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As one of the oldest female relatives, a grandmother plays an important and special role on her grandchild’s wedding day, whether she is the grandmother of the bride or groom. To ensure respect for the couple on their special day, a grandmother is expected to follow certain wedding traditions. Wedding etiquette for a grandmother is simple and straightforward. Preparation
maximkabb/iStock/Getty Images Proper wedding etiquette dictates that the grandmother should inform the bride and groom of any special dietary or mobility needs as early as possible to ensure that arrangements can be made easily, according to 1MotherOfTheBride.com. For example, the couple could reserve a special seat if she has difficulty walking, or request a special meal at the wedding reception. Dress
l2egulas/iStock/Getty Images The grandmother should select her dress based on the overall formality of the wedding. According to wedding etiquette, she should not wear a dress in a color or style that too closely matches the bride’s wedding gown or the bridesmaid’s dresses. For a semi-formal wedding, the grandmother might wear a pantsuit or casual dress. For a formal wedding, she should wear an elegant dress or skirt suit. Offerings
Hongqi Zhang/iStock/Getty Images The grandmother should offer advice and suggestions when the bride requests it. Additionally, the grandmother should offer one of her personal items to the bride to be used as the “something borrowed” or “something old” item. Ideas include pearl earrings, a silk handkerchief or a hairpin. Special Requests
maximkabb/iStock/Getty Images Traditional wedding etiquette dictates that all grandparents be ushered down the aisle at the beginning of the wedding ceremony. If requested by the bride and groom, the grandmother should wear a corsage. In some cases, the grandmother might also be asked to join the receiving line following the wedding ceremony. In this case, she should welcome and thank guests for attending the wedding. Gift
Buccina Studios/Photodisc/Getty Images The grandmother should give a gift to the bride and groom on their wedding day, but there are no rules regarding the type of gift from grandparents. In fact, some simply choose to give a check or cash to help bride and groom start their new life together.
As a grandmother, you've always had a special role in your granddaughter's life, and the same applies when it comes to her big day. As part of the bride's family and extended wedding party, you deserve to shine in a dazzling grandmother-of-the-bride dress. Before you shop, be sure to consider any special requests that the couple may have, such as following the dress code, dressing for a specific theme (for example, a Great Gatsby wedding), or wearing a specific color. And most importantly, choose a gown that is just as comfortable as it is beautiful—feeling like the best version of yourself on their wedding day will help you celebrate the happy couple without distractions or worries about your wardrobe. If you're ready to choose your outfit, consider these gorgeous grandmother-of-the-bride dresses you can shop now. Gold Sequin A-Line DressThis glamorous floor-length number is all about the sparkle. The V-neckline, three-quarter sleeves, and A-line skirt flatter the body, while the all-over gold sequins create a dazzling look that's ideal for a formal dress code. It's available in both standard and plus-size options. Oleg Cassini allover sequin A-line gown, $250, David's Bridal Long-Sleeve Beaded Ball GownIf you're attending a black tie wedding during the winter months, this stunning ball gown is the perfect option. The high neckline and sheer long sleeves provide elegant coverage, with beaded flowers and sparkly crystals adding wow factor. This grandmother-of-the-bride dress comes in two timeless colors: navy blue and mocha. Mac Duggal long-sleeve embellished ball gown, $998, Macy's Elegant Two-Piece Jacket DressYou'll love this two-in-one ensemble that delivers everything you need to look stylish on your granddaughter's big day. The sleeveless maxi dress features an embellished sparkly bodice and an A-line chiffon skirt, while the removable sequin lace jacket has a high collar and three-quarter sleeves. Alex Evenings mock two-piece gown with jacket, $205, Nordstrom Floor-Length Gown with Chiffon CapeThis simple black gown is elevated by a floral-print chiffon cape woven with shimmering thread for a hint of sparkle. It's a timeless grandmother-of-the-bride dress for cocktail and black tie dress codes. Connect cape overlay gown, $89, Macy's
Sequined A-Line GownThe flattering silhouette of this A-line evening dress is its best feature. The shimmering scalloped lace bodice has three-quarter sleeves and a scoop neckline, with a flowing chiffon skirt that reaches the ankle. Alex Evenings mock two-piece A-line gown, $185, Nordstrom Off-the-Shoulder Evening GownThe mermaid silhouette of this lace dress beautifully accentuates the waist and hips without being too tight or restricting your moves. The sophisticated off-the-shoulder neckline is styled with straps for added support. Even better, this grandmother-of-the-bride dress is available in nine colors to match almost any wedding theme. R&M Richards off the shoulder fishtail evening gown, $139, R&M Richards Beaded Illusion Tulle GownHow stunning is this 1920s-inspired evening gown? While it has a simple short sleeve scoop neckline, the elaborate all-over beading and embroidery on the dress add flair, making it a fitting choice for a cocktail or formal reception. Pisarro Nights beaded mesh column gown, $238, Nordstrom Knee-Length Sequin Cocktail DressIf you prefer a shorter style, consider