2013-05-23T17:04:50-04:00 Terrie Tibbetts Martin http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/author/index.php?author=terrie-tibbetts Copyright 2008, HuffingtonPost.com, Inc. HuffingtonPost Blogger Feed for Terrie Tibbetts Martin Good old fashioned elbow grease. tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.2854060 2013-03-11T17:03:36-04:00 2013-05-11T05:12:01-04:00

Terrie Tibbetts Martin http://www.huffingtonpost.com/terrie-tibbetts/
Mothers often panic when faced with having to search for a dress for their child's wedding. To begin with, they don't shop for formal or semi-formal attire every day. In addition, most mothers don't have the same figure they had when they were brides. Last, but certainly not least, everyone they know and love will be sitting in one room watching them walk down the aisle too. The pressure is enormous!

Obviously every mother wants to look her best for her child's wedding, but where to begin? The good news is that if you know which styles best suit your figure, you are more than halfway there!

To make the process easier, I have listed specific figure issues or body types. I have included style suggestions and pictures (from several different designers) to help further illustrate my points; as they say, "a picture is worth a thousand words"!

Finding the Best Style for Your Figure

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Style Solutions:

• For women who are thick-waisted, soft diagonal ruching or pleating at the waist will create the illusion of curves.

• For the full busted woman who wants to wear a strapless gown, consider a one-shoulder gown instead. The diagonal cut provides a bit more coverage, and is extremely flattering as well as being quite fashionable. In addition, the one-shoulder design will provide the support of a strap which will prevent the wearer from tugging on her dress all night, trying to keep it up. Another excellent option would be an asymmetrical neckline, which is flattering to all body types.

• For women who want to cover their arms but aren't willing to look matronly, stoles can be used creatively in many different ways. They can be draped around the shoulders (if wearing a sleeveless dress) in differing degrees and attached to the shoulder to provide coverage without the hassle of having to hold on to it all night -- as you would with a regular stole. It can also be gathered and tacked under the arms to create a shrug-like effect. Be creative, and experiment! You'll be surprised with what you come up with.

Tall gals can really use their height to their advantage. They can wear big, full skirts, make the most of mermaid skirts, and wear beautiful bold accent pieces such as large structured bows with beading on one-shoulder gowns and wear patterns that the average woman can't pull off. A number of special occasion designers create their gowns with the tall gal in mind, so length isn't an issue. Instead of being insecure about their height (which happens occasionally), they should really celebrate it.

Petite women should avoid full skirts, ultra stiff fabrics, large prints, portrait collars, and in general anything that isn't scaled to their proportions -- i.e., large ruffled collars or bows. Petite women do well in soft fabrics such as chiffon, stretch net and jersey. Taffeta will work as long as it's not to stiff and bulky. V-necklines and asymmetrical necklines should be considered as well, and ruched bodices are ideal on petites

Plus-size women have so many beautiful choices! Plus-size women less than 5'4" are considered Women's Petites. They will dress differently than their taller counterparts. Women's Petites do better in softer less structured styles. Layers and diagonal cuts are important for them and will give the illusion of height. Women's sizes are for plus-size gals who are taller. These women will be able to wear the stiffer fabrics and fuller skirts -- depending on their height. V-necklines and ruching are both extremely flattering and should be considered. As with the Women's Petites, soft fabrics with layers and diagonal cuts are always a good option.

Hopefully, this tutorial has provided insight, alleviated some of the stress and given you a good starting point. Remember, the goal should always be to spend less time shopping and more time making memories!

If you want to delve further into the exciting world of weddings, tune into Mother of The Bride airing back-to-back episodes every Friday at 9 and 9:30 p.m. on SliceTM. ]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.2786479 2013-03-01T12:15:31-05:00 2013-05-01T05:12:01-04:00

Terrie Tibbetts Martin http://www.huffingtonpost.com/terrie-tibbetts/
Accessories -- The Finishing Touch!

