Skip to main content

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

More by The Polite One

Wedding Etiquette Attire Interview: What are Today's Taboos?

Anti-Clueless Advice: How to Plan a Wedding That Doesn't Insult Guests

Encore Wedding Guest Tips: Avoid Rolling Eyes and Whispering

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Bride Doesn’t Wants Alcohol or Dances at Reception

Dear Polite One, I've always dreamt that my wedding reception would be alcohol and dance-free - except for the first dance of the bride and groom.  When running the idea past a few people they seemed shocked that I've taken out both of these elements and are making me doubt my idea . The wedding will be in the evening, and then dinner. Is there a steadfast rule that there must be alcohol and dance at a wedding?  Isn't a nice dinner enough? And what things could be added to make it fun for the guests? Thank you, Visitor from Yorkton Saskatchewan Dear Yorkton Saskatchewan, People typically expect alcohol with their dinner at evening wedding receptions .  So, it would probably be better if this were held earlier in the day.  Dancing isn’t that important.  However, it is better to skip all dances, rather than just the one dance with you.  That may seem awkward.  The only hard and fast rule is that we, as hosts, offer our guests wha...
Post a Comment
Read more

Do I wear nylons with strappy sandals for a fall evening wedding?

  Dear Polite One, From what I have read on your site, I should wear a cocktail (little black dress or equivalent) to a fall evening wedding at a golf country club.  Do, I need to wear nylons with my strappy sandals? Wedding Newbie in Wisconsin Dear Wedding Newbie in Wisconsin, Bravo on doing your attire homework!  You are absolutely correct about your attire choice.  Nylons aren't nearly as popular or expected due to our love of sandals. Strappy sandals look splendid with nice dresses, even in the winter.  FYI: It is a faux pas to wear nylons with open-toed shoes. Sincerely, The Polite One More by The Polite One How to dress for a wedding as "the second wife"? How to Dress for Formal Wedding in New York ? What to wear to a formal evening wedding in Napa?
Post a Comment
Read more

4 of the Most Asked Wedding Etiquette Questions Answered

After decades of answering etiquette questions, especially about weddings, I’d like to share a few of those questions that represent the majority of concerns.   Q: Is an invited coworker obligated to spend a certain amount? I'm going to both the wedding shower and the wedding. Should I buy both gifts off the registry? A: Unfortunately, yes. This is one of the biggest reasons I feel that the gift-less wedding shower is the smartest route for us to follow today.  Why should the couple receive more than one gift per guest?  It just doesn't make any sense and isn't fair to guests. Q : Registries feel so impersonal.   Is there any way to make it more personal? A: I honestly can't think of any way to make a registry more personal.  If a couple decides to register, they should choose items from the low end of the price range as well as the bigger ticket items, so the list doesn't appear to be a greed-fest.  Unfortunately, it can have th...
Post a Comment
Read more