Plus Size Women's Mother of the Bride Dresses

It can be a daunting task to find a plus size women's mother of the bride dress that builds your self-esteem while it is also stylish, flattering and appropriate. Your daughter's wedding day is an important event in your life and you want to be sure to look and feel your best during the ceremony, reception and in the wedding photos.

Selecting a Dress

The tradition is for the bride to first select her dress and the dresses for the bridesmaids. This will determine the level of formality and the color scheme of the wedding.

Set your budget. Plus size formal clothing can often be very expensive. It's easy to get overwhelmed and end up spending a lot more money than you can afford. Determine how much you want to spend for your complete outfit. Don't forget to include the cost of shoes, accessories and lingerie in your budget.

The Style

You should select a style and fabric that reflects your personal style as well as the formality of the wedding. A long dress with long sleeves is appropriate for a formal wedding. Short-sleeved and knee-length dresses are less formal.

Many plus size mother of the bride dresses are designed in soft fabrics such as chiffon and silk. If these fabrics are not your style, look for a dress in fabrics you would feel more comfortable wearing. You also don't have to wear matronly styles or designer evening wear to look elegant.

If you never wear suits, you will probably feel more comfortable in a dress than a dinner suit. If your daughter is getting married in your backyard in August, a knee-length dress would be more appropriate and much cooler than a full-length, more formal dress.

The mother of the bride usually selects her dress before the mother of the groom. Be sure to check with the mother of the groom before you make your final selection just in case she has already decided on her dress. Your dresses can be different styles but they should coordinate in color and length.

Color

Selecting a color can depend on several factors:

• The color the bride will be wearing. The bride may be wearing a pastel instead of white if this is her second marriage.
• The overall color scheme of the wedding. The goal is to have a harmonious look in any group photography taken of the entire wedding party.
• Any color preference the bride may have for the mother of the bride and mother of the groom dresses.
• The color the mother of the groom will be wearing, if she has already selected her dress.
• The colors you feel comfortable wearing. Just because the bridesmaids are wearing pastel fuchsia, you don't have to wear the same color. You can coordinate with any neutral or soft pastel that blends with the bridesmaids' dresses. Black is appropriate, especially for a formal evening wedding, but it is usually worn with a colorful accent color.

Shopping for Your Dress

Start looking for your dress as soon as possible. It's not unreasonable for you to start dress shopping six months before the wedding day.

Don't put off shopping until the last few months before the wedding:

• Your dress color and length will probably need to be decided before the mother of the groom can select her dress.
• Selections of plus size women's mother of the bride dresses are often limited. A six month head start will give you lots of time to find that perfect dress.
• You may need to order your dress. Bridal shops and specialty formal retailers usually only stock a limited number of sizes. Some only stock one size that is used as a sample. It may take up to six to eight weeks to receive your dress.
• As you get closer to the wedding date you will be extremely busy with last minute wedding details. You don't want any added stress of last minute dress shopping.

Dress for Comfort

You will be on your feet for several hours. Be sure to dress for comfort, not just style:

• Wear shoes that feel comfortable when standing for long periods of time.
• Wear comfortable lingerie. Select a bra that works with your dress design. You will want comfortable support as well as freedom from falling bra straps. Skin-colored nylons are usually the most attractive in photographs.
• Select accessories that look and feel good. Avoid tight or contrasting belts.

Where to Buy a Plus Size Women's Mother of the Bride Dress

Several retail stores offer plus size dresses that may be appropriate for your daughter's wedding. You may be able to find an appropriate dress for a daytime wedding at Lane Bryant, Kohl's, Macys or any of the better department stores. However, you may need to shop online or at a specialty formal dress shop to find the largest selection of formal dresses in colors and sizes to meet your needs:

• Peggy Lutz Plus – Custom-made dresses and separates to size 38/40 (a 70" bust)
• Sydney's Closet – Wide selection of elegant gowns ready-to-ship and made-to-order to size 30
• Audrey's Mother of the Bride – Made-to-order dresses to size 4X
• Kiyonna – Dresses and separates to size 30/32
• Ulla Popken – Dresses and separates to size 32/34
• Zaftique – Dresses and separates to size 6X

• Books on Dressing for Plus Size
• Plus Size Winter Jackets and Coats
• Women's Plus Size Jeans
• Are you plus size fashion savvy?

• Plus Size Women's Mother of the Bride Dresses
• Designer Plus Size Evening Wear
• Dress Barn Woman
• Chic Plus Size Cocktail Dresses
• Cheap Plus Size Women's Dresses