One of the biggest mistakes mothers make is in breathing a sigh of relief once they have decided upon their dress, and completely forgetting about the accessories. Accessories are to a mother's dress what a frame is to a painting. It completes the picture and draws the eye in.

Jewelry: Necklaces and earrings add sparkle around the face as mothers walk down the aisle and are viewed at the reception. The proper earring can bring out cheekbones and showcase bone structure, actually giving a lift to the face. The perfect necklace can frame the face and even elongate the upper torso. If a mother chooses to wear an asymmetrical neckline or a one-shoulder gown, great earrings paired with an oversized bracelet will truly make a statement. In addition, there's nothing like the sparkle of crystals to bring out and enhance hand-beading and sewn crystals on dresses and gowns.

Purse: Mothers should not forget to carry a purse. Not only does a chic clutch look smart, it has the added bonus of keeping the mother's arm in check as she's escorted down the aisle. Most importantly, it is invaluable for carrying all those little necessities (such as a handkerchief, compact, and lipstick) needed for drying tears and touching up after the ceremony, before additional photo are taken. For the mother who doesn't want to wear a corsage, flowers may be attached to the purse as an elegant alternative.

Shoes: Comfortable shoes are a must. For those with serious foot problems, it is perfectly acceptable to slip into a second more comfortable pair at the reception. If a gown is being worn, it is important to check before hand to make sure the hem will still be the proper length if changing into a lower heel. This will avoid possible tripping and damage to the gown itself. Speaking of damage, if a shoe with rhinestones is chosen, make sure to check to see if the stones are set in prongs. These prongs will snag and tear the hemline of a gown. If this occurs, the only way to salvage the gown is to convert it into a short dress.

If you want to delve further into the exciting world of weddings, tune into Mother of The Bride airing back-to-back episodes every Friday at 9 and 9:30 p.m. on SliceTM.]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.2742247 2013-02-22T17:28:32-05:00 2013-04-24T05:12:01-04:00

Terrie Tibbetts Martin http://www.huffingtonpost.com/terrie-tibbetts/
Just say "No" to Swatches

All day, everyday, I have brides (and mothers by extension) walk through the door with fabric swatches in their hands. The swatches are the colour of the bridesmaid's dresses, flowers, tablecloths, ribbons and even carpeting! The end goal is to have a stunningly beautiful wedding in which everyone matches. The problem with this approach is that at it's most fundamental level it doesn't work.

Interior designers are known for their colour and design boards. This approach works well for their discipline. Swatches are fine if we're talking about carpet, curtains, and decorative pillows. Putting colour on real people is an entirely different matter. The problem for mothers is that no matter how beautiful the colour of the dress, and no matter what it matches, if it doesn't look good on the mother, she will ultimately look terrible walking down the aisle.

After her own wedding gown, a mother of the bride (or groom) dress is the next most important dress a mother will ever wear; and after her own wedding, it's the next most photographed event in her life. The importance of selecting the right colour for a mother's dress cannot be overstated.

How to Look Fabulous

It may sound overly simplistic, but looking great begins with a colour that looks great on you.

Colours to Avoid

Champagne, peach, mauve and other similar colours are far more challenging to wear and look best on dark skinned women. Lighter coloured fabrics themselves don't photograph as well and any special detailing such as beading, ruching, or embroidery will be lost in the pictures.

Platinum, silver and grey look best on women with silver hair, salt and pepper hair and occasionally jet-black hair. Anyone wanting to wear this colour should proceed with caution. These extremely cool colours are difficult to wear for warm toned women such as blondes and those with auburn hair. Certain shades of grey, with heavy blue under-tones, can sometimes be worn by blondes and those with blue eyes.

Colours to Look for

Jewel tone colours, such as teal green, teal blue, purple, turquoise, periwinkle, fuchsia and sapphire are youthful, flattering colours that always photograph well. These colours work well for Caucasian, Hispanic and Asian women. These deeper colours also look fabulous next to black tuxedos.

The Take Away

Leave the swatches to the interior designers and find a colour that looks stunning on you. No one is going to remember that you matched the napkins; they're only going to remember how you looked walking down the aisle!

