Sarah, I do like those. Especially the VC. I'm concerned they might be a little too busy/bright, but would certainly try on and consider. I think the lace is really pretty but maybe a little too romantic or something for me. I like the print and style of the AP one but I think it might be a little too much with the addition of the sparkly jacquard finish. Am I being terribly picky?

Janet, I would narrow down a few colors/styles and send them to the bride for feedback. I am sure she's helping her mom pick a dress so she will be able to give you some direction. I would absolutely not do the same color as the bridesmaids. I feel as a photographer, you have a bit more leeway to be artsy.

I combed through the MOB dresses all last year and though, ugh. Variations of silk chiffon that frankly could not be worn elsewhere and often didn't look flattering on the model. If you can have someone make your garments, you could get a dress in virtually any colour, or a even a skirt suit. Plum/aubergine sounds nice and looks beautiful, and doesn't wash people out in photos. Navy is neutral and wouldn't clash; buttercup would also go, but I'm not sure if you wear that. The parents of the bridal couple tend to wear different colours from the bridal party, with navy being the favorite at the weddings I've recently attended.

There was a seamstress I contacted in NYC last year who had a good reputation for making wedding garments. If you want, I can PM you her info. Her rates seemed reasonable.

Update: We had dinner with stepson and fiancé last night, and V told me that her mom likes prints and is considering a simple dress in a print that incorporates the celadon/seafoam color. I mentioned the possibility of wearing blue or another coordinating color, and she was totally agreeable. In fact, she seems really pretty unconcerned about what I choose, trusting that as a fellow artist and photographer, I have a good idea what will look nice with the wedding party. The bridesmaids dresses are just above the knee length, and if I understand correctly, they are indeed one of the JCrew styles that Jeanne linked to in this thread.

I think V is way more concerned with making sure the groom and groomsmen choose an appropriate suit -- we were passing around photos last night of OTT tux looks and really bad suits, and stepson kept picking out the worst ones as what he would wear! Of course he was kidding, but he cares so little about how he dresses that I think she's going to keep a close eye on that decision. LOL Fortunately, my husband will help keep that task on track as well. They seem to be leaning towards wearing grey suits, not tuxes, with ties that match the bridesmaid dresses.

So, back to pondering what I will wear, if the mother of the bride is wearing a print, I really might lean more towards trying to find a solid color dress. I have a sort of slate blue in my mind, but we'll see what comes up in my searching.

For what it's worth, my approach would be to find a dress in a solid colour and style I liked and tie it into the wedding group with a stunning piece of jewelry in that celadon/sea foam shade. In a pinch, I could also see a two-piece silky top and skirt working as long as it was a backdrop for the jewelry.

I personally think coordinating instead of matching looks better if you are not in the wedding party itself. And a piece of jewelry can be stunning in pictures plus lovely way to remember the event.

I thought I had posted but obviously messed it up!!

I think your plan is a great one, it is good to be open as to what catches your fancy. What a fun and special occasion to shop for:)

Janet, I'm late to respond, but congratulations! This is fun news. I agree it sounds, on balance, as if a solid might be best. But in the meantime, I did find this print. Sorry, I can't do a Finds for it:

http://www.nicolemiller.com/motion-blur-midi-dress

I can really see you in this. Perhaps too busy for photos....but...

I was stepmother of the groom a few years ago. It was winter and the wedding was in our home. There were no bridesmaids, only a flower girl (the bride's daughter) and ring-bearer (my daughter). The bride wore a knee length white shirt dress, very simple and quite original. The mother of the bride wore black, the mother of the groom wore lilac lace, and I wore my navy David Meister sheath with bronze footwear. They weren't too concerned about photos looking perfect and didn't hire a professional, so that did make it a slightly different kind of affair. Anyway, I was happy in my solid dress and enjoyed wearing it. But coordination wasn't a real issue in this case.

Suz, I love that dress. Gorgeous print!

I remember you posting about that wedding! And I think your navy dress was perfect for the occasion.

I definitely want to find something for this occasion that I can wear again -- I am really not interested in paying $X00 for a dress I am wearing only once. I have a beaded grey/silver cocktail dress that I wish I could wear for this, but I think it's too "evening" for this occasion. I'll definitely be looking for something I can wear with the Rockstuds.

My only advise will prob. seem obvious to this group, but if you don't have a dress made, take a photo of yourself in the dresses you are considering, and then compare the photos. I often love how I look in something, but when I see the photos I find out I look different than how my eye saw it when I looked in the mirror.
I am impressed with everyone's help, and although both my DS's say not anytime soon (although both have quite serious girlfriends), I m happy to know that when the time comes I have wonderful support available here.
I love many of the dresses suggested.

Does it have to be a dress? Is a cocktail-type suit an option? Something where you might wear the jacket with some nice pants later on?

Ann, it will be August -- I can't fathom that I'll want to wear a jacket then!