What to wear step daughters wedding

[clpsmum]

So my step daughter is getting married and it is a huge affair. I don't know where to start looking for an outfit. I'd rather an evening dress type outfit rather than the traditional motb outfit as I'm obviously not motb!!

I'm 45 and (hope to be) size 12 and 5'5"

Any and all recommendations very greatly welcomed and appreciated

First off, make sure you find out what mother of the bride and new MIL are wearing colour-wise. Nothing worse than upsetting either of them by matching them in exact colour! My DM, MIL and step-MIL all wore different coloured, knee length dresses and all looked lovely.

No need to go all out spending hundreds on matching dress, jacket, fascinator etc. As the bride, I really couldn't have cared less what other people wore 🤣

Could your step-daughter help you look? Do you have that sort of relationship?

Yes we do have that sort of relationship and actually have a great relationship with her mum and future mil so we could possibly all go together that's a good idea thanks x

What's the setting for the ceremony, what country and what time of year?

Dress code?

Wear something that you feel great in and shows off your figure. You're younger than a typical mother figure at a wedding so don't feel you have to dress in something from Boden or somewhere!

Definitely try and coordinate with the dm and mil, wear of a similar ilk but not quite as dressy as not to upstage them. As you all get along this is so much easier!

It's in a big luxurious wedding barn. Really stunning venue in august in Scotland

Yes so much easier we all get along and can coordinate what we wear and not want to upstage each other

I wore this to my son's wedding last year. Got lots of compliments on it
www.roman.co.uk/textured-leaf-print-tiered-maxi-dress-14198034

Even in August, a Scottish night can be chilly, so I'd suggest something you could throw a jacket or wrap over if necessary. Given venue I'm going to guess ceilidh, so think of shoes you can dance in, and if I'm right about the ceilidh I'd even think about starting with the shoes. And for the dancing I'd also want a swishy skirt, but thats me.

No idea on budget or colours but for inspiration here's a variety
blue dressy but unlikley to outshine MOB/MOG. Maybe expensive but style could work

Jigsaw - could work with a jacket and be a bit more youthful than normal MOB

John Lewis - possibly more traditional

Ghost is always a good option, lots of colours and variants on style

As you can tell, I'd favour plainer patterns, especially for a photo-heavy day like a wedding! Tell us more about your preferences on colours and shapes and I'm sure people can come up with options

@clpsmum
Is it ceremony then straight into barn and meal/dancing? Is there a chance to change into evening wear? If not, I’m still not sure I would wear evening wear from the start. A compromise maybe. Longer midi dress? Or a fab trouser suit? Plenty of wonderful ones about.

@clpsmum Not sure about your budget. These are spot on. (Not the black accessories though). The Max Mara ones will be copied everywhere!)

Thanks everyone some lovely dresses there love the ghost one and both the green ones.

It's not a barn as I would think of a bath it's a huuuuge very posh barn with chandeliers!!!

It is at 3pm so won't be an evening do it will all just roll into one if you know what I mean.

Groom plays professional football so will be lots of swanky people there and then little fat me trying to fit in lol

Size 12 is not fat.

I'm not a size 12 YET!!!

@clpsmum Im terrified of DD marrying boyfriend. DS of showbiz. I won’t ever be a size 12 again!

I'm hoping if I buy the dress it will help my diet lol

oh, Clpsmum ... we've all been there ... please, don't buy a dress that's a size too small thinking you'll diet your way into it! That's just asking for extra stress and disappointment. Not to mention an uncomfortable waistband on the day.

Weddings are long, so buy something you can stay in all afternoon and evening with zero pain, in the size you are now.

Hobbs have some nice wedding guest dresses.

@clpsmum
I have just read an article in the Telegraph about renting clothes. Pretty expensive clothes with a daily charge.

That's a great idea I'll see if I can find the link thank you

It might be behind a pay wall.

I too love that ghost dress sadly I have nowhere to wear it to.

My Wardrobe HQ and Vestiere for used. I imagine other rental shops are available.

Not sure where you are in Scotland but Catherine's of Patrick and CatWalk in Falkirk both have a great reputation for posh wedding outfits - my own mum got hers between the 2 for 3 mother of the bride moments.

Thank you