If you want to delve further into the exciting world of weddings, tune into Mother of The Bride airing back-to-back episodes every Friday at 9 and 9:30 p.m. on Slice.


]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.2697259 2013-02-15T17:09:24-05:00 2013-04-17T05:12:01-04:00

Terrie Tibbetts Martin http://www.huffingtonpost.com/terrie-tibbetts/
Many women think that "petite" means small, when in fact it doesn't. There are a number of women who are short and plus size. They are often shocked to find out that they are "petite" -- women's petite.

What is a women's petite?

Unfortunately, women's petite is the most difficult specialty size to obtain. While petites in general have become increasingly more difficult to find, women's petite have become the most difficult to find. It's unfortunate that more manufacturers don't realize what a large percentage of the population need women's petites.

Of all the specialty sizes, I believe women's petite makes the biggest difference in fit and in the end, appearance.

A regular women's size won't work on a petite, plus size woman. The proportions will be all wrong. The jacket will be too long, the bust line will be too low, the waist will be too long, the hips will hit in the wrong place and she will look like a little girl playing dress-up.

While most petite sizes will be shorter in length and have shorter sleeves, the length of the bodice is the major differentiator, as it's the most difficult to correct for alterations.

Check the fit

Always look for excess fabric in the back -- I refer to this as "bucokkling." This is the telltale sign of needing a petite. I am amazed at how many women are oblivious to this. Brides, mothers and bridesmaids need to pay particular attention to this. You certainly don't want to have this fit problem walking down the aisle -- when everyone is staring at your back.

Alteration options

If you are unable to find a dress you like in women's petite, which is quite likely to happen, there are some fixes:

• If the dress has straps, they can usually be pulled up to correct for the length in the bodice. Occasionally, the armhole may have to be cut deeper to allow the dress to be lifted properly. It is important to make sure that the straps aren't shortened to the point where the bust points are no longer in their proper place.

• If the dress has sleeves and the back is buckling, the only option is to remove the sleeves, shorten the dress through the seam on the shoulders and sew the sleeves back on. The same applies to a jacket that is running too long waisted, as well. This would only apply to a long jacket and not a bolero jacket, as bolero jackets are already short. These alterations will prove to be more costly.

• Please note: There are certain styles in which it is impossible to shorten the extra length in the bodice. These are typically strapless gowns with no break in the bodice. A qualified consultant and/or seamstress should be able to guide you on this; but proceed cautiously, as I have seen many cases over the years where stores have assured women that this type of alteration could be performed when it actually couldn't.

Styles to look for

An easier option than alterations is to look for less structured dresses and dresses with shorter, to the top of the hip, jackets. In this particular case it is important to remember that the more structured a garment is, the more alterations necessary to make it work for a woman who is either a petite or women's petite.

Now that you know

With a bit of luck, perseverance and this knowledge, it is possible to find a dress perfectly suited to your proportions.

If you want to delve further into the exciting world of weddings, I invite you to tune into my new show Mother of The Bride premiering back-to-back episodes every Friday at 9 and 9:30 p.m. on Slice.]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.2600461 2013-02-01T17:35:49-05:00 2013-04-03T05:12:01-04:00

Terrie Tibbetts Martin http://www.huffingtonpost.com/terrie-tibbetts/
Destination Weddings

As weddings become less traditional and more personalized, some couples are opting for destination weddings; which brings about the inevitable question: "As a mother, what should I wear?"

What to Wear

Obviously, a wedding in an Irish Castle will be quite different than a wedding on a beach in Belize. While the venue should obviously be taken into consideration, the most telling indicator is that of what the wedding party will be wearing.

If the wedding is on a beach and the men are wearing tuxedos, a mother should obviously be dressed more formally. If however, the wedding is on a beach and the guys are in shorts and flips-flops, then it's up to the mother to find the degree of formality (somewhere between what the bride is wearing and what the rest of the wedding party is wearing) that suits her style and sensibilities.

