Mother of the bride

[BlackCarrot]

My wonderful daughter is getting married this year. I'm hoping for opinions on a dress https://www.debenhams.com/product/jolie-moi-angel-sleeve-mesh-frill-wrap-maxi-dress_p-cfba2617-35e1-44fa-8e18-84b6d603fced?colour=Teal&size=8&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22915808283&gbraid=0AAAAABevdS5EvxiSgkVQPc3higJbmYo_c&gclid=CjwKCAiAzOXMBhASEiwAe14Saagjb217sz0vBJ4UcRP5nxbPvnQjig4kTdPRuiPD_jt3-Mm8qqhPbhoC7kYQAvD_BwE I'm quite pale and short with big boobs. I'm going to look like an idiot 😫

I think it’s a lovey dress. Good luck for the wedding.

People still promoting that non-shop?

Why?

I like it OP, I wouldn’t worry about being pale, I’m literally ghost skinned, I had a paler spray tan before my DC’s weddings, and it literally brightened me up.

I also bought my wedding shoes online from Debenhams which were in the sale and the perfect match, since my dress cost £300 from Hobbs I was very happy with my £15 Debenhams shoes.

if you accessorise carefully you will look stunning.

I really like that dress. But Next also sell it, so I would buy from there as returns are no problem (Debenhams doesn’t have a good reputation nowadays).

@BlackCarrot
Depends on the wedding. The tie at the back is casual and ditto the wrap style. Any style requirements from DD? Mine’s getting married in the autumn and there’s a dress code. Casual isn’t it! Will it fit ceremony and reception requirements?

IMO that's not a dress for anyone with big boobs.

Agreed. Or anyone short.

I like the shape and I don’t think it’s too casual, once it’s got a little jacket, nice shoes etc. I’d worry about the fabric and quality though.

I’d say it’s more guest than MOTB. It’s ok. It I am sure there will be better dresses available.

I like the colours, print and the style, however not keen on the mesh material. I ordered a dress in this fabric and sent it back as did not like the feel or look of it.

It’s nice enough but it’s terribly boring, imo. I’d keep looking!

Really like the colour and I like this style too, I find it reliably flattering on me anyway. I’ve had other dresses from Jolie moi and they’ve been good. Also think it’s a good style for big boobs though it does depend a lot on the sizing and the crossover point.

Echo others not to buy from Debenhams. Next or John Lewis sell the brand too, next have it in a 14 but not many sizes left.

Its ok. I had a look and theres a royal blue version which I think is nicer than the teal.

Ok isn’t mother of the bride though is it. It’s a safe work dress.

Good point, it does feel like it might be too casual for MOTB.

What would you suggest then, ideas welcome, I'm very out of my depth. Day to day I have no reason to dress up, I gave up the corporate life years ago.

What would you suggest that isn't boring? I've looked at Phase Eight, Hobbs etc lots of the MOTB dresses are wrap, plain and boring IMHO. Frustrating that they show MOTB dresses as wedding guest dresses. My ultimate nightmare is someone else wearing the same thing. This may be the case with dress I posted.

I tried it on and it works with my height and boobs so much more than anything I tried on in John Lewis. I agree its,wedding guest rather than the special outfit I'm craving.

Why not book an appointment with a specialist shop and see what ideas they have. You don’t have to buy but you can see what suites you. Vinted is a great source of only worn once MOTB outfits and you could pick up a bargain with matching hat and accessories.

Take your DD with you and have some fun. The prices are often eye watering but at least you can have the experience.

If you go to a specialist MoB/MoG shop or website then you should be safe that no guest will be wearing it.

Personally, when I look at the specialist sites suggested on MN it makes me wonder what terrible crime female parents have done to deserve having to wear them. I think the outfits sold by specialist MoB/MoG are so awful that the slight risk of a guest wearing the same dress as one I'd picked because I really like it is far preferable to wearing any of the sort of stuff in the links below.

You picked the dress because you liked it. The first couple of posters liked it then someone weighed in with it "not being MoB" . Have the confidence in your choice and buy a dress you like (not from Debenhams), not is it "MoB" enough.

https://www.veni-infantino.com/collections/mother-of-the-bride-groom
https://www.nigelraymentboutique.co.uk/collections/mother-of-the-bride-groom-dresses

I looked at Jolie Moi dresses for my dd's graduation as they do a lot of wrap dresses,which suit my figure. Sadly most are polyester, which is not what you'll want to be wearing on a warm day.

The Pretty Dress Company might work for you. Slightly retro dresses but not overly so

Have a look here.

What’s your budget and usual style (or what sort of style do you want to go for). Personally I hate traditional MOTB dresses and would avoid specialist shops. I have been to lots of weddings and I can’t remember a time where I’ve seen people in the same dress. If you are really concerned about it, you could go for something vintage.

this is similar colour and pattern to the Jolie Moi one but a bit smarter?

I would recommend a look through Karen Millen, they have a good petites range.

A few Kare Millen petite options

black & white

jumpsuit

belted

pleated (would need a low back bra)

another pleated