Active discussions

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

Talk
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.

Original poster

Desperate to find mother of the groom clothes

121 replies

Sunbeds · 13/09/2025 15:28

My eldest son gets married in March next year and I’m really excited about it. It’s going to be a small wedding (around 50 people) and the event is taking place at the same venue (ceremony, wedding breakfast and evening celebrations).

But I am getting quite stressed! I really don’t know what to wear! The mother of the bride has copied my son’s suit colours and will look elegant in a velvet sheath dress. Meanwhile I am totally clueless. Help!!!
I’m 5’6”, a slim mid fifties woman with shoulder length hair, size 12. I have no cleavage 🙈, need to cover my upper arms and, even though I’m slim (no love handles etc), I have a lower tummy bump that won’t go away - honestly I’ve dieted, exercised (run regularly) but I’m stuck with it after four children. I am told that I suit “warm” colours (smoky tints), not pastels at all.
The wedding party and flowers are faun, cream, burgundy, apricot. We’re eating curry wraps so I don’t want a pale outfit just in case.
I tried this dress

but I was unhappy with the tummy bump in profile. It did cover everything else that I don’t like about me.
I feel like going in a big baggy sack.
What would you suggest?
My absolute limit is £300 as I need to fix up the rest of us with clothes. I don’t mind buying on eBay.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
36
MrsG2025 · 13/09/2025 19:01

Slightly off topic but if you fancy Pilates but are short on time try Pilates Anytime. Monthly sub around £16 and masses of classes to do at home from absolute beginner to Advanced. Mat based options too so no equipment needed. I’m an instructor and use for self practice but it’s for everyone.

TimeForATerf · 13/09/2025 20:22

I’ve been a mother of the groom and the bride in six months this year, Hobbs was my friend, so many compliments, I felt a million dollars. Occasion dresses. Go for a “you” dress not one under the “mother of…” header.

IHaveAlwaysLivedintheCastle · 13/09/2025 21:15

usedtobeprettybutImalrightnow · 13/09/2025 17:11

Some safer ideas..

How about something shaped like this -

https://sylverton.com/products/dove-elegant-lantern-sleeve-dress?currency=GBP&variant=55504507502969&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&stkn=3731765a1736&utm_campaign=22098437458&utm_ad_group=&utm_ad=&utm_source=google&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22094648342&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlfa_n4nWjwMV86RQBh1xkAFyEAQYGiABEgIChvD_BwE

Never heard of this brand, may be appalling quality. But it’s a striking shape and hides the bits you don’t like without being sacky.

This ties in with the colour scheme but who can say how it would do on the tum. It’s chic (IMO)

https://www.tedbaker.com/products/samalee-dk-red-1?variant=50532690526529&country=GB&stkn=1690d4ad124d&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google+Shopping&kbx_src=google&kbx_cmp=22262976865&kbx_mdm=cpc&kbx_trm=176079243358&kbx_cnt=733635214701&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22262976865&gbraid=0AAAAADlozORMD5a0vafwX0baNJkgC8TmV&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlfa_n4nWjwMV86RQBh1xkAFyEAQYJCABEgLQovD_BwE

Could pair it with this or something similar -

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1808604710/?ref=share_ios_native_control

I also added potential shoes for all the frocks cos why not 😂
https://www.marksandspencer.com/leather-cross-strap-almond-toe-slingback-shoes/p/clp60746592?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

https://www.riverisland.com/p/brown-perspex-flower-court-slingback-heels-926261?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=nonbrand_shopping&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22622895321&gbraid=0AAAAADtCggheH7RSSlbvE_PT37kpS-rpx&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI76XqwYrWjwMV7JNQBh0VMCXxEAQYGiABEgISc_D_BwE

https://www.samedelman.co.uk/hazel-pointed-toe-heel.html?color=554&utm_source=google_shopping&utm_medium=cpc&crtp=paidsearch&aid=15584&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22318205019&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIofKP4YjWjwMVHpRQBh3RQCYnEAQYECABEgJJXfD_BwE