I strongly urge mothers to remember that while a destination wedding isn't as rigid as a traditional wedding, it isn't a destination "party" either. It's their child's wedding. As long as the bride is wearing a full-length gown (which by rule of etiquette is considered formal) mothers should select a dress or gown that honours their status at the wedding and will also photograph well next to the bride.

Colours and Fabrics

If the destination is in a warm or tropical location, consideration must be given to the weight of the fabric. Most mothers tend to be very warm-natured. A bulky, stiff, structured outfit will not only be uncomfortable to wear, it will look out of place.

The location of the wedding will also affect the colours mothers should wear. Tropical venues naturally lend themselves to brighter, lighter colours such a turquoise, hibiscus, fuchsia, purple, as well as some floral prints. This would hold true for weddings in vineyards and botanical gardens as well.

For weddings held during the winter in northern locations, such as a ski lodge or a city like Paris, heavier fabrics and richer colours such as teal, sapphire, and aubergine would be a great choice.

Something to keep in mind is that certain fabrics pack better than others. Fabrics that tend to pack extremely well are jersey, stretch net, chiffon and crepe.

I always recommend packing a good hand steamer to touch up the wedding party's attire as well as the mothers' dresses before the ceremony. It's a great investment as it can be used at home after the wedding. No more ironing!

Alterations

It is imperative that all of the alterations for a mother's dress be double checked before leaving for the wedding as fit problems could prove to be difficult to fix at the point of destination.

For outdoor weddings, careful attention should be paid to determining the hemline of gowns. Sand, water, and dirt can easily destroy certain fabrics. The only way to salvage a gown that has been damaged in this way is to hem it and convert it to a short dress.

An emergency kit with sewing supplies and dress tape is advised, not just for mothers but for bridesmaids as well.

Shoes

Shoes for outdoor events should always have a slightly chunkier heel to give stability on uneven or soft surfaces. Cobblestones, gravel and other types of walkways can damage the heels of shoes as well, proving dangerous for both the stiletto heel and the wearer.

Bon Voyage!

A destination wedding can be the best of both worlds; a vacation and a wedding all rolled into one! With a bit of planning and preparation it can be easy for mothers to feel good, look great, and have a wonderful time!

If you want to delve further into the exciting world of weddings, I invite you to tune into my new show Mother of The Bride premiering back-to-back episodes every Friday at 9 and 9:30 p.m. on SliceTM. Visit slice.ca for exclusive blogs, a mother of the bride dress guide, cast bios and full episodes.

]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.2545408 2013-01-25T08:35:07-05:00 2013-03-27T05:12:01-04:00

Terrie Tibbetts Martin http://www.huffingtonpost.com/terrie-tibbetts/
Why wear an ill-fitting garment when you could be custom-fitted?

It's no secret that most women are different sizes on the top and the bottom. While some women are bigger on top, I find the vast majority are larger on the bottom.

What is surprising to me is the number of women who are willing to buy a dress that's clearly too tight in one of those areas in an attempt to avoid the alterations that will be needed in order to fit into the proper size. The reasoning is always the same. She's not sure how it will turn out. What puzzles me about this strategy is how can a mother of the bride/groom justify wearing an ill fitting garment instead of actually looking really good in a dress that has been specifically altered for their body?

Find a great alterations specialist

Clearly, an alterations specialist needs to be properly vetted. Once a specialist has been found, it is absolutely amazing how the proper fit can change an off-the-rack-dress into something that looks like a custom-made garment.

Mothers are particularly gun-shy of alterations. This is probably due to the fact that they've recently become familiar with the cost of altering bridal gowns. Happily for mothers, the cost of altering a mother's dress is a fraction of the cost of altering a bridal gown.

The only time alterations on a mother's dress could run into a great deal of money is if the dress has to be re-made; in which case it's the wrong dress for the mother's body type.

Typically shoulder straps need to be shortened (the manufacturers always make them long enough to accommodate everyone), a basic hem may be needed, and perhaps a nip or tuck in the bodice is required. It should be that simple.

