Where to look for mother of the groom outfits.

[Nojudginghere]

DS is getting married in September. Really struggling to even know where to start looking for outfits! Have seen lots of adverts for different online stores - but no idea if the quality is as good as they claim and obviously can only order 1/2 items at a time due to cost before returning and trying again!! Hoping some lovely people on this thread might have some recommendations of places I could look.
For context - I’m size 16, no restrictions on colours, don’t like hats but would possibly be interested in a fascinating style accessory. Tend to wear dresses rather than skirts/tops. Grateful for any ideas…

Do you have to shop online? Where do you live?

I’d be starting at a big shopping centre or designer outlet and trying some stuff on to at least give you an idea of what you’re after.

There’s lots more available online but some of the stores sell absolutely shit synthetic cheap clothes that look lovely online.

It would help to have some idea on style and colour.

My daughter is getting married this year, this is what I have done, but it does depend on your budget.

1. Discounted the online stores that are not known high street brands or couture wedding brands. We are getting the bridesmaids dresses from one of these at £90 each, the quality is not great and differs between each item, even in the same style.
2. Booked myself an appointment at a local speciality Mother of the bride/groom shop, this really helped me with sizing and what suited me. And it made me feel good and part of the wedding process.
3. I also looked at offerings from high street brands such as Hobbs, Phase Eight, Me+Em and others. However my budget allowed me to spend more and I really liked some of the specialist dresses I had tried on.
4. When I had narrowed it down I looked online for dresses from my preferred brand, I knew my size and what had looked good in the shop. I then found another couple of stores that had similar dresses and booked appointments there.
5. I only went to one, as I found the style of dress that I had liked in a colourway that was perfect for me, and in my size at a store at the other end of the country, so I ordered in online.

It needed a little alteration, but was something I could do myself, I am the corrrect height for the dress, but if it needed more extensive alterations or shortening then it would have needed a seamstress. By not buying in-store you have to arrange this yourself.

Do you have a style or budget?

I would suggest avoiding anywhere that claims to offer MOB outfits. (But obviously we’re all different!) Depending on your budget you can shop from any mainstream shop.

You could begin by browsing some multi-brand platforms like

https://www.collagerie.com/collections/dresses

or

https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/clothing/dresses

to get a broad idea of what’s available and what looks current.

(NB it seems one now has to sign up to access Collagerie properly - but it’s completely free. Clothes from supermarket to couture prices do keep scrolling to find brands that appeal to you - then look up their own sites. Net-a-Porter also, despite appearances, ranges in prices from High St upwards so don’t be put off if the first things you see are YSL or Gucci.)

Seconded

I live in Coventry - not much there but can easily get to Birmingham, Solihull etc. I work full time, so am a bit lazy and have fallen into the trap of ordering everything online and am very out of touch with which stores are where!

Bridesmaids are in green, so avoiding that colour. Would also talk to mother of the bride before making final purchase - I’d want to make sure she has first choice for colour etc.

I have just bought this for a wedding we have in a few weeks, which is the kind of style I’d usually choose for these kinds of events. But would like something a bit different for
my son’s wedding?

https://www.roman.co.uk/floral-split-sleeve-midi-dress-14858808

Thank you - this is really good advice. I think I was approaching it the wrong way round - ordering online to try rather than going into stores with lots to try on.

re: budget - I am in the fortunate position that I would be able to spend a few hundred pounds if I found the perfect outfit, but am also very conscious that I will probably only wear it once so would be happy with a less expensive option too.

I'm in the Midlands too, but have made an appointment at a specialist MoB/G shop in London, to coincide with a visit there. I have a few friends who have bought expensive dresses but then sold them on for around half the outlay after the wedding - which makes me feel better about spending a fortune!

John Lewis personal stylist session.

Personal styling | John Lewis & Partners

Personally I’d avoid the specialist shops as I wouldn’t want to end up in one of those ‘classic’ MOTB/MOTG matchy dress/jacket/fascinator combos.

For your budget you’d be able to get something lovely that really suits your style.

Wouldn't you consider spending a few hundred pounds on something you would wear again? It really doesn't have to be specialised "M of B" (which I'd hate). Unless of course that's your thing,

You could hire an outfit.

If I had the opportunity to wear it again, I definitely would. It’s just we don’t go to many events where I need to dress up like that! I guess ideally I’d like a nice dress, that I could “dress up” for the wedding with a nice jacket and fascinator, and then potentially wear again if another function came up. But I’m happy to splash out for a nice outfit for my son’s wedding, even as a “one off wear”.

I’m not keen on the traditional mother of the bride style outfits, just wanted something a bit different / nicer / a level up from what I’d wear to someone else’s wedding. But no idea what that looks like🙈 I’m 54, but consider myself “fairly young” in my usual clothing choices (but obviously I could be deluding myself 😂😂)

I don’t think that’s what I want either! I just want something that looks a bit more “special” than what I’d normally wear. Will keep looking🤞

Have you had a look at The Fold? The Salerno dress comes in 6 colours and looks like an elevated version of the one you already have. The other dress only comes in one colour but is glorious.

me &Em also have some lovely dresses this year but slight risk of matching another guest as very popular.

Farm Rio and Rixo also worth a look

Chi chi London. Look on Vinted

John Lewis - best place
COS
Roman
M&S
Principals / Betty Jackson if still around

Haven't seen any of the 'mums' dresses in person but I was surprised how good Azazie were for the price (especially if you get the clearance section)

I was a MOB last year and chose a dress from Hobbs. They have a good selection of dressier clothes and petite options which I needed. I ordered several online and returned without any trouble.

John Lewis Solihull personal shopper.

I would avoid a MoB look, those awful matching dresses and coats. Wear something you love!

Excuse my ignorance but why does MOB get first choice for colour? Is that a thing?

Not all dresses at the specialist shops are the old fashioned/traditional fitted outfit and jacket look. That is not my style either.

I am a young mid 50s slightly plump lady who is most comfy in jeans. I haven’t worn a formal jacket since the 90s. I went for a floaty dress that was just a step up from the run of the mill Hobbs dress.

I often see John Lewis Personal Stylists mentioned on here but I only know of friends who were disappointed with the experience because the stores hold so little stock now.

Snooty Frox Harrogate who post loads on Facebook are good for ideas

Nojudginghere You could look on JJs house.

Also, Etsy have lovely hair accessories for wedding guests.