And some navy options as the previous dress was navy? I don’t hugely like this but I can see it’s elegant and it might hide a tum 😬

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/audrey-jewelled-neck-navy-midi-dress-100015235114.html?cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=20294038518&cq_net=x&cq_plt=gp&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=20294038518&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20303461198&gbraid=0AAAAADumyC81s2ivbcGs52TmTHFAP3VGp&gclid=Cj0KCQjwrJTGBhCbARIsANFBfgum1ZjxN6z5SBXEblD715GJCFwwO-Gzm-sXf5GqGOzdRoZMCFj2ZnsaAhdwEALw_wcB

This is a solid MOG look. Albeit pricey. There are a lot of similar cheaper dresses.

https://www.hollandcooper.com/products/annabel-lace-dress-ink-navy?variant=54958383202682&currency=GBP&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18263218551&gbraid=0AAAAAC3KQN2sW2wv4n5Nh-VRcPHtpmUad&gclid=Cj0KCQjwrJTGBhCbARIsANFBfguA4zKlUcUgAs3KgnjzP6wZBY-8sNhbUEOV-W9mmhQN88qkOFtHTRAaAvzaEALw_wcB

Apologies for the mega-links!

That first link to Sylverton is as dodgy as hell. The photos on the "about us" waffle about "David and Susan" are stock photography appearing on loads of equally dubious sites
https://sylverton.com/pages/about-us

https://bhambrethren.church/index.php/about-us/

Here's the dress available on Light in The Box- other dodgy sites are available.

https://www.lightinthebox.com/p/women-s-long-dress-maxi-dress-maxi-dress-elegant-dress-elegant-batwing-sleeve-regular-fit-solid-color-3-4-length-sleeve-crew-neck-black-wine-purple-br_p11546447.html?sku=1_17|2_288

Do not touch with several barge poles.

About Us

At Thomwood, we see fashion as more than just apparel – it’s a powerful expression of your personality and unique style. Inspired by our love for design, we blend modern trends with classic elegance to create pieces that exude sophistication and charm....

https://sylverton.com/pages/about-us

ACBC · 13/09/2025 22:54

I wore this recently to a family wedding. The empire line waist is flattering for the middle aged spread.
www.hobbs.com/product/bronwyn-silk-dress/0125-5242-3793L00-PINK-MULTI.html#q=Bronwyn%20&is=false&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=0125-5242-3793L00-PINK-MULTI&pos=1

HeddaGarbled · 13/09/2025 23:34

At my nephew’s (smart) wedding last October, most of the older women, including both mothers, wore trouser suits. I think the days of traditional MOB dresses may be on the way out.

NotToday1l · 13/09/2025 23:56

Sunbeds · 13/09/2025 15:28

My eldest son gets married in March next year and I’m really excited about it. It’s going to be a small wedding (around 50 people) and the event is taking place at the same venue (ceremony, wedding breakfast and evening celebrations).

But I am getting quite stressed! I really don’t know what to wear! The mother of the bride has copied my son’s suit colours and will look elegant in a velvet sheath dress. Meanwhile I am totally clueless. Help!!!
I’m 5’6”, a slim mid fifties woman with shoulder length hair, size 12. I have no cleavage 🙈, need to cover my upper arms and, even though I’m slim (no love handles etc), I have a lower tummy bump that won’t go away - honestly I’ve dieted, exercised (run regularly) but I’m stuck with it after four children. I am told that I suit “warm” colours (smoky tints), not pastels at all.
The wedding party and flowers are faun, cream, burgundy, apricot. We’re eating curry wraps so I don’t want a pale outfit just in case.
I tried this dress

but I was unhappy with the tummy bump in profile. It did cover everything else that I don’t like about me.
I feel like going in a big baggy sack.
What would you suggest?
My absolute limit is £300 as I need to fix up the rest of us with clothes. I don’t mind buying on eBay.