Make sure you wear the right shoes and bra when you go for your alteration

The most important thing for mothers is to remember when it comes to alterations is to wear the exact foundations she plans on wearing the day of the wedding. A good support-giving bra (very important) and shape wear will make a considerable difference in the alterations needed. Also, mothers should be sure to wear the shoes they plan on wearing to the wedding to establish an exact hemline. No "guestimating" and buying shoes later!

The first thing a man does when he purchases a suit is to head to alterations. I've never understood why women don't typically allow themselves the same courtesy.

Just as a bride has a fitting for her dress, so should a mother. Remember, mothers, you're walking down the aisle too!

If you want to delve further into the exciting world of weddings, I invite you to tune into my new show Mother of the Bride premiering back-to-back episodes every Friday at 9 and 9:30 p.m. on SliceTM. Visit slice.ca for exclusive blogs, a mother of the bride dress guide, cast bios and full episodes.

]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.2502369 2013-01-18T12:01:16-05:00 2013-03-20T05:12:01-04:00

Terrie Tibbetts Martin http://www.huffingtonpost.com/terrie-tibbetts/
Did you know that Chinese New Year falls on February 10 and it's the Year of The Snake? What does this do to your shopping calendar?

It's almost that time of the year again! It's wedding, prom and gala season -- and Chinese New Year is just around the corner! You might wonder what the first three items have to do with the last, but you would be surprised to know that Chinese New Year could be the determining factor in whether you get to wear "the perfect dress... the dress of your dreams," or not.




Every year countless women are caught off guard not realizing the impact that Chinese New Years has on shipping dates for special occasion merchandise. This holiday accounts for nearly a month of factory shut down, just as the western hemisphere's social season is getting into full swing. This translates into a far longer delivery time for orders than most customers allow for.

The general rule of thumb for special orders is 14 week for deliveries. The manufacturer projects that it will usually take 12 weeks to arrive stateside. This allows a week for shipping to the retailer and an additional week for late shipping from the factory, or a delay in clearing customs.

As of today, one of the top bridal and social occasion manufacturers is quoting 18 weeks to receive a mother's dress from China, which translates into approximately 21 weeks for a retailer to receive the dress once it's been ordered.

The problem with procrastinating on a dress for mother of the bride or mother of the groom, is that most boutiques and bridal shops don't carry very much inventory for mothers, which then means mothers can't buy off the rack. You can imagine the dilemma if you can't buy it and you don't have time to order it.

Mothers have a tendency of putting themselves last, as they are always taking care of everyone else. Just this time, put yourself to the head of the line. You'll be glad you did!

If you want to delve further into the exciting world of weddings, I invite you to tune into my new show Mother of the Bride premiering back-to-back episodes every Friday at 9 and 9:30 p.m. on SliceTM. Visit slice.ca for exclusive blogs, a mother of the bride dress guide, cast bios and full episodes. Join our Mother of The Bride Facebook page as well!

]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.2442710 2013-01-10T08:07:11-05:00 2013-03-12T05:12:02-04:00

Terrie Tibbetts Martin http://www.huffingtonpost.com/terrie-tibbetts/
It's never just about the dress...

Arguably, the toughest dress to buy in the entire wedding party is that of the mother of the bride -- or the mother of the groom! Simply stated, a mother has a much tougher time than the bride.

The Baggage

To begin, the bride is happy. Her life is just beginning and she's found someone that she is excited about sharing the rest of her life with. A mother, on the other hand, may have an ex-husband with a new wife (who is the same age as the bride with fresh plastic surgery), she may not have a great relationship with the husband she's married to, she may not like the groom, she may be having problems with the bride, she may be having problems with the new in-laws, she may have health issues, her parents may be ill, well, you get the picture. And she's probably not the same size she was when she was a bride.

The most important thing for a mother of the bride or groom to remember, is that after her own wedding gown, this is the next most important dress she will ever wear.

