Mother of the Bride dress?

[Bridesmum23]

DD is getting married in July and finding something to wear is worrying me. Can I beg suggestions? I'm afraid it's not an easy ask - I'm around size 20 (but working on reducing it, fingers crossed), and about 5 ft 4. My hair is greying brunette. At best I can really only wear a low heel as I have a dodgy ankle. I'm thinking midi length, and assuming it's likely to be hot weather. It's going to be a pretty traditional church wedding.

Also, can I get away with no hat? I really don't like wearing them.

What colours do you like and what sort of budget do you have in mind?

Can I ask what shape body you are - apple, pear etc?

Hobbs and Phase eight are two good shops to go to.

Alternatively, go to John Lewis and ask for a personal styling service. Maybe take your daughter with you and make a day of it?
J L

As it's a one-off special occasion I'm willing to spend a few hundred pounds if necessary. I'd say I'm apple shape. I tend to like blues and greens.

Lewis could be a good shout, there's a branch fairly near. I didn't know they do a styling service.

My mum got a lovely floaty maxi dress from John Lewis for mine last year and wore flat shoes with it, and MIL wore one from Phase Eight

@Bridesmum23
I always feel a certain amount of disquiet when the mother of the bride says they don’t like hats! My future mother in law’s first response to us telling her we were engaged was “I don’t have to wear a hat, do I?” Before any congratulations! Please remember it’s not about you! If your DD is expecting you to wear a hat or headpiece, wear one. For her!

High street shops are a bit boring. You could try Boden as they have larger sizes. Look at tiered dresses if you don’t want fitted waist. Also look at Poetry and Jaeger at M&S. John Lewis is also a good shout.Do not buy anything that creases. Not sure about sizes but Rixo do good summer dresses.

Also the latest wedding attire in the Telegraph suggested chartreuse silk trousers and a cream boucle jacket. Looked fantastic. You don’t have to wear traditional mother of the bride attire. But ask DD and go shopping with her!

I didn't wear a hat to either of my children's weddings, but both were casual,as far as weddings go.

I was shopping with DD yesterday and we saw this in the flesh, it's absolutely gorgeous and could easily dress it up with shoes and jewellery or equally sandals for a days sightseeing on holiday.

Would help if I linked the dress https://www.monsoon.co.uk/ellie-embroidered-tiered-hem-dress-blue-54286332.html

DD hasn't made any demands whatsoever about a hat or anything else. Of course if she wanted me to, I would.

Oo, that Monsoon dress looks nice, as do a number of others on their website. I feel a visit coming on ...

I don't know if you are on Face book but there is a fab group cal 'Pre loved wedding and Occasion Outfits UK.

Lots of women buying and selling complete outfits that they have only worn for a few hours etc.

Also loads of tips and ideas on colours styles and accessories.

Its a lovely supportive page and I have found it hugely helpful.

Hi @Bridesmum23
Have a look at Sosander online...they have loads of dresses and the couple I've had I would say are decent quality and true to size and not too expensive either. Also send for some stuff from John Lewis online, then you can get a feel for what you like in your own home...you can opt to collect it from a local Waitrose if you prefer not to have it delivered. Then you can take back things in person to the shop, armed with the kind of thing you might be looking for.
I wish you luck in finding THE dress, it's not easy!

Have a look at Gina Bacconi. You might like your shoulders/ tops of arms covered but if you have a good bust line a fitted empire line might work? I personally do not think big puffed sleeves work with a curvier top half as it just looks like someone is really wide at the top . I adore hats and will wear one at the drop of a ... haha but if they are not for you a gorgeous updo can look super glamorous. Whatever you choose have an amazing day , will be one of the best days of your life! Good luck.

I second this group. I have sold dresses on here.

Don't be silly. Nobody has to wear a hat because somebody 'expects' them to unless it is uniform or maybe a trip to Buckingham Palace.

@Bridesmum23 Where do you usually shop? What colours do you like? Do you have a budget in mind?