The long-awaited event has happened - your beloved son is getting married, or your daughter is getting married. The parents of the bride and groom, having learned the good news, begin to think about gifts for the newlyweds, plan the celebration itself and help select outfits for the future spouses.
But sometimes mothers and fathers forget that choosing an outfit for their child’s wedding is also a very important matter for them.
How should parents dress for a wedding? The most important thing is to understand that the outfit should be comfortable, elegant and appropriate . So that nothing gets in the way of having a great time on this unforgettable day.
How to dress for a wedding as parents
The long-awaited event has happened - your beloved son is getting married, or your daughter is getting married.
The parents of the bride and groom, having learned the good news, begin to think about gifts for the newlyweds, plan the celebration itself and help select outfits for the future spouses. But sometimes mothers and fathers forget that choosing an outfit for their child’s wedding is also a very important matter for them.
How should parents dress for a wedding? The most important thing is to understand that the outfit should be comfortable, elegant and appropriate . So that nothing gets in the way of having a great time on this unforgettable day.
Tips for parents of newlyweds
When choosing outfits for a wedding, all parents remember the ceremony of their marriage and subconsciously try to dress “appropriately”, solemnly.
Therefore, at weddings you can often see, for example, the mother of the groom in a white dress or the father of the bride in a classic black suit. This is fundamentally wrong . At a wedding, only one woman should wear a white dress - the bride. A black classic suit is only appropriate in combination with a bow tie. A wedding dress for the mother of the bride or groom should be ideal, emphasizing the dignity. How to choose the perfect dress is described in detail in another article, because the topic is vast, and you need to approach the choice of outfit especially responsibly.
But general recommendations for mothers are simple:
- The dress should not be short. Let young bridesmaids wear minis, and ladies of an elegant age are best to emphasize their beauty with a plain dress that reaches to the ankle or to the middle of the calf muscle.
- It is best to choose the style “sheath” or with a pleated skirt. These two styles always look elegant, and if a sheath dress can be complemented with interesting accessories such as gloves, jewelry or a scarf, then a dress with a pleated skirt does not need any additions and looks elegant on its own.
- An interesting solution would be to choose a two-piece suit - a jacket and a skirt. Pair with a light scarf and pumps for a noble and sophisticated look in the style of the British Queen.
- As already mentioned, white is best avoided. But gentle tones: beige, turquoise, coffee with milk, cream, light green are perfect for the wedding look of the mother of the bride or groom.
The perfect wedding look for the mother of the bride or groom
Images of newlywed mothers in the same style
Wedding traditions - meeting the newlyweds
Wedding traditions have been compiled for decades, and one of the important moments in the wedding ceremony is the ceremony of welcoming the newlyweds with a loaf of bread and blessing the couple by their parents. It is worth saying that wedding ceremonies, which included the process of parental blessing itself, were a prerequisite for a full-fledged Orthodox marriage and were held before the wedding in the church.
The meeting itself and receiving the parental blessing begins with the newlyweds passing through a kind of corridor created by the wedding guests from towels and standing in front of their parents. After bowing three times to their parents, the newlywed couple solemnly receives a blessing and a wedding loaf from them. Having received a loaf of bread from their parents, the newlyweds each break it from their side and, dipping it in salt, give each piece to their spouse to eat.
Wedding traditions give a special place to the wedding cake, since no wedding can be imagined without this decoration of the ceremony itself. It is the moment of joint cutting of the wedding cake - a huge confectionery structure of cream and sponge cake - that will remain in memory as one of the brightest and most colorful moments of the wedding.
The tradition of presenting a wedding cake to newlyweds has its roots in Ancient Rome. Despite the fact that 5 thousand years separate us from those times, this wedding ceremony has survived to this day. But it is worth saying that although people did not know or use the very concept of a cake at that time, in the ceremony itself at the wedding they used wedding bread baked in accordance with all traditions from barley or wheat.
According to the very ritual accepted in those days, the groom was obliged to break the wedding bread over the head of his chosen one and then give each guest a small piece of it, thus offering to share the joy with the groom. The crumbs themselves, which fell on the bride’s head from the broken wedding bread, were collected by the groom and shared with his chosen one. This ritual acted as a kind of symbol of the subordination of the future wife to her husband.
In Rus', such a wedding cake was a traditional loaf. It was in this regard that our ancestors approached on a grand scale and with good knowledge of the matter, since the preparation of this wedding attribute required the efforts of several people.
It was our ancestors who knew that kneading the wedding loaf was done exclusively by married women, and the process of baking in the oven itself was done by men. But the wedding loaf, decorated with viburnum branches and berries, was cut by the child himself. Then, at the wedding celebration itself, the cut loaf was served to the guests exclusively by the matchmakers themselves. Moreover, this entire procedure of treating guests to a wedding loaf was accompanied by the singing of ritual songs. They were performed by “loaf makers”. As a rule, the honor fell to the young people to be the first to touch the most finished loaf, and all this was done before the wedding in the temple.
