Mother-of-the-Bride & Mother-of-the-Groom’s
Dress Buying Guide

Moms will look marvelous without spending more.

Explore Your Options

Moms, you’ve worked hard and waited all your lives for the special celebration of your son or daughter’s marriage. You should look fabulous and feel comfortable on the big day! Finding the perfect MOB or MOG dress starts with a little research and planning.

  • Look through bridal magazines and on the internet, and make a folder of styles, colors and dress lengths that you’re interested in.
  • Consult with the bride about what colors and styles she’s planning on using for the wedding, and whether she expects your look to coordinate with the rest of the bridal party. Her opinion is important (more on that below).
  • Plan a field trip to a local department store or formalwear shop. Find out what shapes best flatter your figure.

Recycled Moms

By now you know that buying a Recycled Mother-of-the-Bride/Groom dress is a great way to save money on a fabulous designer frock. Here’s how to make sure you find the perfect fit:

  • Check measurements. Each Recycled Bride dress listing has a space for the seller’s measurements. Be sure that the sizing corresponds to your own. You may not find an exact fit, but you should only consider buying a dress that’s too big, not one that’s too small. Your seamstress can tailor a larger dress to fit your smaller frame, but won’t be able to make it work the other way around.
  • Height counts, too. Calculate your height (in heels, if you plan to wear them.) Then confirm that the dress you’re eyeing hasn’t been hemmed for a woman who’s shorter. Only buy dresses that are the right length for you, or which have extra length that can be hemmed.
  • Be creative. Formal dress elements like straps, sashes, bows and sleeves can be added and removed with ease by a tailor or seamstress. So expand your Recycled Bride searches to include dresses in lots of shapes and styles, and see which could be altered to suit you.
  • Know the Terms of Sale before you buy. Some sellers may allow you to return a dress if you’re not satisfied. If returns are permitted, make sure to take great care with the dress. Wash your hands before trying it on, and don’t let the hem touch a dirty floor. See our Buyer’s FAQ and Buying Tips for more information about making safe and easy purchases on Recycled Bride.

Basic Etiquette

Here at Recycled Bride, we’re not big fans of “wedding rules“. But there are a few bits of nuptial etiquette that moms should be aware of.

  • Accept input. The bride may want to play a part in choosing what kind of dress you wear. Just think of the wedding as a theater production: The bride is the director, and you have a lead role. Be flexible, and tell her gently but firmly if certain styles (short skirts, purple taffeta) are absolute no-no’s.
  • Color counts. Don’t wear white, cream or bright look-at-me colors, unless the bride specifically requests it.
  • Hot mammas. Just because you’ve got, doesn’t mean you have to flaunt it. Avoid showing lots of cleavage, and don’t choose a skirt-slit-up-to-there — unless the bride specifically requests it.
  • After you. The mother of the bride should choose her dress first, and then the mother of the groom can look for something complimentary. MOBs can be extra considerate by choosing a dress early on, then sending a photo or a swatch to the MOG.

Mother Knows Best

A few extra hints and tricks to make Moms shine like they should.

  • Have a support system. Good foundation garments can make a world of difference in helping your dress to fits and flatters. Most moms will need a special bra designed for formalwear, as well as a firming undergarment like a girdle or Spanx. Great quality underpinnings create the foundation for a beautiful, streamlined figure.
  • Timing is everything. Don’t buy a dress too far in advance of the wedding, or before the wedding date and location have been confirmed. It’s important to know whether your wedding will be on a beach or in a church, in winter or summer, formal or casual, before you can choose the right attire.
  • Quality counts. Even though you may only wear your MOB/MOG dress once, it’s important to look for a quality garment. Seek out dresses made from fine fabrics by reputable designers. They’ll look and feel better than those made from cheaper materials, which tend to wrinkle, bunch, bulge and shift on the body.