The appearance of a tummy bump can be greatly improved with the correct shapewear underwear and you can get them quite cheaply these days, try Primark to see if you like them or if they improve the look

GarlicPint · 14/09/2025 03:24

Sorry, I missed the bit about an autumn palette.

GarlicPint · 14/09/2025 04:00

Missed out the image for the Jolie Moi brown pleated dress, sorry! I didn't mean to include the velvet wrap dress because the one with bell sleeves is nicer.

BangingOn · 14/09/2025 07:58

The great news is that you have loads of time and as more new season dresses come in you will be spoilt for choice. The dress you tried is lovely, but if you felt uncomfortable then I think it’s best to keep on searching as you don’t want to be uncomfortable on the day.

Katya Wildman has some lovely dresses, a lot of which look like they would skim the lower stomach and plenty in darker, smoky colours. I’ve filtered the search to under £300.

Dresses

Home of Katya Wildman, fashion designer and former founder of Bombshell HQ. Champion of dresses that empower and transform the way women feel about themselves.

https://katyawildman.com/collections/dresses?filter.v.price.gte=&filter.v.price.lte=300&sort_by=manual

Original poster
Sunbeds · 14/09/2025 08:31

All of you, thank you soooo much. Sitting here with my cornflakes and can’t believe how many of you have taken the time to research and reply! It’s going to take me a while to look, but thank you xxxxx

OP posts:
BangingOn · 14/09/2025 08:42

Another thought, have a look at Tallulah & Hope. Their vibe is currently very end of summer and resort wear, but once they start bringing their new season is I’d expect them to have some great occasion wear if you want something a little different.

This is what they have on their site already, the high waist wrap styles are particularly flattering on the lower tummy.

Occasion Wear in Luxury Fabrics by Tallulah & Hope

Art inspired printed and embroidered clothes for women with considered style. Beautifully designed ready-to-wear dresses, holiday wear and separates in flattering silhouettes with exclusive, bespoke prints complimented by embroidered pieces. Hassel fre...

https://tallulahandhope.com/collections/occasion-wear

minishiteboard · 14/09/2025 08:44

Well, firstly, it's not your job to match the wedding.
Secondly, if you're worried about your stomach, just get a swimsuit style suck them in thing

minishiteboard · 14/09/2025 08:45

Also, if you've hated the stomach thing for years, have you considered having surgery anyway ?

minishiteboard · 14/09/2025 08:46

I didn't particularly like my look as mother of the groom, I went to another wedding recently and found, and I was surprised, a brilliant dress at next done by… Lipsy!! I KNOW
I know this wouldn't be suitable for you. But just to say, don't stick to certain brands.

minishiteboard · 14/09/2025 08:47

This.

Desperate to find mother of the groom clothes
Cyclistmumgrandma · 14/09/2025 08:49

Sunbeds · 13/09/2025 16:24

@Cyclistmumgrandma oh WOW! That’s spectacular!!! I bet you looked incredible xx

Well, as I’m a larger lady, maybe not spectacular but as the colour theme was burgundy and navy, a burgundy jumpsuit with navy sequinned cardigan went down quite well. I was happy too as I got both from Vinted!

WhatdoesitmeanKeith · 14/09/2025 09:32

OP is there a particular reason why you’re shopping so early? I ask because if it was me, I’d have changed my mind 100 times by the time spring rolls round.

Things change so much in terms of what’s available in the shops, new stock etc; a lot of the suggestions on this thread in my opinion are more ‘now’ than for a March wedding,

Just a thought.

geoger · 14/09/2025 09:39

I would give it a few more weeks for the full range of new season stock to come into the shops. Brands that I always seem to find a good dress to wear out
Karen Millen
Coast
Love and Roses
Lipsy
Self Portrait
Rixo