MOTHER OF THE BRIDE OR GROOM DRESSES

I hope you've been enjoying the posts related to my son's wedding (I'll list them at the bottom of this post if you've missed any), they celebrated their first anniversary a few weeks ago.  Hard to believe!  I'm down to two more things that I wanted to post about on the topic, today I'm sharing about my Mother of the Groom's dress. It's a big, exciting thing to shop for! A number of years ago, my friend Emily and I met our friend Amy (@eunamaes on IG) and her friend Beth for lunch when they were in town to launch Amy's first cookbook.  Our conversation covered all kinds of topics, one of which was the upcoming wedding in Beth's family.  I just remembered her talking about shopping for a dress and how she just wanted a big gathered skirt with pockets and a button up shirt with a collar to pop, and I thought "oooh, that's what I want some day too!"  I don't shop for formal wear much, so when the time came to shop for my own Mother of the Groom dress I asked an especially classy friend if she had ideas on where to begin looking for that style of a dress.  She suggested the brand Teri Jon, and I went from there!  (Side note:  Amy just self published a new cookbook called Satisfied, it's full of gorgeous photos and delicious recipes that encourage hospitality.  It's sitting on my counter and I can't wait to try some things out!)

Many asked for a source and details on my dress, but it's not an easy answer!  As you might expect if you know me, even for a dress as special as this one I wanted to find a bargain.  So, with the style of dress I wanted and a brand in mind but no preference on a specific dress, I started searching the internet for my options.  I bought my new without tags dress on Poshmark, an auction/resale site, and it's not really available anymore so I haven't been able to share it specifically.  However, I have some ideas and tips for you if you're looking for something like it! 

Another thing to mention, before looking online I did try some dresses at local shops and tried on a variety of dresses, just to make sure of the style I wanted.  Once I knew I liked Teri Jon after trying it on, it also helped tremendously to determine the sizing I needed.  I discovered that this brand runs consistently small and I would need to size up for sure (I've also seen that noted over and over in online reviews, so I knew it wasn't just me).  I generally wear an 8 or 10 in dresses, and the dress I bought was a 14.  I had tried on a 12 and knew it was just about a perfect fit, so when I saw this dress but only available in a 14 I took a chance that it would work.  The style was a bit more forgiving than others might be, so I only needed to hem it and take it in just a bit here and there on the top.  Especially since I was buying a dress I couldn't return, I would rather it be a bit too big than too small so I could adjust as needed. 

If considering buying from a discount or resale site, here are some things I would recommend keeping in mind:

•These sites offer pieces in a variety of conditions.  It's pretty easy to find dresses that are even brand new, some might still have the tags on and some might not but have never been worn.  Some may have been worn once and then dry cleaned.  The savings can be substantial even for brand new pieces.  The seller should always disclose the condition.

•If the dress is not new, message the seller and ask if it has been altered.  You don't want to buy the size you need only to find out it was taken up or hemmed and won't fit the way you needed it to.  Several I was interested in had been hemmed shorter than I wanted so I had to disqualify those options from my choices. 

•On that note, also consider alterations as I mentioned above as you search.  If you find a great price on a dress you love but it's a size or two too big, you might factor the cost of having it altered and see if it is worth it.  Depending on what you would need done and how complicated the dress would be to alter, it might be an ok option to buy a little large. I just wouldn't go several sizes up expecting to be able to take it in a lot- they would basically have to remake the dress and you'd have a pretty high bill.  

•Use Google Lens- If you find one dress you like, use Google Lens to see if it's available elsewhere or on a different listing in a different price or size. If you haven't used it before, double click on the image, scroll down to Google Lens, and click.  A new box should pop up on your screen with exact of similar images of the dress, then there is a website you can follow to get to it. 

•I try several different search terms.  For example, for a dress the style of mine I might use "Teri Jon Shirtwaist Dress" "Teri Jon Shirtdress"  "Teri Jon Shirt Gown"  "Teri Jon Long Dress" etc. and sometimes even broader like "Rickie Freeman Teri Jon Dress"  "Teri Jon Formal Dress" and so on. The more vague you are the more results you'll get.  Yes, you'll have to wade through more listings but you never know what search words will pop up what you're looking for.  The sellers on these resale sites never title them with consistent names or what you might think they would, and they may not necessarily know what to call the item.  It can take a bit of searching and trial and error but worth it to find a gem! 

•Return Policy might be a factor, just make sure you know what you're getting.  Some sellers offer returns, some don't. Having tried on the brand and style of mine in person and asking a few questions to the seller beforehand, I felt confident that the dress I was buying would work. If you're not so sure, confirm if you are able to make returns or not.  

•If the listing gives a "make an offer" option, do it!  Even if you're happy with the price listed, they are willing to negotiate if they offer that option.  I can't remember exactly but I think I remember saving $50-75 on the listed price of my dress by negotiating (and way more than half off of what it would have been retail by shopping on these sites!). 

I hope those tips give you the confidence to consider some discount options if you've never shopped on auction or resale sites before.  As mentioned, I can't source my exact dress that is past season, but I've rounded up a bunch of similar dresses to share with you- I have two different groups.  (I'm linking a lot of dresses here... if you're reading on mobile and are interested in seeing them all, it will be easier on a tablet or desktop where the photos are more condensed.)

First, these are some great options I found on discount/auction sites like where I purchased mine.  Some listings only have one available- some have multiple sizes- so I'll try to update these periodically as they sell but if nothing else, seeing one you like linked here might give you some info. on another you might want to search for. 

Now I'm linking some dresses from retail shops that are a similar silhouette to mine, and there are a few thrown that might be a different style and I just thought they were really pretty as well.  Most are full price but there are a few on sale mixed in too so you might find a bargain.  The same dress might be shown more than once below, but if so it's from a different store that might have different sizes available.  (FYI this solid one and a few others come in multiple colors.)

Lastly, this site has some gorgeous special occasion dresses that might also be worth checking out.  Contact them for sizing suggestions if you see something you like.  I've tried several of these on and sizing can vary by style. 

I hope this post was helpful if you're in the market for a Mother of the Groom/Bride dress or other formal event, and if so Congratulations!  Even if you aren't at the moment, be sure to pin this post for future reference, or I'd be so thankful if you share it with a friend who might be looking! 

Other Wedding Related Posts:

Engagement Announcement

Outdoor Engagement Party and Decorating Ideas

DIY Marquee Sign

Couples Shower and Wedding Shower Hostess Gift Ideas

Wedding Rehearsal Dinner and Decoration Ideas

Wedding Photos

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