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Original poster

Mother of the bride for low key venue

21 replies

OMGitsnotgood · 30/11/2023 08:12

A friend's daughter is getting married in September. Whilst there is plenty of time, what to wear is playing on friend's mind. I said MN would be able to help but she's not a member and no desire to join, she agreed I could post on her behalf.

The wedding is relatively low key (registry office then meal at a very nice golf club) rather than a grand castle or stately home that a lot of our friends' children have opted for. A lot of the usual Mother of the Bride offerings my friend feels are too OTT a) for the venue and b) for her style. Definitely no hat, she might consider a fascinator..

Friend is 5'3, size 14-16.
She doesn't like pastels or pinks.
She'd love a jumpsuit but has never found one yet that suits her figure (god knows I've been with her when she's tried enough of them on!)
She also doesn't want a formal suit. Leaning towards a dress.
Budget not an issue within reason.

Another friend suggested Hobbs but she's not seeing anything she fancies there.
She'll take a look in John Lewis

Looking for suggestions for other places to look or links to specific outfits would be brilliant. Probably better that they aren't specific Mother if the Bride places, unless they aren't overly 'fancy', although obviously she wants something special. Particularly interested in places she can try things on although appreciates she may have to resort to online.

With these threads, I think it's useful to know why someone doesn't like a particular outfit to help refine other suggestions. Unless I know for sure why she would or wouldn't like something, it might be a the weekend when I see her before I can comment

Thank you

OP posts:
notaephron · 30/11/2023 08:47

Victoria Percival do lovely headpieces - actually a lot more similar to a hairband - which might be a bit more modern / different to a fascinator without going as far as a hat? My friend's mum wore one recently at her daughter's wedding which sounds like a similar local golf club type affair.

I like Reiss for something special but not OTT - they're normally quite classy / classic in terms of simplicity and cut, but with a modern twist somewhere.

September is good for jewel type colours, berry or emerald or sapphire blue, etc, which sounds like it suits your friend.

A couple of things I liked from a quick look:

www.reiss.com/style/su024156/273193#273193

(They also a nice jumpsuit version of that one!
www.reiss.com/style/su018971/321425#321425 )

www.reiss.com/style/st790639/256004#256004

This may be too pastely (but blues / golds rather than pinks!)
www.reiss.com/style/su139501/n32603#n32603

And this last one may be a bit sparkly, but is lovely too.
www.reiss.com/style/su182520/k77587#k77587

There's also some lovely coloured suits which might cover the jumpsuit angle but a bit more flattering? Good luck!

notaephron · 30/11/2023 08:49

This is the type of headband / headpiece I was thinking - simple but special.

victoriapercival.com/collections/headbands/products/monroe-halo

Original poster
OMGitsnotgood · 30/11/2023 09:00

Thank you @notaephron - Reiss definitely seems like a good place to look, some lovely dresses you've chosen. Quite fancy the first one myself as a guest!

I've remembered she is quite particular about necklines: doesn't want to show cleavage but doesn't like high necks either. I don't think the pastel one is too pastelly but I know she wouldn't like the neckline. Sorry I missed that from the OP.

OP posts:
FelicityFlops · 30/11/2023 09:04

Are there any decent seamstresses/dressmakers in your area? Does your friend have a favourite outfit/dress that she could have made up in the material of her choice? That could also include a tailor-made jumpsuit.
Personally I would delay any decision on headwear until the outfit is sorted as it may not be necessary.
Fascinators are just vile and look cheap IMHO.

Original poster
OMGitsnotgood · 30/11/2023 09:16

I think she probably won't go for any headwear but you're right, no point in even thinking about that til the outfit is chosen. Good suggestion re having made, thank you, will pass that on. Would be good to look at a few things she can try on first I think

OP posts:
BatshitCrazyWoman · 30/11/2023 09:22

I love Reiss, I am 5ft 3ins like your friend, and find a lot of their stuff too long. Obviously some things can be altered, but some can't because of the design of the dress, so worth holding that in mind.

NotFastButFurious · 30/11/2023 09:57

I think it's the wrong time of year to be looking for outfits for a September wedding. Most of the things in the high street will be wintery whereas in September you can get away with something more summery. Jumpsuits are a nightmare to buy, particularly if you're not of average height and you need to be balanced on the top and bottom half or one bit is always tight or too big!
I'd also check what colour the bridesmaids are wearing (if they're having any) as she should really aim for something that compliments that rather than clashes.
What sort of thing would she wear on a daily basis? And how old is she? Some MOTB stuff is awfully frumpy!

Yiayoula · 30/11/2023 10:36

@LivelyBlake - I’d not heard of this company previously - now happily browsing their website ! Thank you.

Original poster
OMGitsnotgood · 30/11/2023 10:51

Good points re bridesmaids dresses and seasonality. Not sure she's looking to buy right now, more for ideas. I don't think she'd want to leave it til the autumn stuff is in the shops but for a mainly indoors wedding, I'm guessing spring stuff will be ok. Also mother of the groom has said she won't buy anything til she knows what my friend is wearing, extra pressure!
. Love the fold mustard dress, too high necked for friend and she doesn't like pink in any shade but will put the Fold on the list as I've had a quick look and think it might be a brand she'd be interested in.

Thanks all

OP posts:
getofftheplane · 30/11/2023 11:03

What about a midi silk skirt and a nice jacket or structured top? Much easier to find a two piece that fits rather than a single item

martinisforeveryone · 30/11/2023 11:31

I was in a similar situation and definitely didn't want anything on my head or anything that screamed MotB. I didn't mind what I spent up to about £300 but wanted something I would wear again. Something that presented me at my best but not attention grabbing.

In the end I got a lovely summer dress from Phase 8. It's a good website to browse because they do have so many different shapes and styles and it's easy to start whittling down what's worth looking at and what's out for certain.

Spirallingdownwards · 30/11/2023 12:28

She should definitely have a look at Bombshell. They do jumpsuits now as well as dresses.

Mosaic123 · 30/11/2023 19:31

I was just going to suggest Bombshell!

Mumofoneandone · 30/11/2023 20:17

Could you look through her current wardrobe of clothing to get an idea of colours, shapes, styles that she likes and suit her. Maybe take a few snaps to take into shops -some of the larger places like John Lewis can help with styling.
Good luck!

Zeborah · 30/11/2023 20:23

If she’s on FB there are loads of Occasion/MOB/MOG resale groups & really popular!

coffeestrongblacknosugar · 30/11/2023 21:40

oh just had a look at bombshell and I love their clothes

IHaveNeverLivedintheCastle · 30/11/2023 22:37

LivelyBlake · 30/11/2023 09:25

That mustard dress is an amazing price for a 100% wool , lined dress.

Ruthietuthie · 30/11/2023 22:59

Another person mentioning The Fold. The quality is absolutely gorgeous and the clothing is really flattering.

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