Don't know where to start? With the expert help of Jo Kelly from The Bridal Rooms of Wellswood (bridalrooms.co.uk), we've delved into the world of anything-but-motherly wedding wear to help you mums successfully embark upon your own search for 'the one'.
Veni Infantino, The Bridal Rooms of Wellswood
Follow the first lady's lead
Remember - it's the bride and groom's day and, as such, the design stems from them, so take their requests and vision (theme, season, venue and colour scheme) as your cue.
Discuss the look the bride is focusing on and consult with her on your outfit ideas to ensure you merge with the wedding party while maintaining your own sense of individuality.
But remember the golden rule: "Always buy what makes you feel and look fabulous!" says Jo. "All eyes are on you after the bride so if you look utterly stunning you'll feel incredibly confident, too."
Linea Raffaelli, The Bridal Rooms of Wellswood
Timing is everything
It's tricky but you have to think about your timing on a number of levels, such as when you broach the subject with the bride (the earlier the better as the stress levels gather momentum with time) when to purchase your outfit (think about budget, the season - what's available and when, whether you might shed a few pounds for W-day) and what the other mum is doing since you should both subtly coordinate while appearing personally different.
"There's a lot of politics and pecking orders going on if it happens in the wrong order," warns Jo. "It's hardest when the bride's mum is disorganised, laidback or needs to lose weight before she chooses, as it makes the groom's mum wait longer than she'd prefer - especially if she's an organised person."
Why not select a small series of outfits and try them on alongside the bride, bridesmaid and other mum during a dress fitting to ensure you're all on board with the bigger stylistic picture? The bride can nod her approval and you can enjoy a bonding shopping session to boot!
Veni Infantino, The Bridal Rooms of Wellswood
Colour is key
Avoid a colour conundrum by considering the overall colour scheme of the wedding, the shades the wedding party will be wearing and what hues suit you best. Not only are you dressing for yourself, you'll be reflecting the day, venue, season and bridal party, too.
"I always try to work with the theme of the wedding; for example, the bridesmaids' dresses and flower colours - and what colours suit mum," says Jo. "If it's a grey-themed wedding and mum has silver grey hair she'll look fabulous in a silver, charcoal, pink or lavender outfit. Generally, only the bride's mum is allowed to wear white or ivory - and that's with the bride's permission!"
Rosa Clara, The Bridal Rooms of Wellswood
Stick to shapely fashions
It's no mean feat: you have to dress to suit your own taste and body shape while keeping within the bride's remit and mirroring current and/or timeless trends. That means an honest meditation on what does - and doesn't - suit you, your frame and personality.
Just like the bride, you still want to look like you, so if your idea of dressing up is ditching your jeans for a sundress, a formal pantsuit might appear stiffly at odds with your chilled-out nature, not to mention feel restricting and uncomfortable.
"Most mums still like a straight pencil skirt, as it makes them feels younger and a touch more glamorous," observes Jo. "They love capped, three-quarter or long sleeves - or a jacket." Visit a boutique with a small entourage to fine-tune your own look before showing the bride - that way, you're whittling down the options in the knowledge that they all suit you first.
Rosa Clara, The Bridal Rooms of Wellswood
Finish with flair
It's important to take note of your entire head-to-toe ensemble. From your hair to the accessories, an element of harmonisation is key. "We advise matching Rainbow Club shoes and bags tinted to the colour of your outfit, as blending is key for mum's finished look," says Jo. "The hatinator, hat or fascinator also needs to be created from the colours and theme of the outfit to make it all look perfect, polished and super-chic!"
And don't forget to consider how you'll transition from day to night or venue to venue to ensure you feel comfortable and maintain an air of appropriateness at all times. "From day to night, it is just a case of taking off your hat, fascinator or hatinator and jacket and adding some extra jewellery to pep up the evening look," suggests Jo. "Maybe even change your shoes to sparkly ones to accentuate that party feel!"
And don't forget to get your hair and make-up done - whether it's by a professional or trusted friend. Remember, it's your day, too, to feel and look your very best!
Linea Raffaelli, The Bridal Rooms of Wellswood
SHADY LADY
Whether you're a silver fox or blonde bombshell, here are some top tips for colour-matching your hair and ensemble to head-turning effect...
Blonde and copper hair - wear warm tones like champagne, taupe, gold, blush, apricot and peach.
Dark hair - pick darker tones like navy and ivory, bright colour pops like red, fuchsia and royal blue; or splice the two, for example, black with ivory, navy and red or black and pink.
Silver-grey hair - select silver, charcoal, blush, lavender, iced-blue or pastel shades.
HEAD START
Your child's wedding day is the ultimate occasion to don a fabulous piece of headwear. And, if you're seeking bespoke and beautiful, then we recommend a visit to Jo Kelly at The Bridal Rooms of Wellswood, the creative talent behind headwear range HATS@41. From statement hats adorned with feathers and florals to intricate fascinators, each design is a true one-off, designed entirely around each client's outfit and vision. One of the South West's foremost milliners, Holly Young (hollyyoungboutique.com), also offers a bespoke service from her studio in Truro, Cornwall. Covering everything from vintage-inspired classics to chic pillbox hats and fashion-forward designs, you can look forward to a standout number for W-day.
words Hannah May
Copyright Wed magazine 2017
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