Plus Size Mother of the Bride-Fabulous Plus Sizes

Plus Size And Looking Great

Mother of the Bride dresses are usually full-length, and often come with matching jackets or boleros. If not, make sure you have a pretty shawl or dressy sweater. If you can't see yourself in anything other than a suit, make sure it's memorable with a metallic tint, sparkly adornment or shiny threads.

The time of day certainly can dictate length. If the bridesmaids are wearing tea-length dresses and the wedding is before 6 p.m., you can opt for a cocktail suit or dress. Mixing lengths can also look awkward in photos.

As for color, coordinate your colors with the rest of the bridal party, or choose a hue that will enable your individuality and personal style to stand out. Keep in mind that it's important to select a color and style that are not too distracting, based on what the rest of the wedding party is wearing, especially if you'll be taking tons of photos as a group.

For a fall wedding, you can go with jewel tones. With the bridesmaids wearing mocha, something in deep purple or even royal blue or burgundy would be complementary. You should avoid cream, ivory or champagne colors because they're too close to the bride's choice. And black, even though it's appropriate for eveningwear, traditionally signifies a disapproval of the marriage.

For winter weddings, you'll want something in a more somber color such as burgundy, blue, gray, black or just about any other wintry hue. Many mothers of the bride go for champagne or tawny, but for nuptials in January, go for one on the darker end of the spectrum.

For figure flattery: An empire waist is always complimentary. Rouching can camouflage a tummy bulge. A sweetheart neckline draws attention away from a big bottom.

Plus-size women often have fabulous legs they want to show off. Accessories count, too -- women who are self-conscious about flabby arms should stay away from big bracelets. And never dismiss the slimming power of body-shaping undergarments.

Have a small upper frame and a larger lower body? A gown with intricate detail is perfect to enhance the bust line and shoulders. Long, fluid skirts create the illusion of smaller hips and thighs.

For the full figure with generously distributed body measurements, the key is to find a gown that elongates your body and stresses your best features. A scoop neck draws attention up and compliments a well-endowed bust line. Long sleeves conceal a fuller arm. A dropped waistline slenderizes the torso. To show off a voluptuous "hourglass figure" with a full bust and hips as well as a small waist, a sheath style or slim-fitting gown is ideal. Short sleeves or tank-top styles offer the spotlight to sensual hourglass shapes.

Bigger, bulkier jewelry is also somewhat expected for the mother of the bride, and there's nothing wrong with going for the costume variety. If you don't own any, start asking friends early because borrowed jewelry can be hard to secure, especially since you'll need a particular length and style to match your outfit.

Heel trouble is the easiest thing to remedy. Simply skip the stilettos. There's no reason why you can't find stylish flats or dress shoes with baby heels. Go to any store, but find something of relative comfort for eight or so hours.