ireness

The one woman in the wedding party who has the right, obligation, and desire to look as lovely as the bride is the bride's mother. After all, she's been planning for this day even longer than her daughter has—perhaps since before the child was born! She may not have the same bridal glow that her daughter has, but she should shine with motherly pride—and that requires a Short Wedding Dresses that shines.

If formal is the fashion of the day, Mom's dress should be in the bride's primary accent color. Sapphire blue is a popular accent color and when designed in stretch taffeta—polyester, nylon, and spandex—it can be comfortable as well. A mock two-piece dress with a portrait collar speaks of elegance. The side-ruched top is figure flattering and brooch detailing on the sleeves adds a touch of sparkle without out-shining the bride.

Another formal look that captures more modern styling shimmers with sequined embellishments on the bodice and skirt. A cap sleeved bolero jacket over the spaghetti strap top is cool, classy, and feminine. And the chocolate fabric fits an autumn wedding perfectly.

For that extra glow in the ceremony's gentle lighting, metallic chiffon might be the right pick for the mother of the bride. Thislong prom dresses—available in pewter or champagne—also features a bolero jacket, but the sleeves are three-quarter length. The waist of the dress has deep ruching that hugs the torso, and the surplice neckline features light beading to add to the glow—and to the mother's silhouette. With its gently flared full length skirt, it is a great dress for many body types.

For the ultimate in formality for an evening wedding, the mother of the bride should choose black chiffon. A high neckline embellished with dazzling beads and spaghetti straps flows down to a gently flared skirt that skims the top of the feet. The modest back with its gentle inwardly curving straps will set off a woman's shoulders while a matching chiffon scarf provides a drape of subtle drama over her bare arms, enhancing the sophisticated look of this dress.

A dress with a portrait collar looks formal but a shorter skirt length allows it to come out at semi-formal ceremonies, too. A short sleeve shantung dress in teal flatters any woman, and a full knee-length skirt is slimming and comfortable—and it looks great on the dance floor. Accessorized with a simple strand of pearls and silvery, strappy sandals, this dress will make Mom the belle of the ball—after the bride departs, of course.

Less formal events can still call for champagne, and that includes a mother of the  cheap Wedding Dresses in sparkling metallic brocade. From the sleeveless bodice to the lovely bow at the front of the waist and continuing down through the straight, short skirt, this dress shines...and so will the bride's mom as she toasts the happy couple at the after-wedding reception.

Another stunning choice for an evening wedding is a lace and chiffon tier dress in black with cap sleeves. It's a simple choice with a V-neckline that flatters any woman's figure. And the short, tiered skirt showcases the legs with subtle flirtation. This dress is so elegant, youthful, and beautiful, that some guests may mistake Mom for the bride.