It’s a huge day for a mother when one of her little ducklings gets hitched and is officially leaving the nest. I can’t even imagine watching my four-year old little muffin walk down the aisle one day. (Luckily, I have some time to get used to the idea.)
With that in mind, give mom a little bit of a break if she’s slightly neurotic when it comes to picking out what to wear on your big day. Instead of rolling your eyes when she complains about the lack of attractive mother of the bride (or groom!) dresses out there, take a deep breath and send her here for some quick and easy tips that will make shopping for her dress a lot more fun (and hey, they might even help you too!)
Tip #1 Don’t dress according to trends, dress according to your body type!
Instead, look for choices like this adorable wrap dress by Coralie Beatrix, which is great for just about any body type. Why? It’s so incredibly versatile! Elongate yourself by creating a deep v-neck or show off your sexy shoulders by converting it to a strapless look. You are sure to find a style that works for you and makes you feel great with the countless options this dress provides.
Tip #2 Make sure you’re comfortable!
You don’t want the wedding album reflecting the fact that you were uncomfortable all day by constantly showing you tugging at straps or hiding behind shorter nieces and nephews. Wear something that you feel good in!
Before my mom even began dress shopping for my wedding, she knew she wanted two things: a long dress and something with sleeves. Why? She was uncomfortable with the idea of her arms or her pasty-white legs showing. She knew that she’d be self-conscious all day if either were exposed, so she shopped for something that would make her feel good.
There are plenty of options to cover up your arms if you find yourself in the same boat: boleros, shawls, sweaters, you name it. I love this little three-quarter-sleeve lace bolero by Alex Bridal. Sexy yet sophisticated, this piece would look great over a dress in just about any color. It will cover any bits of your arms that you may not want to show, yet it still lets a little skin peek through.
Another way to make sure your comfortable is by playing up your assets. Are you proud of your toned back? Wear a dress that shows it off! Do you have great legs? Wear a short dress and a killer pair of heels to put them on display. This glittery pair from Coloriffics is sure to bring attention down to your legs--just be sure to pair them with a low-key to avoid looking like a showgirl.
Tip #3 Accessorize!
Accessories are a great way to bring your personality to an outfit. They are also a great way to bring attention to areas of your body that you like. Say you have a little bit of a belly (hey, I think most of us moms do!) and you want to distract attention from this area. You may want to play up your collarbone instead, which is an area that any woman can be proud of.
A big pair of glittery chandelier earrings, like the ones shown here, are a great way to bring attention upwards. Another great option is this gorgeous statement necklace by Divine Jewel. Made with 
white Swarovski pearls and a gorgeous pearl and rhinestone vintage-inspired silver brooch, this beauty will draw all attention right up towards your face.
By playing up the parts of yourself you like and playing down areas you're not as comfortable with, you can create a beautiful, timeless look for yourself that you won't mind seeing in your baby's wedding pictures for years and years to come.
Jennifer Garry is a writer and accessories designer living in Westchester, NY with her husband and daughter. When she's not up to her ears in kiddie crafts, you can find her swimming in a pool of beads. Her obsessions include tea, chocolate, sarcasm and her daughter's giggle--any of which can be used to coax her from her little jewelry-making fantasy world.
