There are two sentences I hear almost everyday as a Milliner. The first is, "I don't think hats suit me". I answer that question separately in another Blog post! Click here if need me to show you how Hats can suit everyone. The second sentence is "I don't know if I have a dress, shoes, bag suitable for Mother of the Bride. What dresses should I wear as Mother of the Bride? Where can I get a pair of shoes to match?".
A Mother of the Bride outfit is not something you need plan every year (unless you have a LOT of daughters!), so it's understandable that most Mums need some help and tips on what's the best outfit for their daughters big day. This blog is full of tips for Mother of the Bride, and below are just some of the suggestions of dresses and outfits I have for this year.
This post includes affiliate links - suggestions of items I've selected you. If you see anything you like, click the links and decide to buy the suggestion, then the retailer will give me a little commission (maybe even enough to buy me a latte) to thank me.
Who's the LEAD Singer: The Hat, the Dress or the Shoes? If the Hat has oodles of detail or colour, then let the hat steal the show, and pick a simple one tone shift dress and keep the shoes to Neutral shades. This includes Champagne, and Metallic tones.
The SEASON: Cold Mums aren't a good look. Make sure the outfit is going to keep Mum snug and warm all day and night. For a winter wedding you have lot's of textures to choose from that are super smart and sophisticated for Mother of the Brides. The most popular being Velvet, Wool, Lace and Jacquard. There are also lot's of pretty velvet shoes in rich jewel colours that will pair well for a regal looking Winter wedding Mother of the Bride outfit. If the ceremony is in the afternoon, then a large part of the reception (if not all) will be after dark hours, making the wedding not just winter, but also a nighttime wedding. An elegant evening dress could also be a option. An evening Mother of the Bride dress in a fabulous fabric will provide you with that red carpet look. A velvet full length dress will transition well day to night. A heavily beaded evening dress, even ball gown, could be an option for weddings that will be almost entirely night time.
Dress Length / Style for the Venue: Needless to say, a long maxi dress, might not work for a country wedding in winter (watch those puddles), and a floaty A line or silk fit and flare might not be best for Weddings in the Highlands (no one wants to see the Mother of the Brides booty). The length of the mother of the bride’s dress depends on the season, formality and setting of the wedding. For a daytime celebration, a dressy suit or cocktail dress is most appropriate, usually to knee length. For a Winter, or evening reception, a knee or floor length cocktail dress is not uncommon, so long as it doesn't look like a brides weddings dress (so no cream, ivory or white).
Chose a Feminine Shoe: I know you might wear the 5" heels you used to wear in your twenties, but please choose a pretty shoe. Choose a 2-3" heel, with an pointed toe, and they'll will still be elegant and comfy, rather than frumpy.
Quality and Comfort: So, you aren't the most important person at the wedding, but you certainly rank high on the list! A lot of people are going to notice what you are wearing and how it looks, and if you wear the right dress you'll get complimented on your figure all day long. You are going to be in lot's of photos. You want to wear an outfit that suits your shape, and holds you in (or hides you) at the right places. You really do get what you pay for. Indulge a little for a better cut dress made with higher quality fabric in order to ensure it shapes your figure as you'd like it to. The more expensive dresses do have better construction, better seams, more flexible and more breathable materials. If you don't have the budget to spend hundreds on every item in your outfit, then cut costs on the other elements. A cheap handbag won't make you uncomfortable, nor would cheap jewellery. But a cheap dress and shoes might.
One of the most alluring and popular colourways for a Spring / Summer Mother of the Bride is in Pastels -Baby Blue, Baby Pink, Dusky Pink, Mint and Champagne Gold.
However, on pale or post winter skins, all over pastels can look flat. It’s fun to wear pastels with darker, or brighter shades to create a monochromatic style. By pairing bright and pastel shades of a colour in your outfit, you’ll add contrast and personality, rather than looking washed out, or like you are headed to the Easter Parade.
