Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Please help me - Mother of Groom, Woodland wedding.

78 replies

DestinyIsAll · 12/05/2024 10:01

Please help me 😬. My son is getting married in just under two weeks. Woodland outdoor wedding but still formal ish, two separate ceremonies on consecutive days, day 1 legal, lower key smaller/shorter gathering, followed by day 2 blessing and main celebratory reception. So I’m doing two outfits.

Dress a (green), this is a definite for day 1.

Dress b (blue), I love this. Showed my son and he really loved it. I sent it back once as had second thoughts, I love it, it also feels very me, just not sure it says ‘woodland’, but I’ve now ordered it again 😂.

I’m still open to other suggestions. I live in dresses so very comfortable wearing. I’m 54, 5ft 4”, size 10/small 12, not sleeveless/very short sleeve (want to hide upper arms), prefer midi length, fit and flare or bias cut (pref not wrap/tiered/frills/asymmetric). I like green, red , blue but open. Budget, £200 ish, could go £300-400 for something completely fabulous.

Struggling with shoes, would prefer one pair to go with both but that might be difficult) maybe a chunky sandal, perhaps a statement colour (anything other than black), high-ish but stable and comfy? - venue is rustic with some uneven ground. On a previous visit I saw a poor woman struggling in high wedges and she actually fell over quite spectacularly…other than trainers or sandals I don’t much like flats, but also don’t want that to be me.

Something for my hair? Long thick curly hair, down or half-up on day one (I’m doing it so limited skill), salon up-do on day 2. Would like a fancy hair accessory, e.g. small hair clip style (def not headband) fascinator or really lovely statement hair clip. Not sure on colour, happy to buy 2.

Might also need a wrap if chilly in eve.

Had breast cancer/mastectomy, awaiting re-do of failed reconstruction, lost a bit of confidence, first of my children to get married and this is my first really dressed up occasion since. I’d love to feel amazing so would love some helpful advice and suggestions. Thanks. 😊

Please help me - Mother of Groom, Woodland wedding.
Please help me - Mother of Groom, Woodland wedding.
OP posts:
Thread gallery
7
newrubylane · 13/05/2024 14:14

That blue dress is beautiful, but I'd be worried about being a bit hot in the long sleeves and high neck at the end of May. It's my first wedding anniversary in two weeks' time, and it was a really warm day! Obviously it'll be shadier in woodland, but if it's a hot day you might still find yourself a bit uncomfortable?

Giggorata · 13/05/2024 14:22

Hopefully, the ground won't be wet or muddy in the woodland area?
or maybe they are putting down walkways for guests?

It might be worth making a telephone enquiry of the venue.
As a registrar, I ruined a nice ( and expensive) pair of heeled shoes in a woodland glade wedding ceremony, so I'm strictly wedges or flats for that terrain now!

Lemonyfuckit · 13/05/2024 14:23

ShangPie · 13/05/2024 11:00

Could you accessorise the blue dress to make it more ‘woodland’? I’m thinking a buttonhole with a sprig of bluebells, which would echo the paler blue of the skirt, as well as a pale blue fascinator.

Footwear, I think maybe a Mary Jane style with a small block heel would look good - you could get a cream / pale colour and wear with both dresses.

If you’re based in/near a town with a racecourse, check out the local charity shops - I was in a Yorkshire racing town this weekend and was amazed by how many fascinators and hats they had on sale!

These are great suggestions, particularly re making the blue dress (which I agree is beautiful) a little more woodland - a bluebell style sprig would be perfect.

Leypt1 · 13/05/2024 15:31

DestinyIsAll · 12/05/2024 10:01

Please help me 😬. My son is getting married in just under two weeks. Woodland outdoor wedding but still formal ish, two separate ceremonies on consecutive days, day 1 legal, lower key smaller/shorter gathering, followed by day 2 blessing and main celebratory reception. So I’m doing two outfits.

Dress a (green), this is a definite for day 1.

Dress b (blue), I love this. Showed my son and he really loved it. I sent it back once as had second thoughts, I love it, it also feels very me, just not sure it says ‘woodland’, but I’ve now ordered it again 😂.

I’m still open to other suggestions. I live in dresses so very comfortable wearing. I’m 54, 5ft 4”, size 10/small 12, not sleeveless/very short sleeve (want to hide upper arms), prefer midi length, fit and flare or bias cut (pref not wrap/tiered/frills/asymmetric). I like green, red , blue but open. Budget, £200 ish, could go £300-400 for something completely fabulous.

Struggling with shoes, would prefer one pair to go with both but that might be difficult) maybe a chunky sandal, perhaps a statement colour (anything other than black), high-ish but stable and comfy? - venue is rustic with some uneven ground. On a previous visit I saw a poor woman struggling in high wedges and she actually fell over quite spectacularly…other than trainers or sandals I don’t much like flats, but also don’t want that to be me.

Something for my hair? Long thick curly hair, down or half-up on day one (I’m doing it so limited skill), salon up-do on day 2. Would like a fancy hair accessory, e.g. small hair clip style (def not headband) fascinator or really lovely statement hair clip. Not sure on colour, happy to buy 2.

