Mother of Bride dilemma

Sorry I know this is an old-ish- thread, but I am wondering how you got on grannyflower?

My daughter gets married abroad this year and I haven’t started looking for an outfit yet.
I know what style I want but have no idea where to find such a dress.
If anyone knows where I can find a slim fitting, knee length dress with a bateau neckline, I’d be really grateful!
Thanks

Another vote for John Lewis personal shoppers. Mine brought in a railful of clothes which I thought I would never like and they were almost all perfect. And she found all the accessories.

Hobbs have some nice outfits.

Grannyflower I hope you have managed to get sorted in manchester.

A plain coloured dress with a fantastic wool/cashmere shawl or wrap.

Look for a one off shop that does MOTB outfits. I used Jane Young in Newark. Make an appointment and you have a personal shopper. My outfit was amazing and I got the hat to match. You want to feel comfortable and happy with your choice,

Second all the JL personal shopper recommendations. Not at all pushy, ran to another department to find the perfect necklace and best of all advised me to order online as then I'd get it everything fresh and not tried on. She wrote down all the dress numbers and sizes to make this easier.
So if I hadn't been happy with the outfit I needn't have ordered without feeling awkward. It was the stereotypical MoB pastel dress and jacket, but DD seconded the choice and I felt just right and confident on the day. I might even wear it all to another wedding with a totally different guest list next summer. ?

Just been to a wedding and after hours (and hours) of internet trawling and shopping, found two dresses in Seasalt - one silk, one bamboo(!). Just dressed up with smart jacket, jewellery and nice comfortable court shoes (from Ecco). Thought about leather gloves but didn't wear them in the end. Very comfortable, natural fabrics (great if you overheat) and will be something I'll wear again and again. Maybe not formal enough for everyone but worked for me - and the Seasalt shop felt like a calm oasis after all the others.

As mentioned by PP as MOG I also wore trousers, wide linen trousers, long midi linen/mesh coat and linen top. Shoes the same colour with midi heels.
This outfit was worn to death, so comfortable and pretty striking. Dressed up and also worn casual. A friend also wore it as MOG.

I like the Cossack coat and hat style
Complete the outfit with a lovely warm muff.
But not helpful if the wedding is at a venue and so indoor.

Bag came from TKMax

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

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

I’m with Kittylester all the way!

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 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!

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.

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.

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.

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

It was Phase 8 not Coast! Sorry lad

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

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 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

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!