Top 10 tips for Mother of Bride and Mother of Groom outfit
Even women who dress well can find choosing an outfit for a special occasion very daunting. This is especially true if you are the mother of the bride or groom as all eyes will be on you. Often I find women tend to stay very safe, not having the confidence or know-how required to put together a look that works. There are so many decisions to make: style, colour, fabric weight and type, what fabric works best for your chosen style. And then there is the right underwear, accessories, jewellery, hair and makeup that all contribute to a successful look.
That is why finding a designer you trust who has experience of special occasion dressing can take the stress out of the process… I believe that whatever your age or budget, you should look and feel great at a wedding so if couture is out of your reach follow my top 10 tips:
1. Style – The style you choose will need to be right for the event, the time of year and your shape. There are a few rules to follow to get the right shape for your figure: if you have a large bust, a wide ‘V’ neck or wrap-over neckline will help to minimise; if your bust is smaller than your hips, shoulder pads will help balance your silhouette. Trying different shape dresses on will help you understand your body shape. The key thing is balance – so if your top and bottom half are two sizes or more different don’t cut yourself in half with a feature belt or drastic colour change.
2. Sleeves – are always a good idea… most women should cover the top of their arm even if it is a summer event. To keep cool, you could choose to have a silk chiffon or lace sleeve. Three quarter and bracelet sleeves are a good option instead of wearing a jacket.
3. Colour – Don’t worry about this season’s colours especially for a wedding where the photos should be timeless. Choose a colour that suits you and doesn’t make a loud statement.
4. Fabric type and weight – The time of year will influence your choice of fabric but there are also other things to consider. If you are a larger size, avoid shiny fabrics because the light will shine off every curve and the camera will pick this up. Avoid linen unless it is a silk and linen mix – as I recently told one of my clients, there is no such thing as classy creasing in a wedding photograph.
5. Right underwear – This is crucial and will usually need to be a nude colour and seamless. If you are wearing control pants be careful because whatever you hold in will squeeze out somewhere else… Shapewear will give you a smooth silhouette so is worth considering.
6. Too much advice – When looking for an outfit, listening and taking advice from too many people can add to the confusion because your daughter, best friend or sister-in-law will all have very different ideas about how you should dress. I often see clients who have tried to find their way through the maze of occasion dressing before they meet me and inevitably this has led to expensive mistakes.
7. Hat – Take your lead from your host. It is not good practice to wear a hat to a wedding that is bigger than either the mother of the bride’s or mother of the groom’s hat. Ascot is one of the few times when hat competing is acceptable.
8. Shoes – Generally, I suggest avoiding open-toe shoes unless you have beautiful feet… also tights are a dilemma.
9. Accessories – Always carry a bag, a clutch works well in photographs and you can always have a chain strap tucked inside to use later when you want to be hands free.
10. Makeup – Even if you usually go makeup-free, it’s a good idea to wear just a touch of foundation, eye colour and lipstick. Go to a good department store and choose an age-appropriate brand. If you ask they will give you a free make-over – but if you don’t like it, don’t feel you have to buy the products… just make your excuses and try another brand.
Julie came to see me recently for an outfit to wear to a family wedding later this summer, after trying to make decisions alone. Firstly, she had bought a blue lace dress that did not fit properly; then she invested in fabric for a jacket to have made to go with said dress. Moving on, she decided on a different style of dress and bought a crepe fabric, and then saw another jacket fabric she preferred and also bought that. After yet more self-doubt, she decided it was time to engage a designer to take control. I was recommended and I am making Julie’s outfit – she is relieved to have someone who understands what she needs.
She is not the only person that goes through this. Dressing for an occasion involves a lot more than just finding an outfit in your favourite colour: it must suit your personality as well so you feel happy and comfortable wearing it. I advice my clients on all aspects of dressing for their event and often give tips on standing and posing for photographs.
After coming to see me for a consultation, I like my clients to leave knowing they can tick that box and not have to worry about their outfit.
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