I know from experience that mothers of the bride or groom have just as difficult a task finding the right outfit for the day as brides do. I am pleased to have the very knowledgeable Jo Round, the stylist behind Leicestershire company Creative Confidence, as a guest on the blog to help all ladies out there with styling advice when looking for that special wedding outfit. So I’ll hand you over to Jo:
.jpg "Joanne Withers,Nine Photos,brooksby hall,long clawson church,wedding,")
There is no doubt that a wedding is a wonderful occasion. An opportunity to come together and celebrate with two special people who are embarking on a life together. That feeling is magnified all the more when one of those two people is your daughter, or son. Helping with venue ideas, checking over guest lists, having fun wedding dress shopping, having fun shopping for your own outfit . . . or maybe shopping for your outfit is where the fun stops! When the guests have gasped and even shed a tear at how beautiful the bride looks, many eyes will then be drawn to the mother of the bride, or groom and their chosen attire for the day. Some mums will love this, whilst for others, getting her wedding outfit right is a daunting prospect. So before you hit the shops in a blind panic, here are a few top tips to consider.
.jpg "2014-06-07_0009.jpg")
Colour Confidence
There is no doubt that wearing the right colour, especially close to your face, can make you look radiant and younger, even if you haven’t slept for weeks worrying whether your eccentric aunt will behave herself after a glass or two of champagne! If you haven’t had a Colour Analysis, or it was a long time ago, then make an appointment and discuss options with your consultant. Then think about how your colour choice will look in the photographs. Consider any colour themes that the bride and groom have chosen and also chat with the partner’s mum to ensure your outfits don’t clash. Having a Colour Analysis would be a lovely thing for you to do together prior to outfit shopping.
.jpg "2014-06-07_0010.jpg")
Dress your body
Your outfit should work with your body shape, not the other way around. Wearing an outfit that is not suitable for your body shape could add pounds to your waistline and will almost certainly leave you feeling uncomfortable all day. Follow one simple rule as a starting point. If you are curvy, opt for styles and fabrics that flow with your curves. Go for silk, chiffon, jersey, fine knits etc. If you have a straighter body, fabrics with a bit of structure will work well. Think cotton, satin, fine wool or linen.
It’s okay to be you
What is it about choosing an outfit for a wedding that makes us feel we should go for something we wouldn’t normally wear? Dresses, frills, high heels all spring to mind. Just think of the photos. You want to be reminded of what a great day it was and not have a ‘what was I thinking’ moment. If you normally live in jeans then why not opt for a smart trouser suit instead of a dress. If you’re not used to a day in heels there are some beautiful flat styles available. Be true to your unique style and you will look amazing.
Comfort
There’s nothing worse than spending your hard earned money on an outfit only to feel uncomfortable all day. If your skirt keeps riding up, or your shoes are too high or you’re just too hot you’ll spend the day feeling miserable and worst still, that will show in the photos. When trying on, dance around the changing room, sit down, cross your legs, lift your arms – really put the outfit through its paces before you part with your money. If you are buying new shoes, don’t forget to wear them around the house a few times so you know you won’t be begging for a foot massage halfway through the reception.
Cost per wear
Even with a mother of the bride, or groom outfit, do think beyond the wedding day and how you might wear the outfit again. Buying a more simple, understated dress and jacket and really going to town with the accessories is a great idea. Then you can separate the pieces and choose different accessories to change the look completely. Team the jacket with trousers you have, or wear the dress with a cardigan for meetings, dinner dates, christenings.
Venue
These days you can get married just about anywhere so it’s important to think about your outfit in relation to the venue. What you choose for a beach wedding can be a little more relaxed, whilst a more formal outfit would be appropriate for a church, or country house setting. Also consider where the drinks, or photos will take place. If you are likely to spend a lot of time on a lawn, wedge shoes, or flats will give more stability than heels and prevent you from getting that sinking feeling.
Feeling HOT! . . and then cold
Oh the great British weather! Do you remember when summers were hot and winters were cold and you sort of knew where you were with the seasons. Now they all seem to merge into one, which can make choosing an outfit tricky. Wearing lightweight, natural fabrics for summer weddings will help to keep you cool in the heat. If you are wearing a jacket, make sure you are happy with the outfit with the jacket off. A frock coat over a dress in winter is a great choice, especially teamed with a furry tippet, or luxury pashmina for extra warmth whilst outside.
Accessorise, Accessorise, Accessorise
These days you don’t need to have matching bag, shoes and hat. Introducing a couple of colours can make your outfit more interesting and be more flattering. Toning your shoes to your dress colour can make you look taller and a contrasting clutch can draw attention to a slim waist. If you are undecided on the hat, or fascinator debate, then try on lots, but consider this. With a hat you will almost certainly get hat hair and you might get unwelcome shadows across your face (undoing all the great work you did choosing your outfit colour). Alternatively, a fascinator, or decorative slide can be worn all day with your hair styled around it and are universally easier and more comfortable to wear. Do make sure that whatever you choose, it fits with your scale. A huge hat on a petite lady never works!
Finishing touches
If you think you will be changing your hair then discuss it with your hairdresser as soon as possible. Hair never grows quickly when we want it to. Also use the time to discuss styling around your chosen headwear. Good make up will complete your look and clever use of the right textures and colours will make you look and feel a million dollars. For advice try a make up lesson, or visit your favourite counter and don’t forget, waterproof mascara is a must.
It may seem like there is a lot to think about, but with a bit of groundwork, some advice from the experts and a good amount of time, you’ll be looking and feeling fabulous all day. Just one last thing – ENJOY YOURSELF!
My daughter getting married on 7th April in few weeks time, I have a knee length silver satin dress, what colour of shoes, fascinator, clutch bag to wear, I am dark skin, coffee colour.
Dear Ivy,
As mentioned in the article, I asked stylist Jo Round of Creative Confidence to write the advice on outfits and hence as this is my photography blog, she is unable to see the comments and reply. Her link is in the blog post though, so I am sure if you contact her she can help. You must be very excited for the wedding and lots of colours go well with silver. Is there a bridesmaid dress colour you could choose for your shoes and accessories maybe? Do you have a favourite colour so that is you buy shoes and a bag, you can use them both again with other outfits? I always think blue and silver goes well. Pink looks great with dark skin. I hope that helps a little and you have a fabulous day, Joanne x
My daughter is getting married in July of the year and I have not found a dress I like as of yet. Her colors are gray tuxs and the brides maids are a yellow bright my daughter is is a white dress it is a formal weeding in the afternoon in a church. She want me to wear gray or silver but cannot find a dress the looks good on me. I am a older mom of 65 years old and all of the dresses show my stomach. But what do you think a good color would be the mother of the groom is wearing gray or silver. Please give me some advice. Would a plum or a navy dress work?
Thank You Linda
Hi Linda, As Jo Round guest blogged on this, she is unable to comment. As for my advice as the photographer of this website, I have seen ladies of your age in all 3 of the colours you mentioned. The colour to suit you, could depend on your hair colour and skin tone, but I am no expert to advise on that I’m afraid. Grey, plum and navy would all work with yellow, but I would say plum may be the trickiest to co-ordinate, as it could depend on the shade. Grey works with everything and blues and yellows are complimentary colours. Maybe if you have another outfit in mind, you could try it on with your daughter, so she can advise if the colours works for you. I hope this has helped a little and have a lovely day. Joanne x
Fabulous blog! So many important and helpful pieces of advice for styling! x
Thanks Victoria. I thought Jo’s advice was great, so good to know others think so also.