For decades, the mothers of the bridesmaid dresses would consider any colour appropriate to put on to their child's wedding, with two exceptions: white and black. But just as brides now wear whatever colour they need down the aisle, moms are actually choosing dresses in a colour that meets them, including black. (White continues to be generally considered taboo for that moms.) If you're thinking about wearing a black gown for your child's wedding, don't allow anyone to talk you down out of your decision-they're staying with old-school etiquette while you are reading from the more contemporary rulebook. Here, is all you need to know about wearing a stylish black dress around the big day.

STACEES EVA WEDDING DRESS

RELATED: MOTHER-OF-THE-BRIDE DRESSES THAT WOWED AT WEDDINGS

Why was black once considered an undesirable choice for that mom?

This dark hue happens to be associated with death and bereavement, which some saw as inappropriate for any mother to put on to her child's wedding. What's more, it had been also considered to symbolize disapproval of the upcoming marriage. But today black may be the favourite colour to put on to formal occasions like weddings and provides many dresses with an air of sophistication and magnificence.

Um, tuxedoes in many cases are black.

Haven't men been wearing black tuxedoes for hundreds of years? Why doesn't have one been judge-y about this? If half of the wedding's guest list is going to be wearing black attire around the big day (including the wedding couple's fathers!), there is no reason why the moms really should not be allowed to put on this colour, too.

In short, times have changed.

Not too long ago, the couple's mothers were relegated to some "uniform:" a loose-fitting gown, often beaded, having a matching jacket in a certain shade of beige or champagne. The colour and elegance worked for many, particularly those who preferred more conservative attire. Today, however, there are lots of women who want to put on a dress inside colour and cut that showcases their feeling of style and it isn't always a beige sheath which allows them to achieve this.

STACEES ERICA WEDDING DRESS

The only question you have to ask is: How does the bride-to-be feel about it?

If she's like the majority of brides, she'll think about the mother from the purple bridesmaid dresses wearing a black dress to her wedding as a non-issue. But if she disapproves, save the gown for another formal occasion and purchase a different colour for that wedding. If others give you a side-eye in the reception, ignore them and luxuriate in how gorgeous you appear.