Mother of Groom in trouble!

[Sixmonthson]

Please can someone, anyone, help me?

My son is getting married next month and I just can’t find anything I like to wear.

It’s at a country hotel, not overly formal but smart.

I am well endowed (34ff) and I’m not looking to put them on display. Much smaller bottom half. I usually go for a shift style dress size 14-16 to accommodate the norks but sometimes need to get the bottom half taken in which is fine. I also have a tummy I’d like to hide as much as possible without sacrificing comfort.

Colour wise I’m a spring - clear bright colours. Something summery, maybe a bit floaty perhaps? Knee length or below - although my legs are my best bits I’m not of an age to show them off any more (especially at my sons wedding)

I’d like a dress and pretty cardigan I think - I’ve tried my usual Hobbs but there’s nothing there that looks right on.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated

Have you thought about a jumpsuit? I've just ordered one for a wedding. It's this one but in a different colour way. I'm a 34H and it's very flattering on the bust. I get my Bras from bravissimo, I would suggest a visit to a shop if you can, to be fitted properly

When DIL and I went bridal gown hunting we went into bravissimo were fitted with amazing bras that made such a difference to the outfit

I was measured in Bravissimo. They took me down from a 36 to a 34 and increased the cup size from E to Ff.
This created the effect that I think you are looking for.
www.bombshellhq.com/collections/dresses/products/hydrangea-bombshell-3-4-sleeve-confident-dress?variant=28710702415952
This dress suited me and I felt very comfortable. It does show quite a lot of cleavage though.
Or could this be something you would feel more comfortable in? It is a generous fit on the bust, hangs nicely too.
www.johnlewis.com/the-fold-lochaline-botanical-print-midi-dress-multi/p5548708?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&s_share=jlappios_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5Lk1lc3NhZ2U=
I hope you find something suitable.

I was coming along to suggest The Fold too but someone has beaten me to it!

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/valerie-sequin-embroidered-tea-dress-pink-14866910.html?dwvar148669100color=PINK&quantity= https://www.monsoon.co.uk/valerie-sequin-embroidered-tea-dress-pink-14866910.html?dwvar148669100color=PINK&quantity=1

Here are a couple, OP. My mum got a beautiful Monsoon wedding dress recently

Also, your son will be proud of you whatever you wear. Have a wonderful time at the wedding and do come back and let us know what you wore and how it went.

Lakeland had some pretty knee length shift dresses with the same length light weight cardigan of a similar material and 3/4 length sleeves

I would go for something more classical style/plain colour as you'll be looking at the wedding photos in your house for many years to come and patterns/florals date much quicker.

Tricky bit is finding the sweet spot between some of the in-fashion suggestions and too much over-the-top MOTB.

Agree with PP, Bravissimo first, then I'd suggest personal shopper at John Lewis or similar.

Your son will be proud of you x

My advice, and I’ve been MOG, is to not lose your own style and ensure you’re comfortable, it’s a long day!

Can't believe how fabulous the Bombshell dresses look.

Thank you all for such great ideas - I’ve taken the first step and paid a visit to Bravissimo this morning. I’m reluctant to buy online as I’m so unsure that they will fit. I went into phase 8 this morning and the lady there told me that their dresses will be no good for me as I’m in the ‘wrong shape’ – she was right as I tried a couple on and although they were tight across the front they were baggy at the back so unfortunately they are off the list.

I want to look nice but I’m not looking to be a centre of attention if you see what I mean. I quite like this one as it gave me a narrow waist - not v neck but scooped so shows a bit of skin with the dreaded cleavage. With a pink jacket - what do you think?

www.hobbs.com/product/lauren-fit-and-flare-dress/0220-5416-9022L00-NAVY-MULTI-10.html?istCompanyId=824f54ea-0a39-4058-b121-eab9ef4683b0&istFeedId=a9d2ecb5-7948-4311-bf28-478db37f38b6&istItemId=ptiampapm&istBid=t&gclid=CjwKCAjwoZWHBhBgEiwAiMN66XUyp3ZGOJwfVTwg_rarwhe7GWx28gdQMXxVGWOySa1VOVvkOu7ANxoCvdsQAvD_BwE

Honestly? I think you could do a lot better for the money.

Please check out Bombshell, they’re really something special.

Do you have any mother of the bride shops near you? My mum is a similar shape to you. She went to John Lewis & got a decent fitting bra and then went to a few shops that specialise in MOTB outfits. They could do proper alterations on the outfits so her dress is larger for the top but altered in at the bottom.

I have looked and they are indeed lovely. My daughter in law to be would look incredible in them. I’m afraid that as I’m only a couple of years off 70 I’ll look like the dreaded mutton dressed as lamb. I’m very lucky as I know I do look young for my age from the neck up but alas my body is showing it’s age which is why I’d prefer not to show too much of it! My hair has never gone grey and is long and blondish - I have a fear of being that woman that looks great from the back and the you see her front ……….

I’ve made an appointment with the personal stylist at John Lewis for next Tuesday afternoon. I’ll let you know how I get on!

My friend, who’s 66, had a Bombshell dress for her daughter’s wedding. As she’ll never see this, I can also share that she’s a size 22 and was absolutely terrified of letting her girl down. She looked bloody awesome.

@Sixmonthson

I’ve made an appointment with the personal stylist at John Lewis for next Tuesday afternoon. I’ll let you know how I get on!

Really worth it, I did the same and was given great outfits I never would have chosen

is there a bra out there?

Yes, there is.

Treat yourself. It's honestly worth a day trip to London. Make an appointment for a fitting and never look back.

https://www.rigbyandpeller.com/en-gb/lingerie-styling

Rigby and Peller are excellent - went to Conduit St branch for wedding day bra and they are experts. Hardly need to measure….one look at you and they know what you need! 😁They have regional branches - might be worth a look at the website.

The Hobbs one is ok but absolutely not special enough for the money. Especially once you’ve bought shoes, jacket/cardi and any accessories

If you want a nice floral design why not try something like Get Cutie. They hand make dresses in Brighton at the £150 mark. You pick the shape and then chose the fabric. Not all are bonkers, they have nice florals too.
They are super lovely and would very likely make you a large top half and a smaller bottom half. Worth asking anyway . All British and you’d supporting a local shop. I have a couple of this pencil shape which hides my large tummy.

getcutieboyparker.co.uk/collections/womens/products/pencil-dress-new-prints

I like the Hobbs dress

Have a look at Winser London. They have some really lovely wrap dresses with tie waists so would likely suit you. I’m not sure how to link but they have a lovely kimono style called Spot wrap dress in a range of colours

You’re my size.

Bombshell.

Waist cincher (bombshell sell these too) decent bra, and with my proportions I’d opt for a plain crepe bombshell in navy ‘confident’ or one with a fit and flare skirt.

I think you may have to careful with large boobs and floaty dresses. I think they can add inches to everything.
Good luck with John Lewis. I think it will be fun!

I’m surprised at phase 8 I find th quote good for norkage, although sometimes do buy a size up and tailor it.

I was going to suggest this one as the fit and flare shape is flattering on a bigger bust.

www.phase-eight.com/product/lonnie-floral-fit-and-flare-dress-209196931.html#q=Lonnie&is=false&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=209196931&pos=0

I too would suggest NancyMac. I have a beautiful dress from there. Really special. How about something like this?

www.nancymac.co.uk/collections/berries-roses-and-violets/products/mae-dress-in-ivory-butterfly-print-silk-georgette-1