You may also be interested in:

What do I wear to my son’s wedding this coming May in Newport, RI?  I am the mother-of-the-Groom.

–Anne, New England

Traditionally, the mother-of-the-bride sets the dress code for “the mothers,” meaning the mother-of-the-groom, grandmothers, aunts, godmothers, and step-mothers.

What you wear would also depend upon several factors: the formality of the wedding, the time of day of the ceremony, the venue where the wedding is taking place, and what would look best on you.

You want to wear an outfit that suits your own style, shape and coloring. Because the wedding is taking place in May, you would wear a deeper color than a pastel. The colors for the MOG, traditionally, are shades of blue, beige, pink, green, and grey, which are lighter in hot weather and a bit darker in springtime.

When the wedding invitation does not specify ‘Black Tie’ or ‘Formal Attire,’ you can assume the dress code is ‘Suits & Dresses.’

But you still need to find out from the MOB the style, length and color of her dress. If possible, have her send you a photo. Knowing the name of the company who made the dress will make it easier to look at it online.

Let’s assume, because you haven’t been told at this point how formal the wedding is, you would wear an elegant and dignified knee-length outfit with sleeves. Perhaps a 3/4 length sleeve dress, sheath with a jacket, or a fitted silk skirt-suit, with beautiful shoes and you would carry a small clutch bag.

Of course, if the wedding is early in the day, you could wear a wonderful hat. In choosing an outfit, you want to be thinking about the photographs. You don’t want to stick out or fade away, it is a matter of fitting in. That’s why it is a good idea to consult with the MOB first.

Here are some outfits off SaksFifthAvenue.com that may illustrate the look:

Teri Jon: Beaded Laxe Dress (taupe)
Teri Jon: Lace Dress (navy)
Teri Jon: Cape Lace Dress (navy)
St. John: Hopsack Knit Darted Peplum Jacket and Skirt (verde/blue-green)

More ideas at NeimanMarcus.com:

Carolina Herrera: Long-Sleeve Bow-Waist Lace Sheath Dress (bright pink)
Marchesa: Short-Sleeve Metallic Lace cocktail Dress

At Nordstrom.com:

St. John Collection: ‘Crossed Throw’ Knit Jacket and Sheath (raspberry)

Another way to go is the ‘special occasion’ jacket:

At maria_pucci.com click on ‘Mother-of-the-Bride/Groom Jackets’ to see the following:

Charleston Jacket: Elegant Brocade
Charleston Jacket: Elegant Peach

We’re here to help. When you have more details about your son’s wedding, we would be happy to assist further.

~Didi