Mother of Bride dilemma

I haven't got a particular recommendation but when my DD got engaged this year I made a list of questions and priorities. My considerations were as follows:-

-did I want to go with a more glamorous outlet than my usual go-to shop, Phase Eight? In the end I kept to Phase Eight as I know their size eight fits me perfectly and the lengths are right too.
-did I want a 'fit and flare' which suits me and is comfortable, or a slinky outline which would look better in the photos? I chose a 'fit and flare' with a tulle skirt which cost a small fortune from their special fancy range. I haven't dared tell anyone what it cost but I will be comfortable all day and also (hopefully) not be like dracula's mother in the pics.
-shoes and accessories? It's a country wedding so I have chosen mid priced shoes which will stand a bit of grass. My cream jacket was bought for another wedding and will be good for this one too.
-colour? I was not going to be awkward about colour. My DD told me to buy navy and I have. Saved angst-ing and helped me make my mind up.
-hair? I have short hair with a sticky-up style so I am not going to have a hat/fascinator dilemma as I am not wearing either.

My gut feeling about personal shoppers from talking with others who have tried them, is that, if you are a nice person, you could be intimidated into having what is not comfortable. If you know what you want and are prepared to let them waste a couple of hours on you and still walk out without buying anything, then go for it.

Dracula's mother with a capital D. Sorry.

I was MOG god my Son and DILs Winter wedding and got a lovely contemporary dress from Monsoon.

My SIL wore trouser suits for her son's winter wedding and her daughter's summer wedding. For the winter one she wore a trilby hat too! She looked fab.

I second velvet trousers and jacket. Or invest in a lovely coat over a more everyday dress?

I'm most definitely not a traditional mob outfit person. Yuck. For my daughter's wedding I wore wide leg trousers with a lovely linen top and long linen coat. It was comfortable, looked good and, most importantly, I felt like myself ! Good luck

Where ever you go it is likely to be cold on NYE so chose something warm and comfortable as well as glam. A dress/trouser suit with matching warm coat and boots might be nice. Have fun choosing and don't be rushed or pressured, if you can't find something you love on first trip go again to somewhere else.

Chose a colour that suits you and not because its in fashion. Blend dark and light shades of that colour.
arm yourself with this information and provide it to a personal shopper.If possible go to Harvey Nichs

I got married in my 60s and wanted something smart that I could wear again. I found a Fenn Wright Manson dress in John Lewis and teamed it with a smart Hobbs jacket. I have been able to wear both since on various occasions. The jacket is fine for more casual wear too with jeans for example. Happy hunting!

II bought a Phase 8 dress for my daughter's informal church wedding a few years ago as I didn't want a Bride's Mother's outfit.. It proved to be the most useful dress ever! It could be dressed up or down and was a bit quirky. Loved it. Try Fenwicks John Lewis or probably any large department store. Good luck and have fun!

Just Last Season is worth a look, especially if you are petite.

Just bought a lovely hat from the Bath Hat shop - decided I would look like a deranged old chicken in a fascinator - small shop but so well stocked - managed to cut down the hat box to fit in suitcase - living in Portugal and wedding in Lisbon. Have to keep the British end up as we will be outnumbered. Will be visiting Shibumi in the Spring after shifting a few pounds... Also try the Shirt Company - have some lovely portrait style neckline shirts. Good luck!

I made a Pinterest board, specifically for it, when out eldest got married. I then spent time touring the shops on the net looking for possible purchases I liked, pinning them , going back and looking at them and compiling my outfit that way.

I started with the idea or the colours I wanted and worked it from there. Don't forget to include a Fascinater/headwear if you are having one.

My clothing came from Debenhams (shoes and Fascinater) John Lewis (dress) Marks & Spencer's (wrap and underwear) and online I bought the parasol and accessories. I also had a warmer lightweight jacket, I didn't need in the end. I bought it as a back up incase it was cold. It was August last year and I bought it incase it was cold. That was from Joe Browns.

Hope some of this will give you some ideas to get you thinking. Oh and don't forget to think about hair and make up.

Most of all enjoy your lovely day at your daughter's wedding

My sister booked our mum the personal shopper service at Debenhams when mum was looking for a wedding outfit.
Although mum came away with an outfit the experience was far from great! The girl did not address my mum directly, at all! She only spoke to my sister. Almost as though mum couldn't speak or understand/had dementia! It may be that she fancied my sister but whatever the reason I think that has put them both off for life.
I wore a deep purple velvet trouser suit for my best friends wedding on NYE. I received lots of compliments.
Happy shopping ?

I went to House of Fraser this year for my M of B outfit. I think it was coast. Just had a dress and a jacket. And fascinator. Very helpful

It was Phase 8 not Coast! Sorry lad

Taken note of the fingerless lace gloves. Still 2 1/2 years ago but I will definitely be getting some

I think separates would be ideal. Quality fabric but simple shapes and statement accessories

Don't think you can beat Jacques Vert. I believe there is a branch in Manchester. I got matching accessories there for daughter's and Son's weddings.

If you go with personal shopper you must insist you don’t want the typical mob matching suits/ dress/ coat attire because if you don’t that’s what they will bring you. At ladies Ascot races this year I saw a lady of a certain age looked stunning in mauve flowing linen dress mid calf length with green bolaro and green shoes with mauve diamanté on and bag to match,on paper it doesn’t sound nice but it looked lovely.

Personal shopper every time - just sit there and have a rail of lovely clothes that are the kind of thing you have in mind brought to you. I have used the service twice and saved a lot of foot slogging. No charge for their time and effort either.

I'm a huge fan of East. I'm pleased to see other people recommendng them too. They would be my first port of call and I think they've got 30% off at the moment!

Try Bombshell - bombshellhq.com . They have some gorgeous & very flattering dresses and you're less likely to see a guest wearing one than if you choose something from Phase Right or Jacques Vert. A cosy fur wrap ( imitation of course!) Or little jacket would complete the look.

I’m with Kittylester all the way!

Chesca at John Lewis or on line have some lovely things. And they are flattering too!

My OMG outfit earlier this year was bought from Sahara. Very helpful staff and not at all pushy. Dress was in the winter sale and the short beautiful coat was from their spring range bought full price a couple of months later. I've worn both quite a bit since. Fascinator came from THE Hat Shop at Burnham Market, I already had suitable shoes

Bag came from TKMax