Colors play an important part in a wedding, much like in many other special events in life. When it comes to weddings, colors serve special meanings for the couple getting married. Colors also play a part in the official wedding attire. It was the British Queen Victoria’s wearing of white that somewhat dictated the tradition of brides being required to wear white in their nuptials. While many cultures don’t follow this “rule,” there’s also the tradition that everyone else must not upstage the bride in their clothing either. 

Going back to colors serving a special meaning in certain events, the color black is usually associated with funerals. Some cultures may also associate black to bring negative energy to special events, despite its generally versatile nature. Black goes with everything, as the saying goes. But, there’s also such a thing as black tie events, meaning formal attire, like a ball. In short, black is something you could wear to a wedding. 

But what if you’re the mother of the bride or the mother of the groom? Are you allowed to wear black for the wedding? Is it appropriate to wear black to your child’s wedding? While yes, it isn’t inappropriate, the response could be different depending on your child. 

Times are Changing

Mondressy A-Line Princess Sweetheart Mother of the Bride Dress

As said earlier, black is usually associated with funerals or mourning, when it comes to traditions. As well, there are also cultures that may find wearing black to be inappropriate in certain events because it might signify bad luck or bring negative energy. At one point, wearing black to a wedding, especially if it’s the mother of the bride or groom, wasn’t considered inappropriate because it seemed to symbolize the mother’s disapproval of the marriage.

But even with this in mind, the times are changing, and along with the times, styles in fashion, food, music, and film change. The same goes for what is and isn’t appropriate in weddings. Therefore, weddings today are a lot more flexible. 

Breaking Traditional Expectations 

Mondressy Sheath/Column V-Neck Short Sleeves Dress

Compared to years or decades past, today’s traditions and norms for mothers of the bride (and groom) have changed. This goes especially in a sartorial sense. Since black is also associated with elegance and timelessness, mothers of the bride and even the groom can choose to wear black to their child’s wedding if they prefer – provided that the bride and groom also approve of this choice, of course. 

This reason is in line with the notion that weddings are a tradition that continues to evolve over time, and thus the norms associated with weddings should evolve with it. Plus, the tuxedos worn by the groom and the groomsmen have traditionally been a dark color if not black.

Black is an Option

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Aside from black, mothers of the bride and groom are spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing dress colors for their child’s wedding. It will primarily depend on the colors the couple have chosen for their bridesmaids and groomsmen as well as the season the wedding’s going to take place and the venue. If the venue has a strict black tie only rule, then the mother of the bride wearing black would be seen as appropriate. 

The same goes when it comes to the other side of the color spectrum, a.k.a white. Generally, it’s only the bride who gets to wear white, but there are couples who opt to have their wedding parties wear shades of white. But to keep it safe, it’s best not to consider wearing white or shades leaning towards white. 

Comfort is Key

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While a black mother of the bride dress could be appropriate for the wedding, comfort is also just as important.Weddings are a day when everyone looks and feels their best, and so should the mother of the bride. If that means wearing a black gown makes you look and feel your best for your child’s wedding, then by all means, go! 

Don’t Forget to Consult With the Bride

Mondressy Black Mother of the Bride Dress

As always, before deciding on the color of the dress mothers of the bride would want to wear for their child’s wedding, consulting the bride (or groom) is also important since they’re the ones who are getting married after all. Having open and constant communication about expectations and preferences can help mothers of the bride decide on what to wear. 

As said earlier, some brides may be more flexible in terms of dress colors for their mothers, while others may prefer to stick to the chosen colors. There’s always room for compromise when it comes to coordinating with the bride on what to wear. It’s a collaborative effort, and as long as both are happy and confident in what they’ve chosen, then it’s smooth sailing from there.