Once you’ve decided on your color palette for your wedding, be sure to continue to keep an open mind.  This isn’t saying that you need to change your color scheme totally, but remember that there are many colors that go well with and even compliment each other. 

Incorporating different shades of the same color can really bring some style to a wedding party.  Consider allowing the maid of honor to wear different colors than the rest of the attendants.  For example, your maid of honor could be dressed in burgundy or merlot, while your bridesmaids wear a lighter rose color.  Another alternative would be to invert color schemes in the dresses.  A silver dress with a violet sash on the maid of honor would be beautifully complimented by violet bridesmaid dresses with silver sashes.  Use accessories like shoes, jewelry, shawls or sashes to incorporate other colors.  Silver is fast becoming a very popular wedding color today simply because it does go so well with so many other colors such as gunmetal grey, slate blue, violet or pink.  Keeping these accenting colors in mind also helps when the mothers of the bride and groom go to choose their dresses.

By varying the colors in your wedding party, you add an elegant touch of class that is completely unique.  Just remember to keep within your color palette and watch out for colors that clash.  With a little imagination you can create a truly sophisticated look.

The mothers of the bride and groom will often spend much time in the choice of their wedding day attire.  Their dresses should complement each other in style and color since both families will pose for wedding pictures together. 

Traditionally, the mother-of-the-bride is to choose her gown first.  The guidelines for purchasing a mother’s dress are fairly simple.  First, you’ll want the gown to fit in with the wedding colors.  They do not need to match exactly.  For example, if the bridesmaids are dressed in deep burgundy, a mother’s dress in a lighter rose color would look lovely.  Unless you’re having a black & white theme wedding, the mothers should never wear white.  This color is reserved strictly for the bride.

Secondly, the style of the dress should be in keeping with the basic style of the wedding.  You won’t want to wear a short dress or pantsuit for a formal wedding, or a sequined evening gown for an informal beach wedding.  Don’t settle; be sure the style is flattering to your figure.  After all, the bride isn’t the only one who wants to look her best that day. 

Once the bride’s mother has chosen her dress, it is her responsibility to touch base with the mother-of-the-groom, so she can choose her dress in a similar style, length and color.  Mother’s dresses do not need to match, but they should complement each other.

When it comes to shopping for your mother’s dress, the best rule of thumb is to start looking for that special dress as early as possible.  The perfect dress is available; give yourself plenty of time to find it.