Don’t Let Wedding Bells Take Toll On Finances

Too often, mother of the bride dresses are either frumpy and matronly or silly and overdone. There’s not a mother facing this rite of passage who doesn’t want to look her best as she watches her daughter walk down the aisle.

The very special occasion dresses I’m featuring this week are classic and refined and understated enough so as not to upstage the bride.

A full-length skirt is for a more formal affair such as an evening wedding. But you’ll feel more appropriately dressed in a knee- or tea-length skirt for a daytime or garden wedding.

Before the big day, share some special time together by scheduling mother/daughter makeovers at your local department store or day spa. Have the works: a facial, massage, manicure and pedicure. When you’re done, you’ll both feel radiant.

Designer version

Peach and gold brocade jacket with chiffon skirt by Karen Lawrence, $765

Gold pumps by Stuart Weitzman, $156

Rhinestone earrings by Swarovski Jewelers Collection, $107 Total: $1,028

Dress For Less version

Peach brocade beaded jacket with chiffon skirt by Lori Max at Sears, $129

Natural linen pumps from Talbots catalog, $88

Faux pearl and rhinestone earrings from the Right Touch catalog, $58 Total: $275

MEMO: Dress For Less runs weekly on Choices. All bargains featured in this column are available in book form. Send $9.95 to Dress For Less, 177 Sound Beach Ave., Suite 6, Old Greenwich, CT 06870.