Whether it’s the mother of the bride or the mother of the groom, these two special ladies deserve to look their best on your big day. Help mom out by adhering to a few of these suggestions when searching for a MOB or MOG gown:

Start early
You don’t want to be frantically searching for the perfect dress a week before the wedding. Instead, start early and give you and your mom plenty of time to choose a gown that suits both her and your wedding style. After all, you want the dress to work for the color and formality of your big day.

Browse online
If you and your mother have no idea what style dress or color you both are after, consider starting your shopping online. The great thing about the Internet is that it brings a wide variety of styles and prices right to your doorstep. And many times, there are great discounts available for online shoppers.

Think outside the box
While you can’t go wrong with a gown for mom, don’t count pantsuits out of the mix just yet. After all, new mommy Beyonce rocked a black and white pantsuit at the Grammy’s, proving that it’s high fashion. Dressy pantsuits can be found at stores like Ann Taylor, Dillards or Macy’s. You can also look for shops that carry evening wear like cocktail dresses or formal wear.

Avoid white
Unless it’s a white-themed wedding, advise your mom or mom-to-be that she let you wear the white. Ask her to consider classic neutral shades like gray and beige instead. The dress color doesn’t have to match the bridesmaids. Instead, choose a shade that complements the wedding color palette.

Don’t forget about personal style
While the MOB or MOG should adhere to the theme and dress code of the wedding, personal style is important. She should be sporting an ensemble that she is both comfortable and confident wearing. After all, you wouldn’t want to be forced to wear a dress that doesn’t suit you, so don’t ask the same thing of your mother. Look for a flattering style for a boost of confidence.

Stay in season
Depending on the season in which your wedding is going to take place, mom’s dress should be appropriate for the time of year. For example, flashy colors are best avoided in winter, while a dress with especially heavy fabric wouldn’t be ideal for an outdoor summer wedding. Help your mom pick a dress that reflects the feel and style of the season for an on-trend big day.

Do you have any tips for shopping for a MOB or MOG dress? Share your thoughts with us!