July was a special month.
My son got married in my hometown, Rio de Janeiro. It was a beautiful day, the ceremony took place on a balcony overlooking Copacabana Beach, just the way they dreamed of.
As the mother of the groom, I wanted to follow the dress code they asked for: wear color (we were in Rio, after all!) and keep it daytime-appropriate. And just like I always tell my clients, I wanted to find something that also felt like me.
First rule: I never searched using “mother of the bride” filters. I wanted a minimalist dress in a color that looked good on me. And of course, I had a budget. The dress I ended up wearing was actually the first one I liked. It was a bold choice, and yes, it was a bright color, but I trusted my instinct.
When you shop months ahead of a big event, it’s natural to think: What if I find another one I like more? Unless you're shopping somewhere with a long return window, you really have to trust your gut. I saw other dresses I liked, but not as much, so I even ordered a second one to compare. But I came back to the first.
The rest was easy: very comfortable sandals, a clutch in the same tone as the dress, and earrings made with Brazilian stones (crisoprázio) in a different shade of green. I wore my hair naturally curly, just as I like it.
My tip for anyone preparing to be a mother of the bride or groom: enjoy the moment. Don’t let your outfit stress you out. Follow the couple’s dress code (it’s their party!), but be yourself.