Looking and Feeling Her Best

It is imperative for a mother to feel beautiful as she walks down the aisle. She has earned the right. A mother of the bride doesn't have to match or blend with bridesmaids or flowers, she just shouldn't wear a colour that would clash.

A mother of the bride/groom will feel better in a dress if it's in a colour that looks stunning on her as well as if it's in a style that is flattering to her figure. Beyond that, a mother needs to feel emotionally secure in her dress.

She doesn't need to match the napkins.

A mother of the bride should be encouraged to experiment and try new styles, but she should never be forced to wear something she is not comfortable in -- no matter how great everyone else thinks it looks, or what element of the wedding it matches. If a mother isn't comfortable in the chosen dress, her insecurity will be conveyed at the wedding by her body language.

It's Mom's Day Too...

At the end of the day, what the guests will remember about a mother is how she looked walking down the aisle as well as at the reception. A mother of the bride/groom should be allowed to choose her own dress, just as the bride chooses her own dress. After all, it's the mother's day too!

If you want to delve further into the exciting world of weddings, I invite you to tune into my new show Mother of The Bride premiering back-to-back episodes every Friday at 9 and 9:30 p.m. on SliceTM. Visit slice.ca for exclusive blogs, a mother of the bride dress guide, cast bios and full episodes. Join our Mother of The Bride Facebook page as well!

]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.2404567 2013-01-04T08:28:09-05:00 2013-03-06T05:12:01-05:00

Terrie Tibbetts Martin http://www.huffingtonpost.com/terrie-tibbetts/ Mother of The Bride is launching tonight on Slice at 9 & 9:30 p.m. ET and in honour of the premiere, I am going to share seven exciting fashion trends for spring!

As a co-owner and dress consultant at T.Carolyn Fashions, I navigate the front lines of family conflict -- helping moms look great and satisfying the bride's often strident opinions. Even with 21-years in the business and 100,000 dresses sold, dressing a mother of the bride can be more challenging than dressing the actual bride!

The Spring '13 Collection is the best I've seen in years! Diversity and innovation best describe the latest fashions for Mothers of the bride (or groom).

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Here are my seven fashion trends for spring:

• Voluminous super soft net skirts, juxtaposed to fitted bodices, creating very dramatic but very feminine gowns.

• One shoulder and asymmetrical necklines

• More updated and flattering fabrics such as net, jersey, stretch taffeta, and fabrics that actually act as Shapewear to hold in those trouble areas most women deal with.

• Layering of differing fabrics such a net over metallic lace over iridescent taffeta -- in different colours to create amazing depth, detail and colour contrast.

• Ruching -- these gathers and pleats are usually diagonal and are extremely flattering.

• Three-dimensional embellishments such as flowers, rosettes, individual petals, and soutache ribbon in generous amounts. These are primarily on the skirts but may also be on a shoulder, jacket or stole.

• Beautiful embellishments such as hand beading, crystals and beading worked into bows, flowers and belts, as well as on the back of dresses and gowns. It's all in the details!

If you want to delve further into the exciting world of weddings, I invite you to tune into my new show Mother of The Bride premiering back-to-back episodes on Friday, January 4 on SliceTM. Visit slice.ca for exclusive blogs, a mother of the bride dress guide, cast bios and full episodes. Join our Mother of The Bride Facebook page as well!]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.2397511 2013-01-02T17:03:55-05:00 2013-03-04T05:12:01-05:00

Terrie Tibbetts Martin http://www.huffingtonpost.com/terrie-tibbetts/
When it comes to dresses for Mother of the Bride, it's definitely not one-size-fits-all.

Petite Women: should avoid large, full skirts that over power their height and frame. They should also avoid overly large embellishments such as bows and ruffles. Solids generally work better, unless the print is small. Petite women should never wear a top that is one colour and a skirt that is another. This will "cut her in half" visually and will make her look even shorter in pictures.