Might also need a wrap if chilly in eve.

Had breast cancer/mastectomy, awaiting re-do of failed reconstruction, lost a bit of confidence, first of my children to get married and this is my first really dressed up occasion since. I’d love to feel amazing so would love some helpful advice and suggestions. Thanks. 😊

Both lovely! What if you swapped green and blue dress? Green feels vaguely woodlandy and blue is smart and formal. But blue would also work for woodland!

Pearlinda · 13/05/2024 15:54

MistyCoco · 13/05/2024 14:04

These shoes - Esska Charlie.

Insanely comfy and will cope brilliantly with uneven ground. Come in loads of colours.

https://esskashoes.com/collections/charlie

I’ve had my eye on these for years @MistyCoco
I might take your post as a sign!

Gridhopper · 13/05/2024 16:01

The blue is gorgeous! So is the green but you don’t need persuading on that one. As PPs have said it’s got a LOTR/fairy vibe! Bit of classy Maid Marion thing too.

I hope you have the best day.

howlismoving · 13/05/2024 16:52

I also think the blue dress is on theme but if you're up for splurging a little then self portrait might be a nice choice. This seems to be the kind of fit that would suit you from your post and it's perhaps a bit more spring/summer than your blue choice... https://www.self-portrait.com/products/blue-lily-lace-midi-dress

You could wear a silver wedge or sandal with either dress I think. The Esska ones are very comfortable!

Blue Lily Lace Midi Dress

A vision in cornflower blue lace, this dress puts its rich floral textures on show with a universally flattering silhouette. Style it with nude pumps for a timeless wedding guest look. Fitted style, take one size up if between sizes This style has mini...

https://www.self-portrait.com/products/blue-lily-lace-midi-dress

ConstitutionHill · 13/05/2024 17:11

Both are great. Really stylish.

CountFucula · 13/05/2024 18:18

I love the blue dress it’s gorgeous… but I’d worry it looks too autumnal. How about this one?
https://www.needleandthread.com/products/summer-posy-short-sleeve-gown-moonshine

Bignanna · 13/05/2024 18:55

StiggyZardust · 12/05/2024 11:01

Love both of them. Have a look at Farm Rio, lots of lovely dresses.

Quite pricey,though!

Whatineed · 13/05/2024 19:07

paisley256 · 13/05/2024 11:36

@MavisTheMonkey wow that blue floral Coast dress is amazing!

Agree, this one just looks perfect for the occasion.

Villagetoraiseachild · 13/05/2024 19:22

I love the blue one, it's gorgeous!
Can I ask where it's from please?
I'm also going to a wedding end of May, on a beach.

Villagetoraiseachild · 13/05/2024 19:23

Depending where you are Op, I have heard we're getting a bit of a heatwave end of May, so worth keeping an eye on the weather.

GardenGnomeDefender · 13/05/2024 19:39

I think the blue dress is great, very woodland.

I think the green dress is a little informal/casual for a wedding. I would go with something like this

www.hobbs.com/product/bronwyn-silk-midi-dress/0124-5242-3793L00-GREEN-MULTI.html

martinisforeveryone · 13/05/2024 19:41

Raishma Darcie Floral Maxi Dress, Blue at John Lewis & Partners
This comes in both blue and green.

The blue dress looks much more Autumn-Winter to me, particularly with the high neck, which looks a bit fussy. Do appreciate it might not come across so well in that photo though. The most important thing is to feel wonderful.

I wouldn't spend much on shoes for woodland. Perhaps you can have a bag stashed with some smart shoes for later?

Where we are the woodland floor is still really muddy and boggy this week, but presumably as there's an event venue, some provision will be made. Sounds lovely. Have a wonderful time.

SpringLobelia · 13/05/2024 19:42

ABirdsEyeView · 13/05/2024 10:45

That blue dress is absolutely gorgeous - I think it has a 'fairy' woodland feel, but in a grown up way. A bit Cate Blanchett in lord of the rings in my mind. Definitely keep that one!

yes I was thinking the same. Sort of Dark Academia meets woodland. If it suits you then it would be lovely IMO.

Thighdentitycrisis · 13/05/2024 19:53

The blue dress is lovely OP
Following for shoe/shawl and hair suggestions!

2024mustbebetter · 13/05/2024 20:01

Both lovely dresses. For a woodland wedding and British weather I would be thinking feminine ankle boots!

Duckswaddle · 13/05/2024 20:34

The blue dress is gorgeous. Go with that.

Pieceofpurplesky · 13/05/2024 20:38

Love both. I would go slightly hippy with the blue, long flower necklace and lots of bangles. Wear shoes like these hippy shake ones, or flowery clog type.
Wild flowers in the hair

www.thehippieshake.co.uk/products/step-inside-love-mary-jane-platform-shoes

DestinyIsAll · 13/05/2024 21:20

midgetastic · 13/05/2024 11:43

So you and your son live the dress so why are you asking?

Essentially because of the last paragraph of my op.

OP posts: