Grandmother of the Groom, where do we start?

[LoveBeingAMum555]

Hi

My son gets married late summer this year. Never mind dilemmas over my own outfit, Mum is already fretting that I haven't taken her shopping yet. What shops would you go to? Mum is 85 years old, 5ft 1 size 14-16, hates shopping and getting dressed up, but will want something smart without spending a fortune. I thought Phase Eight might be a possibility, any other ideas?

Does she not have any nice dresses at all. My mum when 86 just wore a dress she already had with a white blazer which she already had. If not a dress a trouser suit.

Lots of petite options on John Lewis, Next,Boden, M&S etc as others have suggested. Order a selection for trying on at home.

Why are people suggesting outfits without know what colours or shapes suit the lady 🤷🏻‍♀️?

The jacket is pretty and it can easily be worn over jeans or a denim skirt and a t shirt after the wedding.

This is true but maybe she wants to treat herself to something new and fresh and smart? And is mindful of the fact that she's not going to attend many (or possibly any) more weddings so wants to make an effort?
As a 70 year old I feel I can see it from both angles.
@LoveBeingAMum555 I like some of the David Nieper dresses in a link above, what do you think? Some of them are quite vibrant and she might like something that stands out a bit colour-wise, but is soft and easy and comfortable to wear.

Because the OP has asked for ideas! Or did we need your permission first?! In which case, please accept our apologies. 😵‍💫

I would sit with her and a laptop or tablet (bigger than a phone), let her look at several websites to see what is available. I am sure at 85 she knows what suits her and what she feels comfortable wearing.
Depending on what she prefers, you could then organise delivery of possible outfits to her home, or take her to e.g. M&S to try some on.
Please make sure that you are not 'doing this to her' but with her. I expect that she will be very excited for her DGS' wedding and the build up is all part of it.

My DD is getting married this summer and we are all hoping that my DM will make it. She is 82 with heart failure

She has so many clothes already that would be suitable but I am sure she will want something new.

There is a boutique in her home town that she shopped at before Covid but I am not sure she will make it there

I’ll most likely be ordering from JL and M&S and getting them all rejected. She isn’t easy to please any more!

I know she also shops at David Napier so that may be an option too.

Roman have a decent petite range too Petite Clothing & Outfits | For 5ft 3in & Under | Roman UK

We've got an old fashioned boutique in town that had exactly what my mother in law wanted for her grandson's wedding last year. She's 80 and never dresses up, but they sat her in a chair and ran through options that ended up with a nice dress and jacket combination that looked lovely. I'd suggest finding something local and independent, it's often a one stop shop for accessories and run by people who've experienced exactly this sort of dilemma.

M&S have other brands online iyswim so you could maybe get a few outfits sent ? Do you have a Roman near you my mum got a dress for Dds wedding there and a blazer from peacocks so wasn't too pricey. Your mum might feel comfier in trousers which is fine and a starting point for her.

Chums has summer dresses you could add bolero or cardigan to
ive been looking and a lot seem to have flouncy hems or puffy sleeves.

If she hates dressing up, would she like to try jumpsuits? My mum of a similar age looked great in a navy jumpsuit at a recent wedding. I think it was Reiss. She wore it with silver ballet pumps.

I wouldn't recommend a jumpsuit to someone in her 80s. Worrying about wrangling them on and off in an unfamiliar loo isn't the way to enjoy a relaxing time at a wedding, even if you are fully fit.

My mum never mentioned that as a problem but she's fit and mobile - I guess you wouldn't choose a jumpsuit if you thought it would be tricky.

Would something like this be any good,
lightweight comfortable but dressy enough for the occasion. They have loads of colours and sizes too.

cicinia.co.uk/products/floral-chiffon-mother-of-the-bride-dress-pant-suits?currency=GBP&variant=45615824240879&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google+Shopping&stkn=57091c7e89a7&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=23444730163&utm_content=190945299523&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23444730163&gbraid=0AAAAABQbtGSOK5WedYO8WgBsHY_vEozow&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIt5yE_oeEkwMVRJJQBh2PJiugEAQYGSABEgKtUfD_BwE

My Grandma attended my wedding aged 87 and really cares about clothing and appearance but also had significant challenges with mobility and comfort.

She wore navy wide leg trousers, a floral blouse with a lighter blue jacket and looked awesome!

I think go to some shops yourself first. Phase Eight regular is cut tall, a lot of stores don’t carry much petite so phone ahead. Do you have a decent department store anywhere near? I’ve worked in a couple and people have come in for Phase Eight or Hobbs and left with Apricot for weddings! It’s really about the drape, fabric and comfort. An out-of-town Next may have what you are looking for. I had a lot of mother of grooms in, they’d visit early to find the shape they were comfortable with then return nearer the time. I also think separates could work - once found a lovely lady the most perfect wedding outfit that was mixed and matched across brands - she came out of the fitting room so confident! Don’t discount the Hobbs jersey dresses - one customer bought one for a wedding and reported back that it had been so comfortable with no creasing.

My son got married last year and my 83 year old mum recycled a dress that she bought for a wedding years ago. It had only been worn once before. She bought new shoes, she looked great, was comfortable and she thought she was the bees knees! So starting point is your mums wardrobe! I bet she will have something.

Sorry, but I hope I’m dead before anybody tries to dress me in something like this!

Agree! My mother would have had a fit as would MIL!

There will definitely be something in M&S

Skirt

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su769807/h29628

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su773790/w67463

https://www.next.co.uk/style/sv085498/v82065

Top

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/elsie-satin-top-10013800106.html

https://www.next.co.uk/style/sv053360/y48585

https://www.next.co.uk/style/sv064104/f91473

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su810496/h81784

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/kaycee-scallop-lace-top-303511106.html

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/petite-maddelena-shirt-100058700010.html

https://www.boden.com/products/women-sara-silk-shirt-french-pink-delicate-blossom-t2000mul

https://www.wolfandbadger.com/uk/flower-print-long-sleeve-organza-shirt-multicolor/

Dress

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/petite-lucinda-floral-dress-222227000.html

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/petite-lizzie-dress-10001810000.html

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/petite-giovanna-floral-belted-dress-222036000.html

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su947031/g70908

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su831083/h91297

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su836112/h91286

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su977639/g67810

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su691805/f99316

https://www.next.co.uk/style/sv054632/h09061

Jacket
https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/coats-jackets/petite-off-white-cropped-blazer/p/943201412

https://www.roman.co.uk/petite-stretch-bolero-jacket-15041438

https://www.roman.co.uk/petite-classic-stretch-blazer-15021938

https://www.roman.co.uk/petite-revere-collar-stretch-blazer-15041538

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/petite-elizabeth-jacket-10017260102.html

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/catherine-jacket-10016660351.html

Trousers

https://www.boden.com/products/women-belgravia-linen-trousers-aloe-green-chambray-r0853lgr

https://www.marksandspencer.com/single-pleat-wide-leg-trousers-with-linen/p/clp60775773#intid=pid_pg1pip48g2r3c2

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/petite-aubrie-trouser-100174835112.html

Maybe you could "have a nice day out" with lunch and then incorporate a little bit of shopping in to the trip, rather than make a big deal of the shopping.
If you tell us what area you and/or she are from one of us could suggest a nice boutique to visit.

There is something sweet about wearing the same outfit to weddings a generation apart.

Would she be more comfortable in some nice trousers and a smart top, smartened up with a hat? That’s my go to wedding garb and I’m in my 50s - a hat can turn smart casual into wedding-suitable without the stress and discomfort of a dress / tights / heels