Plus Sized Women: should look for dresses or gowns that are ruched in soft fabrics such as net, jersey and chiffon. Super stiff fabrics such as silk dupioni should be avoided. Less stiff taffetas may be an option. Sweetheart necklines are very flattering. Fuller skirts and trumpet skirts tend to make waistlines look smaller.

Tall Gals: These ladies wear large ruffles and bows on the shoulder and on jackets better than their petite counterparts. Fuller skirts and stiffer fabrics may also be worn. If wearing a gown, the length should be to the top of the shoe without a break in the fabric. There are several designers that make gowns long enough for statuesque women. There is no need to wear a gown that is too short and looks skimpy.

For ladies that are two different sizes on the top and the bottom: Always fit your largest area first then alter the rest of the gown down to fit your smaller area. Don't try to get by without alterations by stuffing yourself into a dress. You deserve to have a well fitting dress too!

Never buy (or order) a dress that's too small. Most mothers are on a diet and intend on being a different size by the wedding. The problem with buying a dress that is too small is that the vast majority of special occasion dresses can be made smaller, but very few are designed to be let-out. On the upside, alterations on Mother of the Bride dresses are a fraction of the cost of bridal gowns. Mothers don't need any additional stress. Always buy a size that fits, and have it altered in the happy event you lose weight.

If you want to delve further into the exciting world of weddings, I invite you to tune into my new show Mother of The Bride premiering back-to-back episodes on Friday, January 4. Visit slice.ca for exclusive blogs, a mother of the bride dress guide, cast bios and full episodes. Join our Mother of The Bride Facebook page as well!

]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.2324911 2012-12-19T08:12:43-05:00 2013-02-18T05:12:01-05:00

Terrie Tibbetts Martin http://www.huffingtonpost.com/terrie-tibbetts/
As the holidays approach, I wanted to share my advice on how mother of the brides/mother of the grooms should dress for their son or daughter's wedding during this magical season. These tips are applicable for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's weddings.

Choosing the Dress

The dress a mother chooses for her child's wedding is second in importance only to her own wedding gown. During the holiday season, the guidelines for mothers of brides and grooms are different than other times of the year.

Holiday Colours and Styles

For the holidays, mothers should think in terms of more formal attire. Rich, beautiful jewel tone colors such as red, sapphire and peacock are excellent choices. These colors are extremely flattering and photograph well. Beautiful embellishments such as hand-beading, crystals, soutache ribbon, ruffles and three-dimensional appliqués are ideal for holiday weddings.

While gowns are still the first choice for most mothers, there are a number of wonderful short dresses suitable for a holiday wedding. A word of warning: if you choose to wear a short dress, you should consider shopping in a specialty store or boutique to avoid having your guests show up in the same dress.

For the woman who is more comfortable in something more understated, a beautiful jewel tone color in a classic silhouette will work brilliantly. In this particular case more striking accessories are required.

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Accessories

When choosing accessories, consideration should be given to scale. Petite women should consider smaller, more delicate pieces, while taller or plus-size women should opt for pieces of more substance. If a mother has chosen a one-shoulder gown or a gown with an asymmetrical neckline, stunning earrings with a matching bracelet are the perfect pairing.

Always remember to carry a purse (a clutch), a handkerchief, powder, and lipstick for those important touch-ups between pictures. A smart, sophisticated way to wear a corsage is to pin or attach it to a purse and carry the purse down the aisle.

Your Time to Sparkle

Lastly, make time for yourself. Mothers tend to put themselves last, because they're always so busy taking care of everyone else -- especially during the holidays. Be sure to think of your needs. It's a long walk down that aisle and you deserve to look and feel your best. Remember, it's your day too!

If you want to delve further into the exciting world of weddings, I invite you to tune into my new show Mother of The Bride premiering back-to-back episodes on Friday, January 4 at 9:00PM ET/6:00PM PT and 9:30PM ET/6:30PM PT on SliceTM.

Visit slice.ca for exclusive blogs, a mother of the bride dress guide, cast bios and full episodes. Join our Mother of The Bride Facebook page as well!]]>