The Headpiece with this outfit is: Dress-2-Impess.com. Click Here for Headpiece (International).
Earrings: Swarovski Store. Click for Earrings.
Dress: Self Portrait. Click for Dress (International) also available at: Matches (UK) or available for: the (USA)
Eyeshadow: Tom Ford. Click for Eyeshadow (UK).
Lipstick: Cle De Peau. Click for Lippy (UK).
The Bag is: Milisente. Click for Bag.
Nail Varnish: Rimmel. Click to see Nail Varnish.
Shoes: LK Bennett. Click for Shoes (UK).
Headpiece is: Gorgeous Hat Company. Click for Headpiece (International).
Dress is: Self Portrait. Click for Dress (USA).
Earrings: Novica. Click for Earrings (International).
Eyeshadow: Pat McGrath. Click for Eyeshadow (USA).
Lippy: Rare Beauty. Click for Lippy (USA).
Bag: Nina. Click to see Bag (USA).
Nail Polish: Essie. Click for Nail Polish (USA).
Shoes: Jimmy Choo. Click for Shoes (International). or from. Bloomingdales (USA).
Dress: Theia. Click for Dress (International).
Floral Hatinator: House of London Hats. Click for Hatinator (International).
Earrings: Gem Stone King. Click for Earrings (UK).
Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury. Click for Lipstick (UK).
Eyeshadow: Dior. Click for Eyeshadow (USA) or for Eyeshadow (UK).
Bag: JNB. Click for Bag (International).
Shoes: Jimmy Choo. Click for Shoes (International).
Nail Varnish: Essie. Click for Nail Polish.
The Hat is for Hire (UK) from: Dress-2-Impress. Click for Mother of the Bride Hat Hire (UK).
The Dress is: Coast. Click for Dress (UK).
Earrings: Swarovski. Click for Earrings.
Eyeshadow: Charlotte Tilbury. Click for Eyeshadow (International).
Lipstick: L'Oreal. Click for Lippy (USA).
Bag: BGMIX. Click for Bag (International).
Nail Varnish: Rimmel. Click for Nail Varnish.
Shoes: Kurt Geiger. Click for Shoes (UK).
The Headpiece with this outfit is: Anna Andrienko. Click for Headpiece (International).
Dress: Phase Eight. Click for Dress (UK).
Earrings: Bling Store. Click for Earrings (UK).
Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury. Click for Lipstick (UK).
Eyeshadow: Lancome. Click for Eyeshadow (UK).
Bag: Girly Handbags. Click for Bag.
Nail Varnish: Essie. Click for Nail Varnish.
Shoes: LK Bennett. Click for Shoes (UK) and also available at John Lewis (UK).
There's no time more perfect to show your girlie side, than as Mother of the Bride. One of the most popular colours is Baby or Blush Pink, and I adore the below. A sophisticated Baby or Blush Pink Dress, worn with Deepest Pink to avoid looking like Barbie.
The Hat is: Etsy. Click for Hat (International).
The Dress is: Damsel in a Dress. Click for Dress (UK).
Eyeshadow: Charlotte Tilbury. Click for Eyeshadow (USA).
Tinted Lip Balm: Givenchy. Click for Lippy (USA).
Bag: Marni. Click for Bag (International).
Shoes: Malone Souliers. Click for Shoes (USA).
Nail Varnish: Essie. Click for Nail Varnish.
The Hat is: Maggie Mowbray. Click for Hat (International).
Dress: Badgley Mischka. Click for Dress (USA).
Earrings: NLCAC. Click for Earrings (UK).
Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury. Click for Lipstick (UK).
Eyeshadow: Tom Ford. Click for Eyeshadow (UK)
The Bag is: EROUGE. Click for Bag (USA).
The Nail Polish is: Sally Hansen. Click for Nail Polish.
Shoes: Badgley Mischka. Click for Shoes (International)
The Coral headpiece illustrated is: Aimee Fuller. Click for Headpiece (International).
