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Mother of groom - what to wear??

(42 Posts)
cakelover Mon 14-May-18 12:56:43

My eldest son is getting married soon and I have no idea what to wear. I don't even know where to start!

I'm plus-size so need shops and styles that have a wide range of sizes and suit curves. Also, what is an appropriate level of formality for mother of the groom? My friend told me I should be cautious not to overshadow the bride's mother but I'm not sure if that's just a myth?

inishowen Tue 15-May-18 12:20:54

I'm a size 18/20 and wore Jacques Vert to my son's wedding. It was a skirt, top and jacket. The skirt and top looked like a dress and was very comfortable. I went on to wear it on a cruise and now 6 years later I will wear it to my grandson's christening. It was expensive but quality is worth paying for.

nipsmum Tue 15-May-18 12:31:07

My mother didn't speak to the MOG before my sister's or my wedding and I didn't speak to the MOG when either of my daughters were getting married.. I wore what I liked and so did the MOG s. Let's face it few people care.

pollyperkins Tue 15-May-18 13:49:59

Someone mentioned shoes. I had a dress jacket and hat with matching low heels. However I knew my feet would not survive the day in them so took some smart but comfortable flatties for dancing at the evening do. I doubt if anyone noticed! I also had a smart lacy cardigan for the evening to replace the jacket (& took hat off of course. ) Formal outfit only for ceremony, photos and reception then got more comfortable. The dress jacket and hat were Jacques Vert bought from JL I think. They have a lot of mother of bride/groom outfits not too expensive. I wish I'd hired a hat as others have recommended as I've never worn it since although I have worn dress & jacket for other posh dos!
And yes it's a good idea to co-operate with other mother ,and the bride so your outfit doesn't clash!

Craftycat Tue 15-May-18 14:02:05

Can you go shopping with mother of bride? I did & we chose outfits that complimented each other & had a fun day out too.

Bagatelle Tue 15-May-18 14:14:12

It's the photos that matter. It'll be there for posterity, and probably on Facebook! MOB and I had great fun with the preparations.

blue60 Tue 15-May-18 15:00:31

My son is getting married in 2019. It's an early spring wedding, so could well be chilly. I too was wondering what to wear, but I took my lead from what colours were chosen by the bride and groom.

Not wanting to stand out, all eyes should be on the couple, not me, so I chose a silver grey, mid calf length floral dress, a silver grey disc hat, silver shoes/sandals, sparkly bag from TESCO and...a silver grey fur stole/shrug (just for a bit of glamour, for me).

I make jewellery so I shall be wearing a pearl choker and pearl drop earrings.

I bought my dress from Floryday, hat from Debehams and grey stole from Lightinthebox.

All at reasonable prices, very happy with my outfit.

Tooyoungytobeagrandma Tue 15-May-18 15:41:49

In same situation and have gone for floaty trousers and floaty longer top which I am much more comfortable in than anything formal or fitted (also plus size model). I have a contrasting shrug with matching shoes and bag. Colours in top similar to wedding theme colour scheme and no idea what mob wearing. I don't do dresses as I look too matronly and I like my legs covered. Jacqes Vertical and JD Williams have some lovely wide leg trousers in light fabrics in lovely colours and romantic originals plus they have some lovely floaty tops to go with. Lots of little fascinators around to wedding it up a bit. Just buy something you'll be comfortable in and will wear again xx

Tooyoungytobeagrandma Tue 15-May-18 15:42:34

Jacqes Vert blush

newnanny Tue 15-May-18 16:41:01

I only have one dd so wanted to make sure I looked good for her wedding. I spent about three weeks trying on outfits that were very formal and could not decide. Then about a month before the day I had still not chosen and was getting a bit stressed about it when I went shopping with my sister for holiday clothes. I found a navy pleated skirt in a floatey fabric and a matching navy and white top in same fabric, found some white shoes and a new white bag and then my sister said why did I not wear it to the wedding. It felt very comfortable so I did. I found a white hat with navy band and detail on to complete. It was a bit more casual than I had expected to wear and I have wore skirt and top again.

GrammaH Tue 15-May-18 16:52:38

Like so many of you, I went for Jacques Vert for DS's wedding which, although in the church where DH and I were married, was a relatively low key affair. I happened to see a plain gold dress and bolero in the sale and it was perfect. I had a large lilac hat & gold shoes & I definitely didn't upstage the bride's mother who looked elegant in dark green with a super fascinator. DD had a large traditional wedding in the same church with a marquee at home. I went for a real MOTB silk outfit of long sky blue skirt with matching embroidered jacket, huge hat & dyed-to-match satin shoes. I felt the bees knees in it!! It cost silly money and I've never worn it since but it made me feel really special
Whether it's a son or daughter getting married, comfort is paramount so wear something to suit and please you, don't let anyone dictate what you should have. I hope you find something wonderful and that you have a fabulous day at your son's wedding

silvercollie Tue 15-May-18 17:11:27

Whatever you do, PLEASE don't wear white satin as did someone I know. Talk about outshining - she outshone everyone, including the bride. Very over the top.
The marriage did not end well - bride decided she was Gay after a couple of years.

grandtanteJE65 Tue 15-May-18 18:03:15

I'd consider checking with the bride what the colour scheme for the reception is. You don't really want to turn up in the exact same shade as the paper napkins, do you?

Welshwife Tue 15-May-18 18:12:52

I went to a wedding years ago of a young bride - her father’s secretary wore a stunning white outfit and outshone everyone - the outfit looked a bit out of place as it was a winter wedding!

seacliff Tue 15-May-18 18:52:50

Hi blue60, I looked up Floryday as I'd never heard of them. They have some lovely unusual dresses if you like bright colours like me.

They seem to be a foreign company, and no free returns would deter me, as I am fat and hard to fit. But it's nice to see something different, and reasonably priced.

www.floryday.com/Floral-Half-Sleeve-Midi-A-Line-Dress-m1058593?pos=also_like

hapgran Wed 16-May-18 17:23:49

Laura Ashley sale for weddings of both sons ( different outfit at each! ).

Nvella Sat 19-May-18 07:48:41

I booked an appointment with a personal shopper at John Lewis. She was amazing - chose outfits I would never have looked at but were perfect. They really know their stock and their stuff.