Shopping for wedding outfits.

trisher I had the same dilemma. I hate dressing up and ended up getting the same type of MoG outfit that you describe. I'll wait a while before I start taking the dog for a walk in my lovely long, loose linen and silk jacket, but I confess I had that in mind for next summer when I chose it!

You could set a trend whenim64 I look forward to seeing all the local dog-walkers out in their wedding outfits, not a fleece or sweatshirt in sight!

With the hats, too, obviously!!

What I would suggest where ever you buy is take your DIL, daughter or female friend with you for opinions on what suits you.
I did for my sons wedding and so glad I did because I would have purchased something I thought was alright but my helpers said was frumpy.
I'm not used to wearing a dress, live in jeans, but so glad I took their advice I got so many compliments at the wedding and I wore the dress on a couple of cruises last year so have had good use out of it.

Oh forgot to say bought my dress from House of Frazer.

That is my problem, Jeanie, I live in jeans generally.
I shall not buy anything without a second opinion.

So many MoB outfits are in unflattering, often embroidered, pastel polyester and are, I think, so unlike what most of us like to wear in fabric, style and colour. I was horrified when I was looking, some years ago.

I think it is a question of adapting - if you usually wear trousers, then do so - with a lovely top or jacket, and in a colour that doesn't make you look like a birthday cake!

There is a thread on all this lurking somewhere, might be worth a look?

When my son got married, they were having a posh wedding and I was forbidden to wear my waders and fishing jacket , so I went to Country Casuals (which are neither country nor casual) and bought a very nice dress and jacket - certainly not me, but it drew a lot of admiring comments and I was pleased to be able to hold my end up! Sadly, I have never had the chance to wear either the dress or the jacket again. If DD ever decides to get married (they've been 'thinking about it' for over twenty years!) it will no doubt be a low key affair as they both hate a fuss.

When I google 'mother of the bride' (or groom) they tend to come up with the type of outfit I would never wear!

This is such a problem, isn't it? Like most above, I live in jeans or trousers and rarely do 'smart casual' and certainly never 'posh'. Added to that DH does not possess a suit and would not dream of buying one. So, you can imagine my horror when DD announced she was having a posh wedding in Italy. Luckily the climate meant I could get away with linen trousers and a strappy top and DH did the same but with a linen shirt to go with his trousers. I had only just got over the trauma of it all when DD and former SiL parted company and a couple of years later she met someone else and another wedding was planned - this time a posh do in the UK! Why do we have to go through all this? Why can we not be comfortable and enjoy our offsprings' big day - or in this case, days!

The last outfit I had for a wedding I bought in our local ladieswear shop. It was a rather nice pale pink dress and jacket. The one before that I bought from Monsoon.

Ooh, yes - Monsoon might be a good place. Whatever you do make sure it's comfortable. It's a long day to spend pulling down a skirt or fiddling with a jacket that's too tight. If you already have a dress or skirt or trousers that are ok perhaps you could just buy a new jacket/posh cardi? Easier than trying to find the whole outfit. Personally, I would shop on my own as others may influence you badly without intending to do so. And definitely refuse to wear a hat if you really don't want to - I did.

MICHAELA JEDINAK Make dresses in different styles and lengths WITH SLEEVES

My son got married in Spain and I was sent a list of 'definitely nots' and a list of what they hoped I would wear. Pictures were included just in case I was in doubt ! At first I was not very pleased (an understatement !) but on reflection decided it was because they did not want me to make an idiot of myself because at a Spanish wedding the most important person there, after the bride, is the groom's mother. Along with the brides father we stood at the alter with DS and soon-to-be DiL and all I remember was my hat slowly slipping down my brow. Thank goodness I wear specs as I didn't think me taking off my hat to put back on again while standing at the alter would go down very well.
Other than taking said hat off too early at the reception I apparently passed muster and didn't let them down !

OMG tiggypiro - that all sounds truly horrendous! Well done you for getting through it.

I dont know if there are any bridal fairs at this time of year where you are?
I found them useful. For getting ideas, as well as rejecting ideas and certain shops.

And think about what you would like to see yourself wearing on peoples' mantelpieces including your own, for years to come! no pressure!

Sounds like a very stressful ordeal tiggypiro !
My debut as mother of the groom was in an enormous Italian cathedral, wonderful day but oh so nerve wrecking.....
Mother of the bride very petite and designer clad, dozens of Italian relations and ten of us. I felt very conspicuous amongst so many gloriously clad svelte women.

Thanks for all your help. In the end it turned out really easy- eventually went shopping for it and found it in the first shop! I thought I couldn't just settle for the first thing so I went everywhere- then went back and bought it.
Got shoes today- first shop.
Now just a question of hat, fascinator or not bothering with either.

Can you share what you got Leticia?
Well done on being sorted so quickly!

Where can I get a sequinned lifejackets and matching wellies for darling daughter's wedding? Registry office followed by reception in a tent at their sailing club?

Now there's a challenge Galen

DIY with plenty of glue Galen ?

I think you've identified a gap in the market. A possible business opportunity for some enterprising GNetter perhaps

It sounds far more exciting, Galen!
Mine is more boring- pink jacket and navy and pink skirt and top.

A dusky pink.