OK Dress for Mother of the Groom Rehearsal Dinner?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Oooof, I’m usually one to say “it’s fine” if there’s a significant pattern against a white background, but NO. This has way too much white. And there’s literally a pink version RIGHT THERE!

Be reasonable, OP:
1) Would this totally be among a stylist’s picks to show a BRIDE for the rehearsal dinner? Yes, yes it would.

2) If you have to ask….

+1. Too white. Too young for mother, too bright for evening.

[Anonymous]

Y'all in photos with OP and the bride and groom that are taken at close range, it will just look like OP is wearing a white dress. If the print went up to the shoulder, I think it would be fine that it has a white background. The issue is that the frame of her face will just be white. If the bride wears white to the rehearsal dinner, it will look especially weird. If the bride doesn't wear white, OP will stand out as the one in white at a wedding-related event.

It's not some huge deal but it's like ONE rule about dressing for someone else's wedding. There are tons of dresses in this style that are not white. Including like a dozen on that site.

This is one of those questions where if it occurred to you, the answer is "don't do it."

[Anonymous]

Too white.

[Anonymous]

Just find a shirt dress (which is what that dress is) in a nice solid colour. Navy, rose pink, warm melon, coral, charcoal gray--all would be perfectly suitable, far more appropriate, and photograph better. If you want a print add an Hermés carre worn like a belt or at the neck, or possibly silk printed heels.

[Anonymous]

Short sleeve cocktail dresses in spring/summer florals that are not too white/bridal (as I think this dress is):

https://ullajohnson.com/products/carina-dress-hibiscus

https://www.dvf.com/products/jemma-dress-in-earth-floral-multi-chartreuse

https://www.lillypulitzer.com/amrita-cotton-midi-shirtdress/015914.html

I also think you'll see more pieces available in this vein over the next month as more resort/summer fashion comes out. Right now many places are still clearing out winter inventory so there aren't as many things available. I'd check the above designers as well as Anthropologie, B&sh, and Tuckernuck. I'd also check back with Teri John if you really like those pieces -- they may restock the dress you like in the pink and may add more similar dresses as we get closer to wedding season. It's early yet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Short sleeve cocktail dresses in spring/summer florals that are not too white/bridal (as I think this dress is):

https://ullajohnson.com/products/carina-dress-hibiscus

https://www.dvf.com/products/jemma-dress-in-earth-floral-multi-chartreuse

https://www.lillypulitzer.com/amrita-cotton-midi-shirtdress/015914.html

I also think you'll see more pieces available in this vein over the next month as more resort/summer fashion comes out. Right now many places are still clearing out winter inventory so there aren't as many things available. I'd check the above designers as well as Anthropologie, B&sh, and Tuckernuck. I'd also check back with Teri John if you really like those pieces -- they may restock the dress you like in the pink and may add more similar dresses as we get closer to wedding season. It's early yet.

Ooh I love the material of the first dress in the style of the dvf dress! (Np I can’t do puffy sleeves)

[Anonymous]

I'm not bothered by the white. It's a rehearsal dinner, and I agree it is not a "white" dress.

That said, I'm 5'4 and small, and there's no way I could pull off that dress. Too much fabric, too bold a print. I just think the dress will generally be too loud and big and attention-getting for the MIL. It's very pretty, but I would keep looking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Y'all in photos with OP and the bride and groom that are taken at close range, it will just look like OP is wearing a white dress. If the print went up to the shoulder, I think it would be fine that it has a white background. The issue is that the frame of her face will just be white. If the bride wears white to the rehearsal dinner, it will look especially weird. If the bride doesn't wear white, OP will stand out as the one in white at a wedding-related event.

It's not some huge deal but it's like ONE rule about dressing for someone else's wedding. There are tons of dresses in this style that are not white. Including like a dozen on that site.

This is one of those questions where if it occurred to you, the answer is "don't do it."

+1

Best case scenario - only a few older relatives of the bride care, and say nothing but assume you have some need to attempt to outshine the bride and/or aren’t very socially savvy

Worst case scenario- you piss off the bride, because this is one more way you have, or she thinks you have, done something overbearing or rude.

Most likely scenario - a handful of people you may or may not care about think you were clueless and/or tacky and think you look a little foolish.

This isn’t hard to avoid. Pick another dress.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm not bothered by the white. It's a rehearsal dinner, and I agree it is not a "white" dress.

That said, I'm 5'4 and small, and there's no way I could pull off that dress. Too much fabric, too bold a print. I just think the dress will generally be too loud and big and attention-getting for the MIL. It's very pretty, but I would keep looking.

agree with all

[Anonymous]

Here you Go

https://www.terijon.com/collections/day-occasion/products/sleeveless-floral-border-pattern-gazar-fit?variant=44290230649071


Less overwhelming for a petite older woman as well.

In the other one you’d look like Charlotte’s MIL Bunny from SATC.

[Anonymous]

If you’re already questioning it, you’re going be worried about it when you’re wearing it, so I just wouldn’t. Additionally, you said you want to be able to wear the dress to other functions, but it is such a statement dress that I’m not sure I would do that. Especially if you’re going to be having pictures taken at these other events.

[Anonymous]

What about this- https://www.halsbrook.com/shop/dresses/cocktail/green-floral-jacquard-dress-166951.htm

Summery color, short sleeved, and less fabric for a petite frame.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What about this- https://www.halsbrook.com/shop/dresses/cocktail/green-floral-jacquard-dress-166951.htm

Summery color, short sleeved, and less fabric for a petite frame.

Ihopeyou are kidding. Looks like a toddler summer beach dress. Far too casual

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What about this- https://www.halsbrook.com/shop/dresses/cocktail/green-floral-jacquard-dress-166951.htm

Summery color, short sleeved, and less fabric for a petite frame.

Cute but look at it from behind. I think it will make most women’s butts look enormous

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It looks like a dress for the shower, not a rehearsal dinner.

Agree.

I'd also go with the pink version. But something a bit dressier for the rehearsal I think would be better. The bold flowers say daytime to me.

Sounds like you have a good rx with the bride, OP, good start.