A wedding is a journey for more than just the bride. As the mother of the bride or groom, you’re part of so many of the moments along the way, and you deserve to feel comfortable, confident, and completely yourself while celebrating them. Formalities is here for your part of the journey, too, with one of the largest selections of mother-of-the-bride and mother-of-the-groom dresses in Central Pennsylvania.
BOOK YOUR MOTHERS APPOINTMENTThere are plenty of traditions around what the mother of the bride or groom should wear, but your dress still needs to feel like yours. Maybe you already know the wedding colors and exactly what you’re looking for. Maybe all you know is what you don’t want. Either way, you don’t need to figure it out before you arrive.
Our stylists will help you explore dresses that complement the wedding while paying attention to the things that matter most to you:
Once the bride has found her dress and the wedding details are starting to come together, it’s a great time for Mom to start shopping, too. Knowing things like the wedding colors, venue, and overall feel of the day can give you some helpful direction while still leaving plenty of room to choose a dress that feels like you.
Starting early also gives you more time to explore different designers, colors, and styles without feeling limited by what’s available closer to the wedding date.
“I was looking for a mother of the bride dress and Tracina helped me find the perfect dress.”
- Karen, Formalities Customer via WeddingWire
You don’t need to arrive knowing the exact designer, silhouette or color you want.
Your dedicated stylist will start by learning more about the wedding and about you. We’ll talk about the wedding date, colors and level of formality, along with your budget, preferences and anything you already know you like or definitely don’t like.
Then comes the useful part: trying things on.
Just like every wedding is different, every mom is different, too. Therefore, your stylist will help you compare the different silhouettes, colors, fabrics and designers while paying attention to what you’re responding to in each dress. Sometimes confirming what you don’t like makes it much easier to find what you do.
As always, the goal isn’t to talk you into a dress. It’s to give you enough options and guidance to feel confident in the one you choose.
Formalities carries mother of the bride and groom dresses from leading formalwear designers, giving you more options to compare in one appointment.
Explore the designers below for a closer look at the collections available through Formalities.
Sometimes, the best look is the one you can truly feel comfortable in. Black Label by Jasmine offers flowing dresses, coordinating jackets, and sophisticated pantsuit options for moms who appreciate a little more coverage and ease.
The collection gives you the freedom to choose what feels best on you while still feeling beautifully dressed for the occasion.
Explore Black Label by Jasmine
Comfort and confidence go hand in hand with Jade by Jasmine. Thoughtful draping, flattering waistlines, and comfortable silhouettes give you the coverage you want while still feeling current and feminine.
It’s the kind of dress you can put on, feel great in, and then forget about it. Because wondering whether you look good should be the last thing on your mind.
Explore Jade by Jasmine
Jade Couture turns the glamour up a notch without asking you to sacrifice comfort or confidence.
Hand beading, dimensional fabrics, and eye-catching details give these gowns plenty of personality while still keeping fit in mind. You can make an entrance, enjoy your moment, and still feel completely like yourself.
Explore Jade Couture by Jasmine
There’s something to be said for a look that feels timeless without ever feeling boring, and Christina Wu Elegance does exactly that.
Think flattering silhouettes, rich colors, beautiful fabrics, and thoughtful embellishments that feel sophisticated without feeling dated. This collection is perfect for the mom who wants to look back at the photos years from now and still love what she wore.
Explore Christina Wu Elegance
Do you love a little sparkle and aren’t afraid to shine? Adrianna Papell Platinum may be calling your name.
Imagine intricate beading, beautiful embellishments, and just enough glamour to catch the light. Flowing silhouettes keep everything graceful and easy to wear, creating the perfect balance for the mom who wants to shine without feeling overdone.
Explore Adrianna Papell Platinum
Formerly known as MLGY, these dress classics aren't your typical dresses. Timeless silhouettes are given a little more personality through beautiful draping, delicate lace, unexpected details, and just the right amount of embellishment.
It’s a collection for the mom who appreciates tradition but still wants something that feels uniquely hers.
Explore MGNY by Morilee
If you’re the kind of woman who loves to make a statement and isn’t afraid of a more fashion-forward look, you’ll love Jovani.
From timeless silhouettes with an unexpected detail to gowns with dramatic sleeves, beautiful beading, or bold florals, this collection gives you plenty of ways to show your personality while still feeling completely ready for the occasion.
Explore JovaniFormalities can help with more than Mom’s dress. If you’re shopping for other members of the wedding party, you can find more of what you need in the same Bellefonte store.
Shopping alongside the bride? Explore Formalities’ collection of designer wedding dresses and learn more about the bridal experience.
SHOP WEDDING DRESSESGet the groom and wedding party ready with tuxedos and suits, plus help coordinating colors, measurements and fit.
EXPLORE TUXEDOS & SUITSYes. Formalities is an appointment-only boutique. That way, you’ll have dedicated fitting-room time and a stylist available to help you compare dresses, find additional options, and make the most of your visit.
Absolutely! In fact, you don’t need to know exactly what you want before you walk through our doors. Your stylist can help you explore different colors, silhouettes, designers, and details while learning from what you like, or what you don’t, as you try dresses on.
Sometimes the dress you never would have picked from the hanger ends up being the one you love most.
Yes! Formalities’ Mothers Collection is for both mothers of the bride and mothers of the groom, as well as other important family members looking for a formal gown for the wedding.
For the best selection, we recommend shopping and ordering your dress 7–9 months before the wedding. If the wedding is sooner, we can still help, but you may need to choose an off-the-rack dress, which can limit your options.
Formalities usually carries mothers’ gowns in sizes 4–30W to try on in store, with additional sizes available to order from select designers.
If you’re concerned about what will be available to try on during your appointment, contact our team before your visit and we’ll be happy to help.
You don’t need to arrive with everything figured out. If you have them, bring photos of the bride’s dress, the wedding colors or other inspiration you’ve saved. Most importantly, come prepared to try a few things you may not have considered. You might just surprise yourself!
Your dress should complement the overall wedding rather than match every detail exactly. Knowing the wedding colors, dress code and venue can help your stylist guide you toward options that make sense alongside the rest of the wedding.
Formalities is located in Bellefonte, and serves mothers and families throughout Happy Valley and Central Pennsylvania.
With bridal gowns, mothers’ dresses, prom, homecoming, tuxedos and suits available in one location, families often return to Formalities for more than one milestone.