AIBU to think there’s no such thing as a plus size wedding outfit suitable for an on the go mum?

[ACupOfTeaSolvesEverything]

My sister in law is having a very fancy black tie wedding in April. Obviously I want to wear something nice, we’re not well off so I can’t spend too much but I can afford a new frock.

However here’s the thing. Not only am I overweight (size 18/20) but I’m constantly on the go with my son who has ADHD and SPD. I need to be able to run, bend down multiple times without flashing, pick up and carry an 8 year old and be climbed on. All while looking nice and retaining some modesty. Help! Does such an outfit exist? Last time I went to a family wedding I looked awful in a mismatched outfit I had thrown together and I tore my pretty dress chasing my whirlwind who was a toddler at the time. Shall I just accept defeat and wear leggings and a jumper as usual?

Why can't your DH help with the running and climbing if you have a back injury

Nice Capri trousers and blouse?

Definitely Studio 8 then, filter by length. Lots of suitable necklines too :)

Does your son have to go? Sounds like it wouldn't be the most enjoyable way for him to spend a day. Maybe get a baby sitter and have a day being ACupOfTeaSolvesEverything rather than mum?

Ok wrap dresses are a no as they invariably get pulled open when picking up DS

So use some small safety pins to hold the sides together.

I don't personally suit jumpsuits as they seem to accentuate my mum tum, but I would probably wear a dress that I really like and feel good in, and wear cycle shorts underneath, the ones that won't be seen normally, just to protect your modesty if you are bending over etc.

Inhismemory no a babysitter is out of the question. I wouldn’t exclude my son from his auntie’s wedding. SIL says it will be great for DS to run around having fun with his new cousin (it will, they will climb the ruins of the castle, that will give me breathing space, but I need to be on the go when needed.) DP does his bit but being male doesn’t have the same fashion quandary as me!!

Ariella have some nice dresses in size 18/20.

Fiorella Navy Dress

Maxi dress

Or Lady V if you prefer 1950's styles
Peacock dress
Lady V dresses are easy to wear and this has a nice/dressy pattern.

DH does his bit too! My back injury isn’t flared by DS, it’s flared by wearing high heels, so I don’t.

DS is absolutely coming to the wedding. He will love it and I will not exclude him from his auntie’s wedding just because he has ADHD!!

Asda have some really nice midlength long sleeve dresses in their sale. I stocked up on them!

DS is absolutely coming to the wedding. He will love it and I will not exclude him from his auntie’s wedding just because he has ADHD!!

It's not just about him having adhd. I don't often bring my child to weddings as it's nice to have an adult day off with my husband.

Ooh that a Lady V dress is nice! Thanks!

Each to their own. I would never exclude my child from a family wedding.

Try Popsy! Lots of 50s-style dresses on there.

Shall I just accept defeat and wear leggings and a jumper as usual?
No. You know it is black tie so you do need a posh frock.

I keep seeing lots of nice plus size dressy clothing on my Facebook feed - Simply Be, Curvissa, Asos etc. Our town has a plus size bridal shop that also sells clothes for guests - maybe worth checking if you have something similar nearby.

I get what you mean OP, I wore a long skirt to a wedding and ds decided it made a great tent so spent a fair bit of time 'camping'. At least I knew where he was, otherwise constantly on the move.

Definitely need practical but nice shoes, and something knee length. I have up and wire trousers in the end, which is very acceptable if you can find some that suit (I'm the same size so similar issues).

Asos curve have loads

Honestly I'd find a trouser suit or trouser based outfit, just because dresses never work when you're being active especially lifting an older child.

I switched to trouser outfits for weddings when I had three very small children but for some inexplicable reason wore a dress to the last wedding I went to and only looked nice in the hotel room mirror, it all went to pot after that. I tend to volunteer to herd / watch/ coral the children generally if there's outside space at weddings because I don't like weddings in themselves much! Next time I'll be wearing trousers again!

People don't tend to actually invite children to weddings where I am /in my circles but I suppose a family wedding would be different.

That peacock dress is fab!

I love lindybop. I have quite a few dresses from them and I don't wear heels either.

I am the same size as you and sounds like we have a similar body shape.
For a wedding we attended last year, I got this dress
www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B076GVZ7Y2/ref=twister_B081J7PD91?psc=1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=mumsnetforu03-21
It came down to my knees and I made sure it was securely pinned across the boobs so there was no accidental flashing. I has some elasticity in it so was great for moving around in and it less than £30.
I did wear it with an underskirt to pouf it out but it did look nice without one.
I was very flattering on and I got loads of compliments on it.

Ive been looking at this ASOS one for an April wedding. Would need to wear a black slip under it but I like it
www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-embroidered-double-layer-midi-dress/prd/13062042?clr=&colourWayId=16528312&SearchQuery=green%20embroidered%20dress

You sound lovely op. I got a lovely size 20 evening dress from TK Maxx. It's also fairly stretchy too and would have enough give in it to bend and pick up. Often the larger sizes in TK
Max go unclaimed. I wore pointed flats with a clip on bow. I'd also take a new pair of black leggings and. Long fancy tunic-y shirt/top thing to change into if needed after the sitting down bits! Hope you have a fantastic time