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Fabulous and Formal
Local boutique owners dish on dressing the mother of the bride By Callie Bisset
W
e all hear about brides saying “yes” to the dress, but what about mom? Mothers are left without a set dress code, which can be both freeing and intimidating. Length, fit, style, and color are all important factors to consider, and some moms worry about taking away from the bride’s big moment. It’s not always clear what the socially appropriate outfit is for mothers of the bride and groom. So what exactly should a mother of the bride wear ? “An appropriate style is subjective,” says
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Stefania Carmosino Spas, who co-owns Stefania’s Boutique in Cranston with her mother Antoinette. “Some mothers love simplicity, and some prefer a more ornate style.” Kate Spinella, owner of Ivory, A Bridal Boutique in East Greenwich, shares that one of the first questions they ask a mother is whether or not she has inspiration or ideas that come from the bride. “When a bride or future daughter-inlaw comes shopping , they usually say that they want the mother to be happy and comfortable,” says Spinella. “Mothers want to look their best,
and be fashionable, no matter their size. We have carefully curated our gown selection to keep our mothers looking young and elegant.” Regarding color, Spinella maintains, “there are no color rules for mothers except they should not wear any shade of ivory or white.” She also notes that popular choices tend to be either neutrals or navy. Alternately, Spas shares that some brides choose to include the mothers in different shades of the wedding color palette while others opt for a contrasting hue to coordinate with the wedding party but stand out from the bridesmaids.
FEBRUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com
Photo courtesy of Stefania’s Boutique
A Mon Cheri fit & flare style gown in navy (Style RD2974 by Rina Di Montella)