Clothes for the father of the groom or the bride
Few men like to buy clothes and go to the tailor to try them on every day. But for the sake of your beloved child, you can sacrifice time and choose the perfect suit for yourself.
What should the father of the groom wear to a wedding? Of course, a suit. The ideal look for a mature man is a classic three-piece in dark blue, chocolate or gray . But besides the classic ones, you can consider 5 more interesting options:
- Two-piece suit (jacket and trousers) in small check in gray or dark green. A beige, light green or light gray shirt would be suitable here. The tie matches the suit. Maybe a little darker.
- An option when the trousers and shirt are of different shades. Here you can play with colors, focusing on the color of your wife’s dress. So, if the groom’s mother has a sea green dress, then the groom’s father can safely choose gray trousers, a shirt to match his wife’s dress and a deep turquoise jacket in combination with a gray tie.
- If you really want to dress brightly and catchily, then you can afford a lemon-colored suit with a white shirt. This sunny image will be especially relevant if the wedding is planned in summer or spring.
- For lovers of strict classics, the time has come to abandon the black suit and opt for the “wet asphalt” color in combination with a bright shirt. This season, all shades of green are very popular - from delicate light green to khaki. The look will be complemented by a green tie, 2-3 shades darker than the shirt.
- It’s worth turning to high fashion and seeing what the designers recommend. For example, Alexander Vasiliev suggests that the groom's father wear beige trousers, a shirt a darker tone and a coffee-colored jacket with a printed pattern. The look will be completed with a bow tie. Also, don’t forget about accessories. Stylish watches are a great solution!
Stylishly dressed father at a wedding
What to wear to your son’s wedding is more or less clear, but what to wear to your own daughter’s wedding? The fathers of the bride are also concerned about the issue of choosing a festive suit, especially if the wedding is taking place in the summer, on a hot day, when wearing a jacket will be stuffy and uncomfortable. So, how should the father of the bride dress for a wedding?
- For the summer, you can choose a suit made of light fabric, it will not be hot. A summer suit can be made of cotton or linen. It is best to choose light colors. Especially for a man after forty, colors of the heavenly scale, sand color, grayish and all shades of beige are suitable.
- Combine classic trousers and a short-sleeve shirt. This is the most popular ensemble for going to a celebration in the summer. Gray linen trousers combined with a sandy or soft pink shirt would be ideal here.
Which color should I choose?
It is not recommended to choose bright flashy shades for a wedding. Just pay attention to the following colors in the palette:
- Beige. Any variations of this shade will suit mothers of all color types. Delicate color always helps to create a light, feminine look, and in combination with a brighter color scheme - an expressive and catchy outfit.
- Blue . It fits harmoniously into any ensemble. This shade is perfect for both blondes and brunettes. A woman can also take a closer look at dresses where blue is in harmony with other colors. For example, a combination with white can rejuvenate a lady and make her more attractive. The combination of blue and red gives the impression of a stylish and extravagant woman who is not afraid to experiment.
- Burgundy. This is the best option for passionate and confident ladies. Such an energetic shade must be combined correctly so that the image does not look tasteless. Burgundy and black is a classic combination suitable for all women. If you want to dilute the dominant color a little, you can choose a model with beige elements. This option will add restraint and elegance to its wearer.
A woman can also look at other options, however, these are most often found at weddings.
How parents shouldn't dress for a wedding
Sometimes it happens that incorrectly chosen outfits of the parents of the newlyweds spoil the entire impression of the celebration for the guests
Therefore, if the parents of the bride or groom doubt their choice, it is better to contact a professional stylist , he will select the optimal look and help you choose clothes for the celebration based on fashion trends, body shape and color preferences.
How not to dress for your son or daughter’s wedding:
- Classic mistake number 1 : “I’ll put on my best clothes at once . Often at a wedding you can see a lady over forty shimmering with lights, sequins, sparkles. The image is complemented by almost all the jewelry that is available at home. Lots and brightness does not mean beautiful. It is better to opt for a plain dress of an interesting style.
- The second common mistake is when violate the dress code of an event. Jeans and a jacket can be worn to work in the office, or for a walk. It looks out of place at a wedding. In general, it is better for men of elegant age to wear jeans at home or in the country. Comfortable classic-cut trousers should take the place of your favorite faded jeans in your wardrobe, and it’s better to wear a suit to your child’s wedding.
- Paired error - “Two from the casket” . You should not choose clothes of the same color, for example, a couple where the woman is in a red dress and the man in a red suit looks bright, but this is appropriate for a carnival, not a wedding.
