Mother Of The Bride Help Please!

[MOTBHelp]

I am lost and very afraid

DD1 is getting married in August, I have been looking for an outfit for months and cannot find a single thing I like.

The wedding is supposed to be fairly "low key" (but with 120 guests) Local Church then village hall a two minute walk away, and a 'romantic' feel for the bride, decorations, flowers etc.

I do not know where to start, I live in skinny jeans and a blouse/jumper, I do not do dressing up. I can wear heels if i wear a wedge (god I sound about 12), I'm 51, size 10, but quite a bit of boobage (32FF).

Does anyone have any recommendations for even a style i should be looking at, or where to even start?

TIA

[MOTBHelp]

I should add that I have looked online only- all the stuff I see when I google MOTB seems to be shiny and something my grandmother would wear in 1955.

[NameChangeShamed]

My mum had this problem at my wedding and found a gorgeous dress in Lipsy. My MIL got hers from Warehouse in Debenhams. Both dresses were lovely so may be worth a look?

[mrsmortis]

You sound like my MIL. She had a lovely trouser and blouse combination from Jacques Vert with flats (she hates heels). My mum found her outfit in John Lewis. You might also want to look at Phase8.

I'm with you on the MOTB outfits. I'd avoid them like the plague.

Can you get to a John Lewis? One of there personal shopping appointments might help. It can be a bit hit and miss. But if it works then it's brilliant.

[MOTBHelp]

Thanks NameChange, I always think of those brands as being a bit young for me, but maybe I should look.

[cheersbye]

My Mil got a smart dress and jacket from reiss

[MOTBHelp]

Thanks mrs, I have looked online at John Lewis but didn't find anything I liked, just cant see myself in anything dressy.
You are right though, I need to shave my legs go in an actual shop and try somethings on! Will look into personal shopper- I wonder if they used to people who don't like wearing any clothes other than jeans.

[MOTBHelp]

www.johnlewis.com/adrianna-papell-cap-sleeve-a-line-cocktail-dress-night-navy/p3138496?s_dscid=ct_V&tmplaceref=CriteoDisplay&tmclickref=970x250&tmad=c&category=Women&tmcampid=54

I quite like this style but not the colour, may order it though and try it.

[PersisFord]

I went to a wedding where the MOTB wore a jade green silk jumpsuit and flat embellished sandals. And a hat I think. She looked amazing!

I agree re MOTB outfits. My mum had an outfit made - turquoise silk long straight dress and a jacket. She looked stunning - I have a photo of her holding my bouquet and it looks like it's her wedding day! The jacket worked well to have a buttonhole pinned to as well.

[Itsabeautifuldaytosavelives]

Ted Baker? MIL just got this for BIL's wedding
www.tedbaker.com/uk/Womens/Clothing/Dresses/MONAH-Oriental-Blossom-mesh-detail-dress-Light-Grey/p/134194-LT-GREY?plpSlots=1

[MOTBHelp]

I LOVE that ted baker dress, but worry I'm too old!

I'd also worry that one of DD's friends would turn up in the same thing and look much better in it than me.

[PersisFord]

You aren't too old. It's gorgeous. Ted baker dresses are lovely. What kind of colour are you after?

[MOTBHelp]

Bridesmaids are blush- so very light pink, the men are in navy, so anything to kind of blend in with those colours.

[PersisFord]

Ooooh it sounds like a very pretty wedding! Do you have strong feelings about arms, legs etc on show?

[PersisFord]

this?

[MrsChopper]

m.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_61252+272589_-1

[MrsChopper]

Sorry posted too soon! I agree the 'traditional' mother of the bride looks are awful. Go for something modern instead :)

m.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_54510+204041000_-1

[Brighteyes27]

Try Personal Shopper in Debenhams or John Lewis. My mum was similar when I got married she lived in trousers jeans and comfy clothes and didn't know where to start. I went shopping with her and we got something the first trip.
She got a gorgeous coral coloured suit well shortish jacket skirt and too in same make and same colour (informal look and fairly thin fabric not startchy or chiffony etc) from House of Fraser. It was comfortable to wear she suited the colour, the style and it wasn't too over the top etc. She looked perfect. I can't remember the make she's 5ft 7 and this range was for slightly taller women. But I got married 17 years ago.

[MOTBHelp]

Thanks for the all the suggestions, I should have mentioned I'm only 5ft 2 so I do have to be careful things don't drown me. I'm not worried about showing arms and legs.

I like this www.lkbennett.com/Collections/Clothing/Dresses/Ire-Blue-Dress/p/CDIREPOLYESTERMIXBlueAndaman%20Blue, but again not sure hte colour is right.

Am going to make an appt at John Lewis for the personal shopper and hope they can help me!

[CharlieSierra]

My DD got married last summer and I had the same issue, no way was I going decked out in typical MOB regalia, it's all hideously over done and old. I bought a lovely dress from LK Bennett with short sleeves, nice shoes and found a milliner online who did a brilliant job of making me a very stylish little hat.

[MrsChopper]

Saw this on the John Lewis website earlier and think it's stunning!

m.johnlewis.com/adrianna-papell-cap-sleeve-beaded-sheath-dress-champagne-royal/p/3138500

[MOTBHelp]

I've ordered a coupe form JL, the LK Bennet one I have linked to, but in the red and www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-short-sleeve-lace-dress/p3152252. I've already gone off the Blue JL but love the LKBennet one.

Glad you got yourself sorted Charlie, it really is depressing looking at the things we are 'supposed' to be wearing isn't it?!

[PersisFord]

I went MOTB shopping with my mum, who is beautiful and young with a lovely figure. The "MOTB" outfits put on about 30 years and 4 stone.

[BeaLola]

I see a lot of weddings & I would steer clear of Phase 8 - a lot of MOTB wear them but depending on guest ages & size of wedding invariably another guest has on same outfit.

I like the LK Benett Red lace dress you have linked to. I like quite a lot of the Ted Baker too but again popular choices may mean someone else has it on ?

I would go with the personal shopper option as you will try things on that you wouldn't normally consider and may be surprised.

I agree with poster above re accessories. What is yr budget ? Could you get something made just for you ?

GOOD LUCK

[wildone81]

My mum wore this for our wedding, with the matching shrug jacket, because she also has a fear of the traditional MOB suit, hat and bag look.... and she rocked it! Definitely have a look in quiz, coast,French connection....and give a personal shopper a go...

[CharlieSierra]

One thing I found was that although I worried for ages about a jacket, in the end I didn't bother and it was the right decision. People suggested one to tone with a colour in the dress, but a month later a friend wore a similar shift dress but teamed it with a plain jacket and it really made the outfit look more MOB and not in a good way. Lots of guests wore Ted Baker, it can be popular with the friends of the couple age group so I'd watch that. Hope you find something lovely.