Can the mother of the bride wear white?
Traditionally, wearing white to a wedding is reserved for the bride, so it's generally considered inappropriate for other guests, including the mother of the bride, to wear white. However, there are exceptions, especially if the bride is okay with it. Here's what to consider:
When the Mother of the Bride Can Wear White:
Bride’s Approval: If you, as the bride, are comfortable with your mother wearing white, then it’s perfectly acceptable. Some brides even encourage their mothers or bridal party to wear white to create a cohesive look or embrace a modern wedding style.
Part of a Coordinated Theme: If your wedding has a neutral or all-white color scheme, having the mother of the bride in white might align with the overall look.
Non-Bridal White: If your mother wears a white dress with distinct patterns, embellishments, or paired with accessories that clearly differentiate it from a bridal gown, this can make it more appropriate.
When the Mother of the Bride Should Avoid White:
Traditional Wedding: In traditional or formal settings, it’s best for the mother of the bride to avoid white or shades close to white (ivory, cream) to respect the bride’s position as the center of attention.
No Clear Communication: If the bride hasn’t explicitly said she’s okay with it, it’s safer for the mother to choose another color to avoid any potential discomfort or confusion among guests.
Alternative Colors:
If white isn’t the right fit, popular choices for the mother of the bride include:
Pastels: Light blue, blush, lavender
Jewel tones: Emerald, sapphire, burgundy
Neutrals: Champagne, taupe, silver, gold
