Aside from the sheer joy of watching her daughter get married, there is probably no experience more moving to a mother of the bride than to watch her daughter walk down the aisle wearing the same gown that she had worn at her own wedding.
In some cultures, it is customary for wedding gowns to be handed down from generation to generation. In most modern western societies, however, it is a choice made by brides who hope to start a new family tradition and wear something that will become more than just a wedding gown but a family heirloom as well.
Below are some tips to keep in mind when shopping for a wedding gown that can be passed down to your children and perhaps your grandchildren as well.
1. Choose a gown with a classic style. While a gown with a trendy, avant-garde style might seem fashionable and appealing at the moment, it may look silly in 30 years. If you want a gown that you can pass down to your children, it is best to choose a gown with a more timeless, classic style. For example, an A-line princess-style dress will likely always be in style, and will flatter a variety of body types. The plainer a gown is, the better it will be for handing down through the generations. Each time it is worn, a few accessories can easily be added to give the gown an updated look and reflect the new bride's personal style.
2. Stick with classic colors. While wedding gowns in pastel colors are currently very popular, they might not be so fashionable in 30 years. White or ivory wedding gowns will probably never go out of style. So choose something in white or ivory, and keep in mind that a colorful accessory or two can always be added to lend some personal pizzazz to the gown each time it is worn.
3. Choose a gown that can be easily altered for size. It is unlikely that your daughter's body type will be an exact match to yours. Keep this in mind when choosing your gown. Avoid fitted styles, especially if you are very slim, since your daughter might not be as slender as you. Also, you might want to select a looser fitting gown and then have it taken in to fit you. Have the seamstress or tailor keep the extra fabric inside the seams, rather than trimming it, in case the seams need to be let out a bit to fit your daughter or granddaughter. Likewise, start with a longer gown, and hem it up as needed, retaining adequate fabric in the hem in case the gown needs to be lengthened for your daughter or granddaughter.
Once you have found the perfect wedding gown for you (and for your daughter and granddaughter as well), your work is not finished. To keep your wedding gown looking picture perfect through the generations, you will need to properly store it after the wedding. For best results, consult a professional gown preservationist or a dry cleaner you trust. Have the gown cleaned as soon as possible after the wedding, and then professionally wrapped and boxed for long-term storage and preservation. Afterwards, follow the cleaner's or preservationist's instructions for long-term storage and care of the gown.
Now here's to your special day, and to your new family wedding tradition.
