as an engagement party, rehearsal dinner, or brunch following the wedding. Once you know what looks good, you can put together a collection of coordinating outfits.

For color selections, here is a website: http://www.theperfectpalette.com
For mother-of the bride or groom attire, consider Joanie Char boutique in San Francisco. This designer-owned boutique provides a wide range of elegant selections and novelty items in natural silk woolen and linen fabrics in a wide color range. If you cannot come in person, they can assist you on the phone and send you photos and swatches. For a custom-made outfit that is guaranteed to fit, all you'll need to do is send your measurements. Monday - Saturday, 10 - 6.  Samples of Joanie Char fashions can be viewed on the post below,"Mother of the Bride/Groom Ensembles."


Joanie Char Boutique
537 Sutter Street
San Francisco CA 94102
Tel (415) 399-9867
www.JoanieCharDesign.com                                   (c)2011 Joanie Char Design Group

A Note for the Mother of the Groom

Imagine, your son is the groom! This is the happiest day of his life, and one of the most honored times in yours. You are bound to have a mixture of emotions, from pride and happiness to tears of joy. You will want to dress beautifully and stylishly to enhance the lifetime memories to be created. You will be greeting guests and family members and be photographed in family portraits. This is a Big Day to be graciously shared.  For, without you, there would be no dashing Prince Charming for the lovely
bride, your new daughter-in-law you will cherish as your newest family member.


We can make suggestions for you to be as chic and colorful as any mother deserves. It's customary to consult with the bride and her mother before choosing your dress. Consider the location, time of day, degree of formality, season and color scheme. Choose a style of formality compatible with the bride's mother and a color that coordinates, but does not match exactly. As the groom's mother, you can enjoy much flexibility. You can dress as formally as the bride's mother, or you can choose a slightly less formal look in a similar color family.* The bride may make suggestions as to style and color, or will at least let you know what her mother has selected.  Do choose a color that looks well on you. If a color is suggested that you do not like, choose a flattering color that will blend with the bride's theme. There are colors that are considered in the neutral range that nearly everyone can wear, such as silver, gold, lavender or turquoise. The consultant at the bridal or dress shop can help you.

In the past, it was traditional that the groom's mother would not wear black, or other dark colors, 
or ivory, or bright red. However, today, such decisions depend on the bride's feelings and the fashion colors of the season. Traditions are changing and many more colors are acceptable. We have seen many non-tradtional looks that have been lovely. For example, some brides choose a black and white theme, or a navy blue and white theme.  The bridesmaids will be dressed in black or navy. This can be sophisticated and photogenic. For the mothers' dresses, the bride might may suggest navy or a bright contrasting color. The bride is usually more concerned about her mother's dress. However, as a courtesy, do let her know when you have chosen your outfit.


Sometimes a bride chooses a specific about a color theme to carry out. An example is for a destination wedding where she plans artistic photography to show the friends and family back home. There will be only a few members of the bridal party and honored guests invited. The bride might ask both mothers to wear a specific color to create balance in the photos. It also will mean fewer clothes to pack as the accessories work with all mix and match combinations. Although only a small percentage of brides choose destination wedding in far off places, there are variations on this concept. Some have private ceremonies at one location, followed by a larger reception nearer to home. Some couples have ties to both coasts. Or some are having second marriages. These are all examples when a bride might choose a non-traditional yet stylish look. Then with time, other brides with more conventional circumstance see the look and adopt the idea for their own wedding. That is how fashion trends are created and new traditions begin to be formed.

Traditionally the parents of the groom are responsible for the rehearsal dinner. If that is the case in your family, then you might want to choose a stunning outfit for this occasion. Here, you have flexibility as to style and color. To be on the safe side, if your families are more conservative you would probably stay away from solid black or white. For the more relaxed style of the rehearsal dinner, you should have no trouble finding colors and styles to choose from in street-length skirts or casual outfits. While mothers of the groom are typically not as included as mothers of the bride in the planning, they should still wear a festive and happy color to signal their joy.

Color ideas can be viewed at the following website: http://www.theperfectpalette.com
*The category of dresses is referred to as "mother of the bride," however, mother of the groom is also included. We encourage mothers of the groom to enjoy themselves in choosing attire as festive and flattering as the mother of the bride as you will be greeting your family and friends, too.

Joanie Char boutique in San Francisco offers a wide range of custom-made styles in women's special occasion clothing to make any mother of the bride or groom look beautiful. If you are not local to her store, call for a consultation. Photos and swatches can be sent for your consideration. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT. Samples of Joanie Char fashions for mother of the bride or groom and special occasion attire can be viewed on the post below,"Mother of the Bride/Groom Ensembles," dated Saturday, 11/26/2011. 