Dress: Self Portrait. Click for Dress (International).
Earrings: Tishavi. Click for Earrings.
Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury. Click for Lipstick (International).
Eyeshadow: MUA. Click for Eyeshadow.
Bag: Craze. Click for Clutch Bag.
Nail Varnish: Essie. Click for Nail Polish.
Shoes: Aquazzura. Click for Shoes.
Florals are totally OK for Winter Weddings outfits, if select colours and flowers that are "In Season".
The Hat is: Joanne Edwards. Click for Hat (International).
Dress: Gina Bacconi. Click for Dress (UK).
Earrings: IBB. Click for Earrings (UK).
The Bag is: Diana Ulanova. Click for Bag (USA).
Lipstick: Clinique. Click for Lipstick (UK).
Eyeshadow: Clarins. Click for Eyeshadow (UK)
The Nail Polish is: Essie. Click for Nail Polish.
Shoes: Sophia Webster. Click for Shoes (USA)
Ever, and always willing to help my customers out I've compiled my selection of the best Mother of the Bride dresses for your Mother of the Bride duties this season, that are on trend, fashionable (to your daughters brief), and comfortable (to your brief!). I've divided the dresses into a few different categories (budgets), from Mum totally spoiling herself on her daughters wedding day, to the more budget conscious, so you can select from the category that suits your requirements. I constantly update, add, remove dresses, so you should find you can still grab them.
If you are also on the hunt for the perfect Mother of the Bride Clutch Bag, you might also enjoy my picks of those, on my article: The best Mother of the Bride bags.
For pretty Mother of the Bride shoes, then I also have a post constantly updated with the best of the seasons Mother of the Bride shoes: Here.
Below is a gallery of some Luxury dresses I've hunted out for you to splash out and show off with on your Daughters Special Wedding Day.
View: Emilia Wickstead Blue Floral Dress (UK). Emilia Wickstead's 'Mara' dress will make an elegant entrance on your daughters big day. Cut from structured faille, this midi style is patterned with blurred florals and falls to a softly pleated A-line skirt.
View: Lela Rose Floral Dress (USA). Lela Rose bi-color gown featuring embroidered 3D flower motif and ruched shoulders.
View: Theia Maeve Floral Dress (USA). The Maeve column gown features a pleated asymmetric crossover bodice, finished with a cascading ruffle and a side-slit skirt.
View: Oscar de la Renta Botanical Dress (International). Cut from light-as-air silk, with a 'walking art' botanical print, this maxi has a loosely flowing button-front silhouette with a pussy-bow neckline, puffed sleeves, and a pin-tucked bodice.
View: Elie Saab Cape Dress (International). Embellished with sequins and floral embroidery, this floor-sweeping tulle gown exudes elegance with its cinched waist and cape-effect back. The silk crepe de chine tie above the V-neckline adds a touch of Hollywood glamour.
View: Saloni Lace Dress (USA).
View: E.Stott Lime Green Dress, with detachable sleeves (International). Not sure of the weather forecast? This vibrant lime green dress from E.Stott, cut from wool crepe with an artful drape at the waist, has the option of with or without long sleeves.
View: The Vampires Wife Villanelle Dress (International). The Villanelle midi dress is named in homage to the antagonist of the television drama Killing Eve, who wore this style in season three. The soft cotton follows the label’s signature fitted silhouette with a nipped-in waist balanced by puffed shoulders and voluminous sleeves, before finishing with a ruffle-trimmed hem and tie-fastening sashes on the back.
Below is a gallery of some great, but not empty your bank account dresses! I've hunted out for you. Beautiful Mother of the Bride dresses, priced approx between £150.00 to £500.00 ($200 to $650.00), that you will love and wear again for evening wear, Days at the races, or formal events in years to come.
View: Badgley Mischka Blush Pink Faux Pearl Dress (USA). Lustrous faux pearls at the long sleeves add an elegant touch to Badgley Mischka's belted cocktail dress, with shawl lapel, long sleeves, and belted waist.
