Times have changed.  In the glory days of couture, a fashionable woman ordered a bespoke gown along with a coordinating hat. Wearing a gown without a charming hat or fascinator would have been akin to going without make-up or jewelry. Something simply not done. Completely unimaginable!   

Today, things are a bit more relaxed, even when the affair is a wedding.  While the British continue to view a hat as an extension of the impeccable ensemble, across the pond mother of the bride dresses and hats aren’t always paired.  That’s such a lost opportunity since weddings offer the perfect opportunity to adorn one’s head.  

So what is the mother of the bride, or mother of the groom, to do when hosting nuptials on this side of the Atlantic?  It’s easy to find the right ensemble. Let’s start with an afternoon affair. Head over to Neiman Marcus where Escada offers a charming knee length lace cocktail dress that is sure to delight many a mother of the bride.  Ruffled sleeves in a jade hue enrich the simple lines of this elegant dress.  But, remember, it’s head-to-toe.  So what should the mother of the bride wear with this dress?  A cocktail hat is just the thing.  It fits almost any head and is held in place invisibly with an elastic.  Since this is the Millinery Treasures blog, you can be assured that I’m going to suggest a hat from the online boutique. Add the Vintage Love cocktail hat and voilà, super becomes sumptuous.  

 

Evening weddings requiring a bit more formality, so head over to Nordstrom where Carmen Marc Valvo offers a spectacular beaded off the shoulder lace mermaid gown.  The silhouette says all-out glamour. The shimmering mink beading adds allure and opulence to a charismatic silhouette. So could you enhance such a stunning gown? Absolutely, the Vintage Love cocktail hat with it’s beads and veiling, turns gorgeous into breathtaking and let’s the guest know who’s the mother of the bride.

stunning mother of the bride dress by Camen Marc Valvo

 

The Vintage Love cocktail hat is made from luxurious Italian brocade fabric.  The rich colors seen throughout the brocade add warmth and depth to the wearer.  A sprinkling of feathers emphasizes the feminine while the veiling hints at glamour from the past.  Worried about dancing?  The cocktail hat is held securely in place with an elastic that sits invisibly under the hair.  

So there you have it.  Delightful mother of the bride dresses and hats.