this chic knee-length dress with long sleeves and stunning all-over sequin embellishments. The black color is elegant and easily re-wearable. Adrianna Papell short sequin cocktail dress, $279, Adrianna Papell Floor-Length Chiffon Gown with CapeThis simple sheath dress is transformed into a show-stopping number thanks to a sweeping chiffon cape. A rhinestone-embellished neckline adds subtle sparkle—just add a matching bracelet or earrings. R&M Richards floor length sheath dress, $109, R&M Richards Beaded Blouson GownSparkly beads and sequins transform this wedding guest dress into a beautiful black tie ensemble. Flutter sleeves and a blouson bodice provide extra room in the bust and arms for a flattering yet comfortable fit. Pisarro Nights cold shoulder ankle-length beaded dress, $250, David's Bridal Simple Tea-Length DressIf embellishments are not your thing, opt for this strapless tea-length number in a dark burgundy hue. The structured silhouette is timeless and sophisticated, while the hidden pockets are an added bonus. Add a shawl or wrap for easy arm coverage. Amsale Russo midi dress, $440, BHLDN Floral Print Cocktail DressIf you're attending a spring or summer wedding, floral prints are always a lovely option. This chic cocktail dress features a high-low box pleat skirt and a pretty pastel floral print. We think it would also look stylish as a mother of bride or mother of the groom dress. Adrianna Papell floral-print cocktail dress, $179, Macy's Embroidered Tulle Midi DressTulle and flowers are a lovely combination for a springtime wedding. This tea-length dress with illusion long sleeves is elegant but also a little playful. The blush and yellow embroidered flowers add beautiful pops of color against the black fabric. Mac Duggal floral-embroidered long-sleeve midi dress, $598, Neiman Marcus Knee-Length Dress with BeadingThis modest knee-length style is an excellent grandmother-of-the-bride dress for petite frames. Crystals, sequins, and beading adorn the short-sleeve silhouette, which comes in five sophisticated colors. Adrianna Papell Petaluma sequin dress, $250, BHLDN Plus-Size Brocade Ball GownThe floral brocade print and shimmering thread on the skirt freshen up this classic long-sleeve ball gown. Two front pleats elongate the silhouette, while a pretty bow and buttons highlight the waist at the back. Oleg Cassini plus crepe ball gown, $250, David's Bridal Long-Sleeve Sheath DressWear this knee-length long sleeve dress if you're attending a daytime wedding or if the couple is getting married during the spring months. The silver-blue style is embellished with iridescent beading throughout. Mac Duggal beaded & embroidered sheath dress, $498, Saks Fifth Avenue Ruffled Off-the-Shoulder GownEye-catching ruffles add beautiful detail to this grandmother-of-the-bride dress. A wide boat neckline elegantly exposes the shoulders and collarbone, and a sparkly brooch at the waist adds glamour. The dark teal color is a gorgeous jewel tone for a winter wedding. Eliza J ruffled off-the-shoulder gown, $198, Macy's Satin One-Shoulder JumpsuitA jumpsuit gives the illusion of a dress but delivers all the comfort of a pantsuit. This one-shoulder satin jumpsuit with asymmetrical drapery is airy and comfortable for a range of special occasions, and it's available in five colors. Moms & Celebrations Azazie Hagretta stretch satin jumpsuit, $149, Azazie Lace V-Neck Column GownIdeal for petite frames, this classic ankle-length lace dress has a V-neck and demure cap sleeves. The sophisticated style comes in both gold and silver to complement the wedding color scheme. Connected petite lace V-neck dress, $99, Macy's Navy Blue Party DressGet into the celebratory mood with this gorgeous organza shirt dress. It's woven with a metallic stripe jacquard design and finished with an oversized satin bow at the waist. Teri Jon by Rickie Freeman organza abstract stripe shirtdress, $580, Saks Fifth Avenue Knee-Length Dress with Matching CoatA gorgeous matching coat completes this grandmother-of-the-bride dress. The lilac color and floral embroidery on the sheer jacket make this a worthy ensemble for a spring or summer wedding. Alex Evenings short matte jersey dress with attached jacket, $200, David's Bridal Velvet Long-Sleeve Evening GownGo for an ultra luxurious look in this black velvet gown. The long dress features a flattering ruched bodice, shawl collar neckline, and long sleeves that will keep you warm during a fall or winter event. Tadashi Shoji Brinda velvet dress, $408, BHLDN What color should a grandmother wear to a wedding?Black can be an appropriate dress color for the grandmother of the bride—especially if it's covered in sparkles. This beaded form-fitting cocktail dress is a sophisticated option for a cool-weather wedding. It has sheer long sleeves, a short knee-length skirt and allover botanical embellishments.
Can the grandmother of the bride wear the same color as mother of the bride?I don't see a problem with the grandmother wearing the same color as long as it is not more formal or upstages the mother of the bride. Since her outfit is a pants suit, and yours is a dress, I don't think it should be an issue.
What color should the grandmother of the groom wear?You can't go wrong with a classic black maxi dress. The velvet fabric and full length of this formal dress make it a sophisticated option for black tie weddings, and you can easily re-wear it for other occasions in the future.
What colors should not be worn to a wedding?What colors should you not wear to a wedding?. White.. Off white or ivory.. All Black.. All Red.. Overly sparkly or heavily metallic.. Bridesmaid dress colour.. Mother of the bride or groom dress colour.. |