Mothers often panic when faced with having to search for a dress for their child's wedding. Most mothers don't have the same figure they had when they were brides. 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.

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.

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. Unfortunately, women's petite is the most difficult specialty size to obtain.

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!

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. 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). Here are my seven fashion trends for spring.

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! 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.