- Clothes are black . Everything is clear here, this color is extremely inappropriate at a wedding, and if you really like dark colors, then it is better to choose clothes in burgundy, gray or brown.
Parents' clothes for the wedding were poorly and too simply chosen
What to wear to your daughter or son's wedding to look amazing? For mom - an elegant below-the-knee dress made of noble fabric. Custom made is best. For the father - a suit that fits his figure, is not dark in color, has a classic cut, preferably also made to order.
But the most important thing is to remember, no matter how parents look at their children’s wedding, for them they will always be the most beautiful couple of that day.
Wedding signs for parents
Folk signs are some recommendations worth listening to. But not every person believes in them, and this is a matter for a particular person. Do not confuse omens with superstitions. If we talk about the first term, then it is more based on the experience of people, when beliefs are something mystical and unsupported by anything.
Signs exist for any holiday, and a wedding is no exception. There are many signs associated with the outfits of the bride and groom, the wedding date, witnesses, parents, wedding cake and decoration of the hall and car.
Strong signs
Below we will describe strong signs that in most cases came true. Therefore, they are worth listening to:
- After leaving the registry office, the young people are sprinkled with cereals, thereby telling them not to return to their parents’ house, but to live their own happy lives.
- If the parents' marriage is not entirely successful, then you should not give your children your rings. After all, by putting on someone else’s wedding rings, newlyweds completely repeat their fate.
- You can't dance with your parents for a long time. When children dance with their parents, after that they must perform the dance of the young again, proving that no one and nothing will separate them.
- Only parents can correct the newlyweds' outfit. You shouldn’t let anyone else near your outfits.
A few signs for parents
A lot of signs are associated with the parents of those getting married. But as psychologists say, you shouldn’t get hung up on signs, as they are not always true. The most popular signs regarding parents will be listed below:
- To show respect to your parents, you need to listen carefully to their toasts.
- If children are greeted with bread and salt, this promises prosperity for the future family.
- Those who talk about heirs show their concern.
- In order for children to have a good future and a happy marriage, parents should call them affectionate names, for example Lenochka, Vanechka.
- If your mother-in-law loves to sing, then it will be easy to communicate with her;
- If the bride knows the manner of communication of her husband's parents, then she will be able to influence him.
- If the mother-in-law looks at her son-in-law over her left shoulder, then there will be harmony in the family.
- In order for the son-in-law and mother-in-law to have peace, they need to knock back a glass with her.
- If the daughter-in-law gets along with the father-in-law, then this is a sign of enterprise.
- To find out more about your spouse’s habits, you need to gain the trust of your father-in-law.
- In order for your husband to always be well-fed, you need to ask your mother-in-law what he loves most.
- If parents give expensive and meaningful gifts, then the family will have constant wealth.
- If you know the memorable dates of your parents, then this promises kindness and good relations with them.
- If, during the presentation of bread and salt, it is spilled, then this indicates a discord between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.
- If a daughter-in-law gives birth to a daughter, then she will be held in high esteem by her mother-in-law, if her son is her only child.
Responsibilities of the father of the bride
The bride's father , called by her newly-made husband with the important word "father-in-law", is the guest of honor at the wedding. At the same time, he is an important character. But first, a little history.
Previously, in Russia there was a custom for husband and wife not only not to prepare for the wedding themselves, but also not to see each other before the wedding. The wedding day was fixed by their fathers. When the groom's parents came to get married, the bride's father set the table for the guests, but the future husband's family brought drinks. After the agreement, the bride's father announced a list of his daughter's dowry. Of course, today times have changed, but if a very young couple is going down the aisle, then the wedding is most often organized for them by their parents.
Father in law at a wedding
How does the father of the bride participate in preparations for the celebration:
- Draws up an estimate for the holiday, provides financial assistance to the couple for the wedding, and negotiates with the groom’s family on the distribution of financial costs.
- Most often, the future father-in-law is responsible for finding and ordering a banquet hall and cars for the wedding procession.
- The father controls the ransom ceremony, monitors the time during the process, and then seats the guests in their cars and checks for the availability of booze.
- After the painting, the bride's father congratulates the couple.
- When the newlyweds go for a walk, the groom's father-in-law goes to the banquet hall and supervises the preparation for the banquet and the meeting of the newly made husband and wife.
- He can also be entrusted with decorating the banquet hall, bringing the wedding cake, and supervising the musicians and toastmaster.
- When the newlyweds arrive at the banquet hall, the bride's father meets the guests and introduces them.
- He can make sure that there is enough space for everyone at the table.
- The bride's father also meets the newlyweds and blesses them.
- He also makes the first table speech in honor of the newlyweds.
