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Mamma mia! Another fairy-tale royal wedding approaches so expect tradition with a tweak. If, like Meghan Markle’s mom, Doria Ragland, you’re a mother of the bride (MOB), you know the real star of the show is that independent, accomplished, beautiful woman you raised. Your best supporting role deserves a red-carpet moment too. Every MOB wants to look amazing at the event, in photos and on social media where any "What was I thinking?" regrets about your dress, hair or makeup will live on forever. Stay calm and carry on — as the Brits say — in style with these 11 tips.
1. Give yourself enough time
You will change your mind 10 times about what to wear so avoid getting locked in too early (tags removed, alterations done) or leaving it too late (I can't find a dress!). Anxiety can make your weight go wacky too. The stress hormone cortisol makes us hungrier and leaves us craving salty, sweet, high-fat noshes. Your dress size may fluctuate accordingly, and that's normal so work with it.
2. Prepare like it's the Oscars
Savvy mothers of the bride use a wedding date as an incentive to make a few updates. Use the goal to start and stick to a new fitness regimen, switch to a healthier diet, try new makeup, update your hairstyle or color, whiten your teeth with DIY strips (it takes time) and maybe even learn to meditate.
3. Let the bride be the guide
Lose the Momzilla attitude and share your ideas and preferences with your daughter. The worst that can happen is you'll compromise. She wants you to wear a long dress but you prefer short? How about a midi length or trendy hi-low hemline (shorter in front, longer in back) or a short dress for the service and a long one for the festivities? She’s imagining celeb-glitzy but you want quiet elegance? A simple silhouette in a neutral champagne, gray or navy splashed with same-color sequins makes smiley faces all around.
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