Joanie Char Boutique

537 Sutter Street

San Francisco CA 94102

Phone (415) 399-9867

JoanieCharDesign.com                                               (c)2011JoanieCharDesignGroup

When the Wedding is a Destination
Joanie Char's Silk Chiffon Jacket & Satin Skirt In Solids & Prints (c) JoanieCharDesign

The intrigue and romance of a destination wedding makes for a unique and memorable series of events. This is sometimes the choice for second marriages or slightly older couples who have already set up their homes. The wedding dress chosen is sometimes casual or informal.* With advance planning, traveling mothers of the bride and groom can carry this off without a worry. When planning your wardrobe for the wedding weekend, there are some special considerations. The key is to coordinate your outfits so you can put together a maximum of varied looks with a minimum of pieces. You will want to choose a color theme in travel-easy, light-weight fabrics that shed wrinkles and adapt to changes in temperature. With destination weddings, you are likely to be with the same people continuously for several days. You will want to look fresh, however long the festivities last, and no matter what climate surprises Mother Nature may bring. Choose fabrics that travel well, such as natural fibers like silks and wools that retain their shape. For casual wear, Tencil is a good choice.

Upon your return, there might be a more traditional-style reception to introduce the newlyweds to friends at home. Each of these special events often require special outfits, as photos will be snapped to commemorate the occasion. You'll want to be wearing different outfits to each event to make it unique and special, rather than feeling you are doing a replay. 

For your daughter's or son's destination wedding, Joanie Char Design can assist you in styling your look. Everything you will need for a destination weekend, from casual novelty tops and easy, comfortable slacks, to dressy skirts and jackets, and luxury silks is available in a fashion boutique. Choose from a wide range of separates in colors-- from pales to neutrals, to brights and richer hues. Make this your destination shop. Or by phone, call for a consultation for your custom orders. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p. m. Pacific time. Be sure to mention this blog.

*Some  first-time brides have also chosen formal gowns and a romantic destination to meet with family residing there.

Samples of Joanie Char fashions for mother of the bride and special occasion attire can be viewed on the post below,"Mother of the Bride/Groom Ensembles," dated Saturday, 11/26/2011. 

Joanie Char Boutique
537 Sutter Street
San Francisco CA 94102
T (415) 399-9867
F (415) 399-9892

JoanieCharDesign.com                                  (c)2011 Joanie Char Design Group

      Selecting Your Mother of the Bride or Groom Outfit

                                              A smart black and white wedding theme in London.

Finding your perfect mother's dress ensemble begins with some advance planning. Normally, you would take your cues from the bride and wait until she has decided on the style of her gown, her bridesmaids dresses, and chosen her color scheme. Your first considerations are the level of formality or style of wedding your daughter or son has chosen, the date, the location, seasonal climate, and time of day. You can  get ideas by leafing through bridal magazines, visiting the mother of the bride sections in bridal shops or the evening wear section in department stores. 

Mothers' looks tend to have simpler, more elegant, cleaner lines than in the past. Long dresses with jackets, dressy suits, or silk pants ensembles are more popular  than the formal fussy gowns of the past. Tea-length or even knee length dresses can  look fresh and new. Mothers dresses do not want to look bridesmaids but they an harmonize in color or style, if desired. However, this is not necessary. You'll want to be in a related color tone and range.  

Sleeve treatment is another concern. Many mothers tend to favor  outfits with sleeves. The detailing on sleeves can be a festive, novelty treatment.  Choose a color that is compatible with the bride's theme, but do not match it. It is best to avoid any shade of ivory, champagne or bisque. Also avoid black or red, unless the bride has chosen black or red as her color scheme and would like for you to wear it. The bride can also let you know what color the other mother is considering. The bride's mother is supposed to choose first and set the tone. But sometimes she delays, if that is the case, the groom's mother need not also delay if she knows what she wants. Mothers tend to wear dignified colors that will harmonize well with the wedding party. Some suggestions, depending on the season and the bride's palette, are lavender, periwinkle, turquoise, burgundy, or silver.  If the bride is choosing a contemporary scheme for dramatic effect, such as a black and white theme, mothers  still do not have to match the wedding party but can choose a contrasting color. Or accessorize a black dress with bright or contrasting color.   

As  you look in specialty fashion boutiques or department stores, try on various styles to get a sense of what looks well and feels comfortable. You can't tell how flattering a dress looks until you try it on. Let the associate or stylist help, as evening wear is sized differently from normal sizing. Alterations are usually included for free or at a nominal charge. It is best to shop with just one or two other people--your daughter or a friend. But don't bring a group or you will end up choosing nothing.

