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Is Black Still Taboo For Mother of the Bride?

 

Mother of the bride; bride preparing for her wedding

Dear Polite One,

Please help me!  I am a plus-size Mom, and I have been having a hard time finding a gown that I like.  I went shopping yesterday and found an exquisite black gown.  The saleswoman assured me that it is fine to wear black these days and I have special ordered the gown.  When I arrived home and told my daughter, she told me that it is still considered a faux pas.  Please help.  Is this true

Distressed Mom

Dear Distressed Mom,

If the wedding is more formal, you are fine.  Black is so in now and is no longer a faux pas.  If your daughter is still having a difficult time believing, send her to me or perhaps you could suggest any etiquette book.  There is a lot of etiquette involved in planning a wedding and so few study it.

Sincerely,

The Polite One

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