Mother of the Bride

[EthelThePiratesDaughter]

Hi everyone

I am getting married in the autumn and my mum has no idea what to wear. We're going shopping together soon and I'd like to help her find something. The only thing is, we are a completely different shape so I have no idea what will suit her figure.

She is 5'2 and about a size 18 (I think). She has a large bum and boobs but quite a small waist. Her legs are quite short and she really really really doesn't like wearing heels!

Any ideas about what might suit?

TIA!

My mum was just under 5 foot but not as curvy as yours. She stressed about her mother of the bride outfit a lot. Stick to petite ranges so any alterations are minimal and don't spoil the look or line. I'd start somewhere like John Lewis where there will be a wider range and get her to try a variety of styles and colours. You might hit the jackpot there but if not you can have a clearer idea if you venture to one of the Mother of the Bride style boutiques, ime the proprietors/staff there can be pushy and don't take into account what your mum will be comfortable in. My own mum would probably have veered to blue dress but given that mil bought that for herself week after we were engaged () that was out. She got a silk suit in a cyclamen pink with a pencil skirt and a different top to wear with the skirt for our reception, I think it was Eastex from Debenhams. Enjoy the experience, it is nice to have a reason to just be with your mum in what can be a crazy busy time.

John Lewis person shopper service was brilliant when I was MOB both times.

Fenwright and Manson do stuff in petite for example

Jacques Vert on line or Debenhams.
Précis Petite Debenhams
Monsoon.
Online at justlastseason.co.uk
Phase eight
Coast
JDWilliams online their Joanna Hope range is pretty.

Good luck

How formal is your wedding? I bought a purple swing dress for DDs wedding but it was very much a casual wedding. I started in Debenhams and only tried on two or three dresses before we agreed on it .

I'd recommend you listen to your mum on what suits her as she's had years of experience dressing fo it, however you may be able to advise on colours

I went to John Lewis too, after spending hours going around “proper” Mother of the bride boutiques and finding nothing. I also got very friendly with delivery drivers, I must have ordered and returned around 30 dresses.

I’d say the best thing is to stick to patterns and colours and shapes that you’d usually wear. I spent so long trying on dresses that I thought I should be wearing but they didn’t suit me.

Good luck.

I did find the personal shopping service invaluable at JL. I never would have chosen either outfit and the person helping me knew her stock

I am a mother of the bride in two weeks. Having tried, and rejected, a number of typical outfits, I found a dress and jacket in Jigsaw. They are both items that I would wear on other occasions, and I feel myself in them. I agree with Lizzie above; encourage your mum to choose something she feels comfortable in. John Lewis has a wide selection of brands, so it is a good place to start.

Thank you all, this is really helpful!

How exciting! Good luck to both of you. Do you know what your soon to be MIL is going to wear? You might want to avoid anything too similar.

Update:

We went to Phase Eight and got this dress:

www.phase-eight.com/fcp/product/phase-eight/occasion-dresses/delaphine-jacquard-dress/204805351

and this jacket:

www.phase-eight.com/fcp/product/phase-eight/jackets/tammy-jacket/900885675

And she looks lovely. (And was very pleased to fit into a size smaller than usual!)

Thanks for your help.

Beautiful!