Some women are fortunate to have husbands who enjoy shopping. Just make sure your husband understands the dress color and code and that the floor sample in your size is not going to be the dress in the color you will order. At the end of the season, the floor samples go on sale, but they are usually ivory or black. The bride is normally the only one in white. A color next to her dress is often prettier than an ivory outfit, unless the bride has chosen that ivory and white as her theme.  Sometimes, mothers think they will want to wear the dress again and are trying to be practical. For other parties, a dress in a color can be worn as readily as ivory. If you want a neutral, choose soft silver or pale gold. Then if the next occasion to which you wish to wear the dress is a wedding, you will not have a color dilemma to face. 

If you are proportionally built and a standard sample size, you may well find that many dresses fit you and some look great. If you tend to be conservative, you might want to stretch yourself to broaden our outlook as to what you will wear. However, if a dress absolutely does not suit your personality,  pass it by. We find that sometimes the best person to help a woman make her final decision is her husband. 

Some women may feel that their figure is not the ideal they once had and therefore start to compromise their expectations. There is no reason to settle for the wrong style. There are plenty of options if you can give yourself enough time. Consider separates, or dresses with jackets, and experiment with various hem lengths in skirts. There are also many dressy pants options.  Keep in mind that you will be wearing the dress for a number of hours and be moving around a lot, greeting guests, dancing, perhaps even snapping a few candid photos of your own. Look for built-in comfort features, such as bias cuts that move freely and hidden side elastic in the waistbands of skirts or pants. When choosing the style, the concept is understated elegance. The goal is to choose a dress that does not draw attention from the bride. People will be looking at the mothers, plenty of attention will be coming your way. During the course of the wedding day, there might be temperature changes. If your dress is custom-made, a matching or coordinating jacket or shawl can also be requested. 

If you have  another child's wedding coming up, you'll want to wear a different dress for each wedding. Photos are going to be taken of the same family members at the separate weddings. You won't want to be photographed in the same dress. Your children will feel special if you choose a different dress for each of their weddings.

The bride chose an ecru dress for her mom. The style and fabric are thematically related to the bride's dress in her all-white wedding. 

Once the mother of the bride has considered what she will wear, she gives the groom's mom a call. However, some mothers are not too fashion-conscious and not  interested in shopping for the right dress. What the other mother is wearing might not be a concern to them. If it is your son who is getting married, and you are looking forward to assembling your new outfit, consult with the bride if her mom has not initiated contact. Let her know you wanted to check on the color scheme, her mom's choice of outfit, the level of formality and the hem length.

Mother of the Bride and Groom's Mother

Accessories are chosen after the dress. The right accessories in jewelry, shoes and purse, will complete your look, creating harmony and beauty. A necklace can provide the finishing touch,  an artistic piece can give an extra flair to your outfit and give you a fresh, contemporary look. This is the time be creative. If you "always wear pearls," then consider a double strand to look special. Think along the lines of completing a fashionable costume rather than feeling you must wear your traditional heirloom piece. Have fun with your look, it will boost your confidence on the day when a lifetime of happy memories are being created.

Husbands sometimes accompany their wives to help her with the final decision. Such men know what looks well on their wives. They ignore what she thinks of as her figure flaws that she scrutinizes in the mirror and magnifies in her mind. They are thinking of the wife's beauty, whereas the woman can be very self-critical. Husbands often suggest a style a bit more daring than the wife had considered. We may have had the same thought, but knew the wife would not consider it, so we didn't show it. When the husband pulls it from the rack, his choice often turns out to be the right one. A woman can radiate confidence in the right outfit. 

A husband also will often encourage his wife to put together the entire outfit at one time, helping choose the necklace and earrings. We have had husbands return on their own the next day to purchase her second and third choices for the other events related to the wedding such as the rehearsal dinner. They are practical-minded. Effort has gone into shopping, researching and deciding. They feel she chose an outfit to please him, he can surprise her with an outfit that will also please her. A husband enjoys making both of them happy on this day full of emotions.

The bride and the mother of the bride. Lorelle and Adele photographed by Dave Melbourn

Color theme ideas for weddings and dresses can be viewed at the following website:

http://www.theperfectpalette.com

To see classic or novelty looks for women's special occasion clothing, visit Joanie Char boutique in San Francisco. They will suggest flattering styles and colors for your figure type and personality. They offer jewelry and will custom make your outfit.  If you are not local, you may call for a consultation and have swatches and photos sent to you. Samples of Joanie Char fashions for mother of the bride or groom and special occasion attire can be viewed on the post below,"Mother of the Bride/Groom Ensembles," dated Saturday, 11/26/2011. 

Joanie Char Boutique

537 Sutter Street

San Francisco CA 94102

Phone (415) 399-9867

Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT

www.JoanieCharDesign.com                                      (c)2011 Joanie Char Design Group