Tips for Mom: What Does the Mother of the Groom Wear?

What should the mother of the groom wear? Is it true that she has to wait to choose a dress until the mother of the bride has chosen hers? Should the mothers be color-coordinated?

The mother of the groom should select an outfit she feels comfortable wearing and that's appropriate for the time of day and formality of the wedding. Traditionally the mother of the bride contacts the groom's mother to let her know what style and shade she has chosen. The mother of the groom then picks something in a color that complements—but doesn't exactly match—the attire of the bride's mother and the attendants. As for who calls whom, the mother of the groom shouldn't stand on ceremony; if she has heard nothing once the initial wedding plans are under way, she's perfectly free to call the mother of the bride to discuss apparel options.