Ultimate Guide to Mother of the Bride Dressing

With the clock now ticking for Spring / Summer 2020 weddings, it’s time to start thinking outfits. If you’re a bride, you’ve probably chosen your dress – or you’re nearly there anyway… And if you’re the Bride’s mum, step-mum, aunty or granny it’s time to start thinking about yourself! Now, the great thing about being close to the bride is that you’re clued up about things like theme, colour scheme, and stylistic choices. You’re likely to know what style of dress the bride will be wearing. Or at the very least (if the bride is a super secretive type!) the general style and tone.

Yes, this day is about the happy couple – but as mother (or significant female relative) of the bride, you’ll also be noticed. Not to mention photographed! Weddings are a time when scattered family and friends get together, so you may be seeing distant relatives for the first time in many years. This can be nerve wracking so it’s important to feel confident and bright in your wedding outfit.

Avoiding Blunders

When you choose a wedding outfit as a female relation, think about the messages that the outfit may emit. So, don’t match the bride – avoid white and ivory, or whatever colour the bride may be wearing. Don’t wear just black. As a traditional mourning colour this can suggest that you’re unhappy with the match! Finally, it’s about looking great without choosing anything which may overshadow the bride; so nothing too skimpy, high fashion, or outrageous.

Dresses

A classic choice for a wedding, whether you’re in the bridal party or not! But where should you place your hemline? It can be tempting to limit your search to longer dresses if you feel lacking in confidence. However, knee length dresses can actually be more flattering as they focus your shape on your waist, which you can form with shapewear. Go for a control slip to structure a sleek and curvy line from bust to thigh.

Separates

If your middle is a source of worry for you, then separates can be fantastic. Look for matching prints which layer around the waist. Start with a foundation of control shorts or briefs which will give you the confidence to take off that jacket when the ceremony gives way to reception!

Trousers

Of course, separates needn’t be limited to skirts. Mothers in the bridal party are increasingly choosing trouser suits for an elegant yet formal look. Tailored suits are a long standing trend unlikely to go anywhere soon. So you can rest assured that the outfit won’t look dated by the time you’re looking through wedding photos. 

Cut

Your key choice in cut is to go floaty or go tailored. Either works, and both sit great over a sleek foundation of shapewear. This choice is really down to your own personality. Your outfit, after all, should reflect your character. Practically speaking, Spring tailoring helps to keep out the evening chill, while Summer floatiness will prevent you from feeling stifled and hot.

Colours

Although you don’t have to tone entirely with the wedding’s colour scheme, it’s important not to clash. So do take colour swatches with you when you browse the shops. If you only feel comfortable in black, combine it with colour, prints or a monochrome scheme with greys and whites.

Head to Toe

The big question: to hat or not to hat? Consult the bride here, as they may have a view on how the formality of a hat reflects the tone of their day. When it comes to shoes, heels are great to lengthen the leg. But weddings are long days so make sure you have a pair of flats; especially if you plan to join in the dancing!

When you shop for your bridal outfit, it’s a great idea to wear the shapewear that you intend to use on the day. This helps you to assess how comfortable you will feel over the course of the day, and to think about practicalities such as toilet visits and avoiding any visible lines. Being comfortable is really the most important thing and is what will give you a confident glow on this special day.