- The father's duties include dancing with his daughter (the third in a row, since her husband invites her to the first, and her father-in-law to the second).
- Sometimes the father invites the groom's mother to dance, which indicates the union of the two families.
- At the end of the feast, the bride's father says parting words and blesses the children's marriage.
The father of the bride must give a prepared and well-thought-out speech, since he is the one who opens the feast
The main responsibility of a parent at his daughter’s wedding is her support and attention to her.
Mother of the groom at the wedding
The groom's mother is traditionally given more responsibilities at the holiday than the father. There is no need to worry, everything is easy to do if you prepare for your role in advance. We offer you a step-by-step guide as a future guest of honor at your wedding.
1. Preparation . Don't take on more responsibilities than you can handle. In the end, the newlyweds have their own vision of this holiday, and they can choose a costume or decorations for the car on their own. How can you feel all the beauty of the holiday if by day X you will be like a squeezed lemon due to constant hassle? The best option is to hire a celebration organizer and carry out only small tasks for the newlyweds. Before your son goes to buy the bride, cross him and bless him. Help with packing if necessary.
2. Painting ceremony. As a rule, in a standard ceremony, parents are given the role of spectators. The exception is when the newlyweds come up to bow to them. The groom's parents are the first to congratulate the newlyweds, so it's worth getting closer to the couple so as not to have to make your way through the crowd. If the ceremony is thematic, your role is written in the script. The task is not difficult: learn the text and follow the outline of events.
3. Walk . Most often, young people and witnesses go for a walk. Sometimes a couple or three more friends. The remaining guests should not be bored either, so most often the banquet is organized in the house of one of the parents. If the choice falls on you, consider organizing a mini-buffet for the guests. In addition, you will have to leave early to arrange a meeting at the restaurant.
4. Wedding . An important ritual for which you need to prepare in advance. You need to purchase two icons and two towels (it is not customary to take icons with your hands). The newlyweds receive their first blessing in their parents' home. You need to describe the cross three times over the children’s heads and say warm words. The form of the text is arbitrary, the main thing is that it is from the heart. For example: “Dear children! We bless you for a strong union! Live in peace and harmony, let love not leave your hearts and become a faithful companion for life. From now on, you must protect and take care of each other! Let your family be friendly, increase the joy and happiness of today! Blessings! May you live happily ever after!".
Meeting of the newlyweds with a loaf
This tradition has a thousand-year history. As a rule, the ceremony is performed by the groom's mother. After the newlyweds have signed their names, they go home, where relatives and guests are waiting for them. When the newlyweds meet, the groom’s mother presents the newlyweds with a loaf of bread placed on a decorated, painted towel. According to the superstition (which observant guests probably noticed), the one who took a bite, or in some cases broke off, a larger piece, will be the head of the family. It is customary to put salt on the top of the loaf so that the young people salt pieces of the loaf for each other, as a sign that they will “salt” each other for the last time. Afterwards, the father and mother bless the newlyweds and wish them love, happiness and prosperity.
Some tips regarding clothes for the mother of the groom
At a wedding, the groom's mother should look attractive and elegant. We want to offer you some useful tips:
- Have two pairs of shoes (high heels will make your feet tired, and you can change to ballet flats at any time). By the way, it is also not recommended to wear new, unworn shoes for the holiday.
- The dress should be comfortable: you will have to move quickly, dance, participate in competitions, get into a car. The best option is empire style, A-line, tunic. By the way, if you have a problem with extra pounds, the cut will help hide them.
- The length should also be appropriate. In a miniskirt, even if your figure allows you to wear it, you will simply feel uncomfortable. Choose outfits that are slightly above the knee. Floor-length dresses are also not always comfortable; the best option is to mid-ankle.
- Choose fabric according to the season. In summer it can be lace, silk, chiffon, thin cotton. The best option is a combination of natural materials with synthetic ones: the fabric will not interfere with natural heat transfer and will not wrinkle as much as pure linen or cotton. In winter, give preference to velvet, brocade, and dresses with woolen yarn.
- When choosing the shades of your outfit, you should be careful. Very dark colors are not very appropriate for a wedding and at the same time add age. Bright, flashy shades can also highlight age-related changes. The ideal choice is pastel colors with bright accents.
- A themed wedding is a great opportunity to show off your outfit. Discuss your choices with the newlyweds to suit their desired dress code.
As you can see, if you know all the nuances, a wedding is not at all scary, although it is exciting. We wish your holiday to be perfect, leaving only pleasant memories!
Sources:
https://sunmag.me/odezhda-na-svadbu/kak-odevatsya-na-svadbu-roditelyam.html https://podgotovka-k-svadbe.ru/svadebnye-primety-dlya-roditeley.html https:// svadba.net.ru/library/408_mama_jeniha_na_svadbe