Whether a bride should tell her mother what color to wear depends on several factors, including family dynamics, the formality of the wedding, and personal preferences. Here are a few considerations:

When it Makes Sense for a Bride to Suggest Colors:

1. Wedding Theme and Color Scheme:

 If the bride has a specific color palette for the wedding, it can be helpful to guide her mother toward colors that complement or match the theme. This ensures harmony in family photos and keeps the overall look consistent.

2. Avoiding Clashes:

 The bride may suggest certain colors to prevent the mother’s dress from clashing with the bridesmaids’ dresses, the décor, or other important details of the wedding. For example, asking the mother to avoid white, ivory, or a color too close to the bridal gown is common.

3. Family Photos: 

Coordinating the mother’s dress color with the attire of close family members can make group photos look more polished and cohesive.

When to Let the Mother Decide:

1. Respecting Individuality:

 Mothers often appreciate having the freedom to choose a dress that reflects their personal style and makes them feel confident. Giving her some autonomy allows her to select a color that suits her and makes her feel comfortable.

2. Comfort and Practicality:

The mother may have preferences based on what colors she feels best in or what’s practical for the season or venue. Giving her the freedom to choose shows respect for her needs and comfort.

Compromise and Communication:

A good middle ground is for the bride to suggest a color family (e.g., pastels, jewel tones, or neutrals) rather than dictating an exact color. This gives the mother flexibility while ensuring that her attire fits the overall look of the wedding. Open communication about preferences, without being too controlling, can maintain a positive relationship and still achieve the bride’s vision.

In the end, the decision should be made with mutual respect and understanding of the importance of the day for both the bride and her mother.