Thinking warm thoughts: Spring inspiration

All this cold weather has us dreaming of springtime.  We put together this inspiration board for a Springtime wedding in the Twin Cities.

Bridal Gown: "Sydney" by Watters

Shoes: Badgley Mischka

Bridesmaid dress: After Six

Tuxedos: Grey Savoy

Flowers: Ashley Fox Designs

Cake: Gateaux

Hair Flower: "Peggy"

Seting: Como Conservatory

Here comes the MOTHER of the bride!

Shopping for a bridal gown is not only special for the bride, but it can be a special experience shared with her mother. It is so fun to see mothers from different appointments chatting between oohing and aahing over their daughters trying on potential gowns. Their conversations spread to the venue and photographer selections, they begin sharing opinions and offering each others' daughters advice on their gown selections. They congratulate each other on finding the perfect dress for their daughters.

With the spotlight on the bride and her quest for "the perfect dress", mothers (of brides AND grooms) often forget to search for the "perfect dress" for themselves!  Many mothers assume they can stroll the Mall of America and come out with something fabulous.  Too often, they come out empty-handed, or are told to "wait for next season".  When "next season" comes and goes, still leaving them empty-handed, that is when the panic sets in.

Why is it so hard to find a mother's dress, you ask?  Just like a bridal gown, mothers want a dress that makes a "statement" and tells a story about themselves.  They don't want to look frumpy or matronly, but also don't want to outshine the bride on her special day, or wear something guests might consider "inappropriate".  It can be a true challenge to find something that is elegant, classy, sophisticated, yet with a hint of sparkle and that certain "something special."

Gowns like this are not often stocked at your nearest megamall.  A mother who wants a gown made to a specific color that will compliment the wedding party (as well as her eyes), a gown that typifies "classic elegance", or a gown that does not have makeup stains from the previous person who tried it on...that mother is looking for a gown that is custom ordered especially for her. 

While this service can be quite affordable, it does take time.  Most mother's gown orders take about 12 weeks to arrive, and you'll need an extra month to build in time for proper alterations.  Total time: about 4 months prior to W-Day.

Depending on designer, mother's gowns can be custom-ordered for size/color from $189.  The average mother's gown at Bridal Accents Couture is about $350-$500, but even certain bridal gowns can be ordered in color (with no trains) for the truly discerning mother with couture taste and style.

To search for custom-ordered mothers gowns, appointments are often best.  Other key items to bring with you would be: a strapless bra, Spanx or other appropriate undergarments, a swatch of color that you are searching for, an idea of the setting (beach versus ballroom), and a budget that you'd like to stay within.