MOTHER OF THE GROOM: COLORS COUNT

Although a wedding is the bride's day, all family members play an important role in the event, particularly mothers of the groom. Coordinating dress color with the bride's mother may seem unimportant while planning a wedding, but can cause embarrassment or ruffled feathers when ignored. Colors complementary to the wedding party and the mother of the bride's dress are ideal.

The goal with dress color is to blend in, rather than stand out or match. Solid hues and small or subtle prints are very appropriate. Look for soft or medium colors, like blues, greens, peaches and yellows. Find something that goes well with your hair color and skin tone in a style that flatters your body. Avoid red and strong, flamboyant colors that attract attention. Large or busy prints and plaids should be saved for another day.

Traditionally, the mother of the groom should wait until the bride's mother has chosen her dress, then see it or view pictures. This will prevent matching or clashing dresses. By coordinating colors andstyles they create a flawless bridge between the two sides of the new family. The groom's mother should not wear the same color as the bride's mother, but try to find a dress of similar length and formality.

For traditionalists, black is taboo. For the modern woman, however, it is considered stylish for evening or more formal weddings. Black is appropriate to wear if the bride does not object. Beige, sometimes seen as a means to blend into the background so as not to upstage the bride or her mother, is more often considered bland and unimaginative.

Weather, date and wedding location also play an important role in finding the right color. Some colors do not match well with certain seasons. For example, pale pink would not be suitable for an autumn wedding any more than a rust-colored gown would be in June.

One color guideline never seems to change: Don't wear white. No longer the automatic choice of the bride, that door is still closed to the groom's mother. Practically speaking, it is also a poor choice because it shows spots and stains easily, making surviving the ceremony and reception without spilling, dripping or smudging a challenge. Instead of white, try a subtle silver or gold.

WHAT TO WEAR: MOTHER OF THE BRIDE

When you're the Mother of the Bride, you want to stand out and feel special, without upstaging your daughter. Follow the instructions below and you will be sure to receive compliments all through your special day.
 

 The wedding's venue and level of formality will help dictate the type of dress you're seeking. A black-tie wedding calls for a glittering cocktail dress or full-length gown; a beachside wedding may mean a pretty linen sundress.

An A-line silhouette - fitted at the top, flared at the bottom - works for most figures. A sheath dress looks beautiful on a figure that's proportional, equally large at the bust and hips.

Select a hue that works with the wedding palette so the dresses don't clash in the wedding photos. Skip black or white at the wedding - white is generally reserved for the bride, and black may seem like you're mourning your daughter's marriage. Dresses with wild patterns don't photograph as well as simpler, solidly colored gowns in rich fabrics.

You'll likely be on your feet through the bulk of the day, helping your daughter get ready and greeting guests, so be sure your dress fits well and will be comfortable for a long haul.

 Start looking for your dress at least six months out from the wedding date, so you have time to look and to special-order your dress, if required. Consider buying the dress at the same salon where the bride bought her dress, and ask if you can receive a discount on the price.
 

HOW TO PIN ON AND SELECT A BOUTONNIERE

A boutonniere is a collection of one or two small flowers pinned to the left lapel of a tuxedo or suit.  There are men who will dismiss the boutonniere as feminine.  Nothing could be further from the truth. Great noblemen, warriors, and poets have worn flowers for over a thousand years. Soldiers headed to war have proudly worn flowers on their chests. In the United States every January, two of college football’s best teams square off wearing roses on their uniforms. The winners of our greatest athletic events are congratulated with bouquets of flowers. We even honor our fallen with poppies and other blooms.

Most men will only wear a boutonniere on special occasions like prom, anniversaries or a wedding. It is normally worn on the left lapel of a suit, sport jacket, blazer or overcoat. The boutonniere is always attached above a man’s heart, and it should be worn in the lapel’s button-hole. 

Color choice of the boutonniere is important. Flowers should match the general color scheme of the wedding. Traditionally for proms, the woman purchases the boutonniere for her date. This allows her to select colors appropriate to her dress. When in doubt, a boutonniere made with a white rose, can usually go with virtually any other color, or any tuxedo style the man chooses.

Start with putting the boutonniere below the lapel. If it is a bigger boutonniere, place it a little lower on the lapel so it isn’t in his face. Place the boutonniere on the lapel and then fold the lapel over.

Step 1: place the boutonniere on the lapel and then fold the lapel over

Stick the pin thru the bottom up.

Step 2: stick pin through the bottom.

Doing the same thing with the second pin, make an X with the pins.

Step 3: make an X with the pins.

And there you go. A  perfect, lay-flat, no-flop, boutonniere!

Step 4: the perfect boutonniere!

Photos courtesy of Chelan Bride.

When wearing a boutonniere you should also consider:

Have no fear: Do not be afraid to be an individual. Wear a boutonniere because you want to.

Size Matters: If you’re a small man, wear small flowers. If you’re a large man, consider something that is more befitting your size.

Ladies First: A boutonniere is a single flower or a small collection of tiny blooms; never wear something unwieldy.