Outfit needed for a May wedding

[debster]

Please help.

I am going to a friend's wedding in 2 weeks time but don't have anything suitable to wear (yeah right sniffs dp!). As the weather is not exactly summery but not winter either does anyone have any suggestions as to what would be a good choice. I haven't been to many weddings in my time. All my friends (including me) live in sin so I haven't got any experience of what is the correct etiquette, i.e. can you wear trousers etc. We have been invited to the service and reception so it will be an all day thing. Things are further complicated by the fact that I am 3 months pregnant and if buying 'normal' clothes would have to buy in a size that wouldn't fit me at any other time of my life - if you see what I mean. Alternatively do I buy maternity clothes that again will only fit for a few months, bearing in mind that whatever outfit I do end up buying will have to be fairly smart so not something I will be wearing on a daily basis.

I hope you can help Mumsnetters!

[jessi]

Could you borrow something from a friend, or hire something even? I think there are some maternity clothing shops that hire stuff. Difficult one this! Otherwise, why not buy a dress that although is a bigger non-maternity size, you could perhaps have altered after the arrival of your baby so as not to be a complete waste? Sorry, probably crap suggestions!

[bossykate]

hi debster

i wouldn't see any problem with a female guest wearing trousers at a wedding!

i wonder if you could buy a pretty summer maternity dress (if that is your thing!) that you would get some wear out of in the coming months, and wear a non maternity smartish jacket over it?

alternatively a neutral trousers/skirt and top (maybe non/maternity that you either have already or would buy anyway) and then jazz it up with accessories? accessorize have some really nice scarves, hats, jewellery (sp?) which won't break the bank. and of course you could still wear them after the birth.

i'm sure your friends will want to see you and not be too fussed about what you're wearing, anyway!

btw - wearing a hat is the exception rather than the rule these days IME.

HTH.

[debster]

Thanks for the tips.

God I hadn't even thought of a hat! Somehow I don't think they're really me. I really like the idea of accessorising something plain, which means the outfit I buy could be worn on other occasions. I'm really crap about buying smart clothes - I'm normally so scruffy. For work I wear the same pair of grey trousers with different black tops! I'm not what you'd call adventurous. I know that it's not the clothes that are important but I just wanted to look smart for a change especially when I look and feel like a whale! In some ways I wish I was bigger up front then at least I'd look like I was pregnant rather than just a lard-arse! Anyway I've only got tomorrow to find something do dp has offered to look after ds while I have a whole morning shopping. Normally I'd be delighted but to be honest I'm just dreading it. Typical.

[pluto]

I wore a dress of my normal size at a posh do while about 3 months pg. It was loose fitting but had a kind of tie thing you did up at the back. From Monsoon. I bought a dress for another party when I was 7 months gone, right waste of money although some pg friends have borrowed it since. Trousers are fine at a wedding!

[MalmoMum]

If you can find a hat that makes you feel good and slightly otherwise from your normal smart then that might be a good place to start. I think Debenhams still have a enough of a range to be a good place to start. Find an assistant and bend their ear. They might know of other clothes in store or elsewhere around that might suit.

A groovy bias cut floaty coaty thing could look wonderful, see you through your expanding waist and, if you are not heartily sick of it, be something you enjoy next year. You can have a comfy pair of trousers as the supporting act.

With weddings you only need to look really good for the first bit: being spotted before and after the service and in the photos. If you need to change into a comfier pair of shoes, let out a button or change into a different pair of trousers altogether then do.

You can make the most of your inner pregnant glow and your ability to remember it all in embarassing detail!

[Joe1]

H&M have some really femine maternity clothes at the moment and not mega expensive. I would wear what you a comfortable in and wouldnt worry it that is trousers, being there is more important to the bride and groom than if you are wearing trousers or not. I think it is FunMum (they have a website) that do maternity clothes for during and after pregnancy, so the clothes will last. Have a great day what ever you decide to wear.

[tigermoth]

How about a wraparound/sarong type skirt or trousers (can be casual enough to wear normally afterwards), with a t-shirt and a denim jacket? I'm a casual-ish dresser myself, but as long as the wedding wasn't mega posh,I imagine I could get away with this ensemble. Anyway, you have the excuse of a bump, so wear what makes you happy.

[debster]

Well I did it.

I bought a ludicrously cheap long shift dress in Primark (beautiful lilac colour, real linen with a lining all for only £10). It's in a size 16 (I'm normally a 12) but actually looks pretty good with my huge gut. In fact there's some growing room there as well so I'll be able to wear it during the summer as well. Anyway, as soon as I put it on I knew I was going to buy it. Was dead chuffed as it was the first shop I went in. Actually Primark is always the first clothes shop I go in as it's so cheap. Going with bossykate's tip I also bought a scarf with beady bits on it for £1.50 and a beigy handbag for £1 (yes Primark again). I was on a roll now so went to Debenhams where they were having a blue cross day and found a lovely purple cardigan reduced from £25 to £10 and in BHS a pair of beigy mules reduced from £20 to £15. In total I spent £37.50! I have completely astounded myself with how easy it all was once I'd found the dress. In fact I love the whole outfit so much I keep looking at it hanging up. When I modelled it for my partner he was very impressed and now wants me to wear clothes like it all the time!

Anyway, thank you all for the messages. Now I'm just hoping it doesn't rain on the day.

[Jaybee]

Well done on the shopping trip. May be worth buying a cheap beige or lilac brolly to compliment the outfit just in case!!

[debster]

Good point jaybee. Especially now that the weather's turned.