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Proper MOG dress

 Bridal attire; parents of the bridal couple

Hi Polite One,

I am MOG and have a question about a dress option for me.  The bride likes it and the MOG likes it.  It is strapless with a grey beaded top with a full ivory skirt that falls below the knee.  I've shown it to both the bride and her mother and both like it. 

The bride's dress is white. Should I be worrying the bottom is ivory? 

Thanks so much,

Carolyn, USA

Dear Carolyn,

The problem isn't so much the color.   The issue is that it is strapless.  Mothers shouldn’t wear anything revealing, so strapless dresses are a definite no-no.  A stylish jacket could solve that issue.

As MOG, you are expected to coordinate with the MOB, while dressing no more formally than her.  The beading could be a problem if the wedding is hosted during the daytime.  Beading, and anything that glitters, is reserved for evening weddings.  So, it would be best if you chose a dress that is the same formality as the MOB, not revealing, and not bright (especially red).  Grey is usually safe. 

The ivory is probably safe, but if the dress could be worn as wedding attire—either as a bride or her attendants—it would be a poor choice for a mother.  Many times, those in wedding attire shops offer mothers dresses that are entirely inappropriate, as these could be worn by encore brides or young ladies attending their prom.  It could be embarrassing. 

Good luck in your dress hunt.

Most sincerely,

The Polite One

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