When wearing a long dress as Mother of the bride or Mother of the groom is the right thing to do

Long dresses are lovely to wear at any age. As mother of the bride or mother of the groom there is an etiquette to follow if you are unsure. Continental weddings are held late afternoon/early evening and normally the dress code for mother of the bride, mother of the groom and female guests is long dresses, however this is up to the bride. This should be stated on the invitation but if you are unsure check with the bride or mother of the bride. This type of wedding will probably be black tie which will call for an evening dress but don’t overdo the sparkle, remember it is the bride’s day.

When wearing a long dress as Mother of the bride or Mother of the groom is the right thing to do
Tihu, mother of the bride wearing Elizabeth Bessant couture long dress and matching cocktail hat

Mother of the bride Tihu came to see me to have a long dress made for her daughter’s winter wedding in a Scottish castle. She wanted something different so I took her to Joel and Son’s Haute Couture fabric store to look at their inspirational range of designer fabrics. She fell in love with a grey tulle embroidered with a contemporary abstract pattern using silver and pewter thread. Joel’s kindly let us take a photo and I went back to my studio to draw the design for her mother of the bride dress so Tihu could show her daughter.

I designed a long empire line off the shoulder dress with a wide statement collar and side split for dancing. A cocktail hat from the same fabric completed the look. Tihu had a dress she felt comfortable in for the wedding, especially during the Scottish dancing, and could wear again for parties and balls.

Overseas and beach weddings in warm countries suit a more casual long dress in a light weight fabric such as silk chiffon or crepe de chine – a light weight silk which comes in a range of beautiful colours and prints.

When wearing a long dress as Mother of the bride or Mother of the groom is the right thing to do
Judy, mother of the groom wearing Elizabeth Bessant long silk skirt and waistcoat

Statement sandals can be worn with this look and there is no need to wear tights. This is not a look that requires diamonds and pearls, instead accessorize with fun costume jewellery.

A floppy hat will complete your look and protect you from the sun, and it is also appropriate to wear sun glasses.

Judy’s son was getting married in Italy and she wanted a relaxed look for her mother of the groom outfit.

It was going to be very warm and Judy liked the idea of a full circular long skirt. She wears a lot of black and also likes greens so I found a contemporary black white and green printed silk that would move and float beautifully.

It was going to be too warm for a jacket but Judy wanted a fitted top that would contrast with the relaxed skirt.

I made her a black silk waistcoat with a strap cut from the skirt fabric to synch the waist in at the back.

Statement buttons completed the look and the all silk outfit was comfortable to wear in the high temperatures.

When Issy was invited to her cousin’s August wedding at an English stately home with vast country grounds she wanted to wear a long summer dress. Rather than cut a pattern, I made the dress on her a technique I felt best suited the floaty silk chiffon in shades of vibrant blues and purples.

When wearing a long dress as Mother of the bride or Mother of the groom is the right thing to do
Issy, wearing Elizabeth Bessant couture  long silk chiffon dress
When wearing a long dress as Mother of the bride or Mother of the groom is the right thing to do
Issy wearing Elizabeth Bessant couture lace applique long dress

First I worked on the top layer, making a fitted pale aqua silk satin layer underneath with built in cups so she would have no bra worries as the dress featured a low back. Then I took the fabric and fitted it to the bodice to create the full skirt, leaving the handkerchief hem which floated as she walked. The final touch was two tiny buttons hidden either side of the bodice and tiny loops on the hem so she could lift and secure the skirt hem safely out of harm’s way when she danced.

I will be at The National Wedding Show from 15th to 17th February where I will be showing a range of mother of the bride and mother of the groom outfits including long dresses and accessories.