Intelligent doesn't necessarily mean educated. And an IQ test measures only one kind of intelligence. Back when I was in high school, my high IQ got me a lot of attention. As an adult, I've known lots of people with much lower IQs and much more knowledge. Fortunately, these days the emphasis on IQ has diminished. Except on game shows, evidently.

Thanks everyone. I'm going to the park this afternoon to help paint the lines for all the booths. It might rain overnight though. I hope not or it will be a mess in the morning. Then tomorrow I have to be there at 5:30 am. Even my hubby is going to help out by trying to hurry up the crafters as they unload their stuff. It's going to be a cold day...high in upper 50's, burrrrr. I'll have to dress in layers. Not much warmer on Saturday. But this is a big event so I expect a crowd. I'll be sure to let you know how it went. Gail

I guess I have a different take on this than the other posters. I think that the MOB sets the formality of dress, and maybe length, but the MOG has the freedom to buy something that she likes and looks good in. If the OP looks best in pastels, I think she should get a pastel dress. She isn't part of the wedding party and doesn't need to match them. Perhaps she shouldn't clash with them, but that's about it. Since saris leave a portion of the midriff and back exposed, I'd not recommend the OP wear one unless she feels comfortable with that. And I don't think there is any need to wear a sari or a dress made from a sari, either. The sari is part of the bride's family's culture. There is no reason the groom's mother can't wear something reflective of her own culture. If the OP wants to wear a sari, fine. If she wants to wear a dress she is comfortable in, also fine. I'm concerned that making a sari into a dress could be difficult. I did once and it was tricky finding a pattern that would work with the fabric, as lindac mentions. I just quickly grabbed three dresses that would fit the bill for the time and place of the wedding (the first one would have to be shortened). Just as ideas. http://www.coldwatercreek.com/Products/ProductATB.aspx?productid=44607&ensembleid=50771 http://www.coldwatercreek.com/Products/ProductATB.aspx?productid=45857&ensembleid=52017# http://www.coldwatercreek.com/Products/ProductATB.aspx?productid=44603&ensembleid=50783

OK.. so we gathered this morning with champagne, wine and spanx-- and tried on a total of 14 dresses all lovingly hand-picked for her. It started out with a bang with the number one pick being the first she tried on. That always makes it easier when the first one fits, right? There were only a few complete misses.. and quite a few wins. Whew! I admit that I had fears of nothing working. The super surprise is the number one pick broke all the rules. It was much shorter than she wanted (in the photo), a shape she was certain she couldn't wear (sheath) and it is a blush pink.. but it was perfect. She was smitten as soon as she saw it... Best of all, it fit her perfectly. No need for adjustments. Next favorite was this one though I need to order a size larger (or she needs to have a rib removed). It is proving tricky to find the right size.. but this also looked absolutely beautiful on her-- better and dressier than in the photo. This also fit her beautifully but the lace on the arms was scratchy. I think we are all in agreement that THIS is the color she needs for the fall wedding. We just need to find it in another dress. And while this one looked stunning (and very slimming) on her-- it's been 100% nixed because it looks like something my mother wore to one of my sister's weddings. It's a shame because it was very comfortable and really looked great on her.. but we also agreed that it's too much bling for a MOG. The hunt is now focused on that dark fuschia color. It really brought her face alive and looks stunning with the wedding colors. There are two other dresses that look great and would be perfectly fine-- but they are a tad "expected" for MOG. We're keeping one of those as a fallback. Thank you all for all of your time and your many suggestions! Oly, I know I balked at the florals but we all agree that it's perfect for the spring wedding.