How can the MOG redress an unfortunate clothing decision?

How can the MOG redress an unfortunate clothing decision? My son and his fiance’ became engaged in June 2018 and are getting married August 17th 2019. At the time I asked the bride specifics about the wedding, formal, casual etc… It will be formal. I asked her if I could wear a blue dress in honor of my only brother who passed away 5 years ago and blue was his favorite color. She said it was okay. I asked if her mother chose her dress and she said not yet. The bride chose her gown. In the mean time I found a dress that I liked online, navy blue with a handkerchief hem and it was on sale. My husband and I are on a fixed income and are paying for the rehearsal dinner. I’ve been reading about MOG etiquette and I realize I jumped the gun drastically! 1) I bought my dress first! 2) I chose the color for my dress before consulting the MOB. 3) The bride chose the color of the bridesmaid’s dresses based on my color. So what should I do now? Should I take her to lunch and apologize?

As the MOG (Mother of Groom) you want to start off your relationship, with your daughter-in-law to be, on the right foot. No harm in jumping the gun on planning. It sounds like you are very excited about your son’s up coming wedding. Honesty is the best policy. Maybe go out to lunch with the bride or the bride and her mother and discuss the whole thing. Emphasize that you didn’t know the etiquette.  Let them know that you didn’t have any bad intentions, and that you are happy to return the dress or purchase a new one. Just be open and honest and try not to be super attached to the dress you already bought, just in case.