View: Karen Millen Wrap Dress (UK). or also from: Karen Millen (USA). Satin Back Crepe Wrap Tie High Low Midaxi Dress, also available in other colours.
View: Kay Unger Blush Pink Dress (USA). Kay Unger's Angelina dress flaunts an elegant bateau neck and cap sleeves. Beautiful floral lace and pleated chiffon godets complete this midi-length style.
View: Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon Jacquard Dress (USA). Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon powder blue and gold metallic jacquard shirtdress featuring a waist sash and pleated skirt, with short sleeves, and side pockets.
View: Mac Duggal Embroidery Dress (USA). V-neck, fit and flare dress with long sleeves, crystal banded waist and all over floral embroidery (also available in a Blush Nude hue).
View: Kay Unger Petal Pink Column Dress (USA). Kay Unger New York "Margerite" pleated gown with back princess seams, and asymmetric neckline.
View:Coast Emerald Green Dress (UK). Stretch Satin Hi Lo Hem Midi Dress in on trend Emerald Green.
View: Ted Baker Jacquard Dress (UK). From its jacquard fabric, Vanilla print and fitted bodice, this dress will be sure to impress every single wedding guest. With its timeless full skirt, this classic shape will elongate your torso and make you feel like a million dollars (without costing it).
View: Hobbs Christie Dress (UK). Silk Wool Blend Dress with beaded neck and A line skirted shape.
View: Rickie Freeman Champagne Gold Jacquard Dress (USA). Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon champagne gold, midi dress crafted from border-patterned metallic jacquard, with bateau neckline, and elbow length blouson sleeves.
View: Hobbs Christie Silk Dress (UK) and the Matching Jacket Hobbs Silk Jacket (UK) .
View: Rotate Irina Blue Jacquard Dress (International). ROTATE Birger Christensen's impossibly stylish Creative Directors Jeanette Friis Madsen and Thora Valdimars implore you to add some drama to your Mother of the Bride outfit - big, puffy sleeves. Made from blue jacquard that holds the shape of them so beautifully, this 'Irina' dress has a pretty sweetheart neckline and darted bodice.
Looking to complete your Mother of the Bride outfit with pretty dresses for under £150.00 ($200). Below is a gallery of some super pretty dresses, perfect for Mother of the Brides. Glamorous dresses, within a budget price range that could be used again for other occasions past your daughters wedding day.
View: Tahari Coral Pink Mikado Dress (USA) and also at: Nordstrom (USA). Monochromatic blooms give a bit of romance to this RSVP-ready dress. Crafted in lustrous Mikado, it features a ladylike bow atop the flared hi-low skirt.
View: Karen Millen Blush Pink Belted Dress (UK). or also at: Karen Millen (USA). Structured Crepe Notch Neck Wrap Belted Forever Midi Dress
View: Coast Long Flare Dress (UK). Make an entrance in this head-turning floral-print dress. Crafted from structured twill, it features a sleek, sleeveless silhouette fitted with practical pockets.
View: Glamour Lace Overlay Dress (UK). Glamour pencil dress, featuring a delicate lace overlay, knee length, and keyhole button fastening at the back.
Below is a gallery of some other Jackets, Wraps, and Accessories to be sure you keep yourself warm at these unpredictable weather Spring weddings.
View: Hobbs Dora Dress (UK) and the stunning matching: Hobbs Dora Jacquard Jacket (UK).
View: Cream Gold Jacquard Jacket (UK). Cut along clean, classic lines, this floral jacquard topper features glints of metallic threads for allover shimmer.
View: Hobbs Floral Jacquard Jacket (UK). Fashioned from quality jacquard material, with abloom with beautiful irises, the Gwen coat is designed to perfectly complement the matching dress – perfect for Mother of the Bride. Matching Hobbs Gwen Dress . also available.
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