Mother of the bride dress

[imfromwales]

What do we wear in UK? Looking for ideas can I see some please I'm 53 thank you x

Don't worry, I've had enough of the whole thing tbh. I used it just as an example of what was typically worn and demonstrates the key aspects of traditional MoB outfits that I had mentioned. However, it seems many on here didn't read my actual post and thought I was suggesting that dress specifically and absolutely had to let me know how vile it is...
I'm not a fan of a few of the other suggestions made but I don't have to pull them to bits as I just accept they aren't my taste. The more I see on MN and a simple topic like this the more I just can't be bothered in future.

Doesn't matter. Course the clothing first then pick accessories. Don't be too afraid and think things my l need to be matchy matching. You can play around a fair bit with these things.

Go shopping with your daughter. Because at the end of the day, if you feel fabulous and your daughter has helped choose the dress, nobody else's opinions matter!

There's some lovely bargain DVF dresses on lyst.co.uk

https://www.mytheresa.com/gb/en/women/diane-von-furstenberg-eloise-faux-wrap-midi-dress-multicoloured-p00767262?pub_name=3852549&pub_type=3852549&chn=aff1&src=cj&cmp=aff_cj_uk&tarea=gb&ptyp=text&pub_id=3852549&CJAID=13462734&CJPID=3852549&CJSID=1492845138&CJEID=ff45d8f243d011ef8302313e0a18b8f8&utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=affiliate.cj.uk&cjevent=ff45d8f243d011ef8302313e0a18b8f8&AID=13462734&PID=3852549&SID=1492845138&slink=1

There’s a Facebook group called preloved wedding dresses and occasion wear. There are plenty of MOB outfits for sale. Have a look at that for ideas. It’s far removed from the twin set and pearls fashion of the 70’s.

What you'd normally wear for formal events but dialled up - a bit more formal and a bit more glam.

My mum wore an ankle-length multi-coloured ghost dress which was quite form fitting, with an ankle-length sheer opera coat over the top, and a huge hat to my wedding. She looked great.

I'd say don't go in fancy dress ie don't wear something a million miles away from your usual clothes.
The whole fitted jacket thing is grim tbh.
Next year I will be wearing something comfortable, cheerful and covering!

Was looking at this

And I got these shoes already they are so comfy they scalloped suede do I need matching material for a bag

@imfromwales That's really nice OP, and very appropriate for the occasion. I'd actually avoid a matching bag, matchy matchy looks quite dated. Maybe white? Or silver, but metallics can look cheap. Don't match the material.

@NomNomNominativeDeterminism I think it's just how predictable that style is for a MoB dress, it doesn't show any individual style and is a bit of a boring choice. Also (sorry), while it looks okay on the model, most MoB aren't size 6, toned, and 40 years old, so generally the outfit doesn't look like that on the people who wear it.

I'd resist going for too much all-over pattern, simply because of the photos. A single colour (perhaps with some sort of accent) will come over better in photos (think of the years ahead), especially when worn with a marvellous hat or headpiece. If money were no object I'd love to wear this (which Annabel Croft wore when presenting the Ladies' Finals at Wimbledon on Saturday). Suzannah does have other, cheaper, dresses and is inspiring with its pictures of how they are put together with lovely headwear.
Eloise Embroidered Dress | Suzannah London

Do you really not want clothes with a little more pizzazz, @imfromwales? The dress you show is inoffensive but the navy bolero isn’t contemporary. The hat has no individuality.

Might you not consider some more exciting colours, at least?

Don’t know if this recent photo of the mothers of the bride and groom at the Duke of Westminster wedding offers any inspiration. (I don’t love the pale outfit but that’s irrelevant.)

I'm sure you look fine and you are young OP. Live a little! Avoid frump.

I adore that - I hope you have a fabulous day.

Im having similar shopping issues. There are some lovely dresses on sites mentioned. Loads for guests to choose from. But mothers of brides and grooms have to dress up more and I can't explain why!
You are in the wedding party and on the top table...but a different role to the wedding couple and bridesmaids etc.
Mother of the bride shops have some scary items and sales assistants. I lack a local department store. I have shoes Id like to wear. I want to be taller and slimmer. Im in Ireland where weddings are more dressy...I don't do dressy!

I love that Wiggy Kit skirt - I’m to save that for DS’s school graduations!! I’d save it for a ‘MOB’ outfit but I’d say that is at least a decade away!

Hi @eggandonion , I’m in Ireland too.
When I got married - 24 years ago!! , my DM and I went to BT’s to get her outfit. They have great personal shoppers and I still go there when I need a special dress for communions; graduation etc. It’s worth a day trip. I would also recommend Crinabelle in Dunshaughlin; Havana in Donnybrook; Kalu in Nass (I’ve never been there but friend shops there).

I would recommend BTs out of all of those though as they have the best selection and widest price range - from €125 to €000’s - but they still treat you the same.

Hope that helps and good luck.

Very nice

Used John Lewis personal shopper both times

I never would've picked the outfits myself

One was Hobbs and other Fenwright & Manson

Wore a dress and cropped jacket

I don't want a long dress it looks to much like bridesmaids style
I don't do pencil dress I'm body conscious I'm a size 18 I don't want to short I have a ugly varicose veins
The jacket comes with the dress
And I didn't want a typical style oh yet another mother of bride dress same as others
I'm not on top table it be just bride groom and their children

@DisneyHag Your earlier suggestions had a little too much pizzazz for most... OP's suggestion is nice and, as you say, inoffensive. For people who aren't into high fashion your daughter's wedding isn't the day to go out of your comfort zone, it's the one day you're guaranteed to be photographed and probably videoed, and those photos will be kept forever.

@imfromwales if you feel comfortable and confident in the outfit, it's ideal. I'm sure you'll look lovely. A removable jacket is practical, it might not be the cutting edge of fashion but you can wear it for the photos then remove it if it's warm.

Hobbs definitely. When I was MOB they were so helpful with everything that I ended up buying 3 dresses in total. One for the wedding and the other two because the fit and quality was superb.

Amazing choice.

53 is no age at all.

Let me think 53 and size 18....I think colour is key here and interesting vivid accessories. Not the dress and jacket thing. A gauzy shawl if needed. Mix it up a bit. Chunky shoes, bright pink bag.

These are lovely. Very classy.