Getting the right outfit
One of the major events for most Mothers of the Bride and Groom is getting an outfit that makes them look and feel good on the day. hopefully some of our preparation advice has put you at a good starting point. You will be on display for 12 hours and you need to ensure you look your best, you feel comfortable and most importantly you feel like you!
Some initial questions to ask yourself that will help in choosing the perfect outfit.
How important is the current fashion scene to my look?
What will suit my body shape and frame?
What colours do I really like and dislike?
Do I want/need to wear a hat?
What are the rest of the wedding party wearing?
How important is the current fashion scene to my look?
You need to decide upfront whether you want to follow the trends happening in the fashion world or if you want a classic timeliness outfit that doesn’t date. One option here if you can’t decide is to get a classic outfit and modernise it with up to the minute accessories and shoes/handbag.
What will suit my body shape and frame?
None of us are the same and despite the fact you may have seen your dream outfit look great in the magazine, it may well be all-wrong for you. It may be worth consulting a personal shopper or having an image consultation if you are struggling to find what suits you. Sometimes an honest friend can also be great to help you in your shopping trips.
Here are some key tips that are worth remembering:
- Small petite people don’t suit big bold patterns or accessories whilst large people can’t carry off small prints.
- People who are short will lengthen themselves by being all in one colour including shoes.
- Don’t put any detail where you don’t want people to look – if you have a big bust attract people downwards with a sparkly belt or intricate hemline. It you have large hips attract people’s attention upwards with a stunning necklace.
- Hem limes – don’t let hemlines finish at the widest point of your legs.
What colours do I really like or dislike?
Although you may really love the colour pink it may be a colour that’s not ideal for your skin tones and hair colour. Again it may be worth having a personal shopper or colour consultation if you are struggling in this area to get advice on the colours to avoid and the one’s that suit you best.
Here are some top tips that might help:
- You are not the bride and you should not stand out more than the bride, she will not thank you when the photographs come back! Consider the impact of the colour you choose.
- If you are a typical English rose with a fair complexion and fair hair you are most likely to suit pale pastel colours. If you have darker features you can get away with stronger colours such as red.
Do I want/need to wear a hat?
This really depends on the type of wedding it is and what you expect your guests to do. As a general rule of thumb if its being held in a church a hat or fascinator of some sort should be worn by both Mothers and older female guests. If it’s being held in a registrar office it is still the case that most often the Mothers and Grandmothers will wear hats. Check with the bride, she may expect you to wear a hat or may not mind.
What are the rest of the wedding party wearing?
It is important to consider what the bridal party are going to be wearing as you don’t want to clash with them or look as if you want to be a bridesmaid! Try and choose a colour that will complement the wedding photos and shows that you have put some care into choosing your colour. You also need to consider what the rest of the wedding party will be wearing, if they are likely to shop on the high street you may want to avoid or risk turning up in the same outfit as one of your guests!
