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Mother of Groom

(60 Posts)
LadyMatt Wed 23-Apr-25 09:50:05

In September my son is getting married. There will be a registry office legal bit on the Thursday with just me and the brides mum as witnesses, and they are having a celebration and tying of hands on the Saturday after. The Saturday celebration is being held in woodlands with handmade pizzas, ice cream van and fun fair style games to play. The wedding party colours are black and forest green. Their wedding, their choices. I know what colour the bride is wearing because I am making her veil.

My question is, what do I wear? I am a 66 year old widow, I work almost full time in a newsagent getting newspapers ready for early morning deliveries. Do my everyday wear are jeans, whatever top suits the weather and canvas mules. In the summer I wear Berkenstock style sandals.

I don't wear lace, chiffon or anything flowy, anything flowy is an accident waiting to happen with me wearing it.

I cannot wear anything on my feet that have backs on them due to a haglunds deformity and damaged achilleas tendons.

Most of the dresses I have found have loads of lace or chiffon 'butterfly' sleeves, which I hate. I would rather have no sleeves. I am a overweight so anything fitted looks bleh. [I am working on the weight issue] I have a very low waist so anything that is fitted at the waist sits very high on me and is very uncomfortable. But the style of footwear that I have to wear definitely do not go with a 'nice dress'.

Would it be wrong of me if I found a great fitting pair of trousers with a nice top? Maybe with a jacket of some sort.

Don't get me started on hats.

HELP !

luluaugust Wed 23-Apr-25 09:55:23

How about a trouser suit with pretty but not necessarily frilly blouse. Sounds like you know the brides mother could you find out what she is wearing. Perhaps go towards the green rather than the black. Hope the weather is kind!

Cabbie21 Wed 23-Apr-25 10:02:26

Something semi-formal for the Register Office, anything you feel comfortably smart in, but more casual for the Saturday. Black trousers, green coloured top?

tanith Wed 23-Apr-25 10:08:28

I agree trousers and top and as it’s a woodland shoes that you are comfortable in is fine. I was at a very informal wedding this last weekend and some wore suits and ladies pretty dresses but others wore trousers with tops or jackets one lady had skirt with boots, my thoughts were people will be looking at the happy couple not me. Have a lovely time just be comfortable and you’ll be fine.

Casdon Wed 23-Apr-25 10:09:01

Honestly, no, I don’t think trousers and a non matching top would be a good choice for mother of the bridegroom - trousers are fine, but they need to be part of a set in my opinion, either a trouser suit, or matching top and trousers, there are some really nice matching sets around this summer, some have trousers with a border which matches the top.

J52 Wed 23-Apr-25 10:13:28

I agree that trousers and top/jacket would be appropriate for both. If you wore some wide trousers and a more formal top to the registry office, you could wear the same trousers and a different, more party ish top to the woodland ceremony.
We went to something similar and I wore palazzo trousers with a long blouse/ jacket over it. I changed my pink suede shoes for trainers later!

J52 Wed 23-Apr-25 10:18:05

You said green was a theme colour, how about something like this for the register Office. Phase Eight

Oreo Wed 23-Apr-25 10:40:02

You sound like a relaxed dresser, so even as MOTG I don’t think you need be too formal.I would wear a smart green and black patterned top and black trousers for the RO official bit and a more informal look for the woodland bit, a maxi or midi dress in green with comfortable sandals.
Unusual choice of wedding colours😁

NotSpaghetti Wed 23-Apr-25 10:43:07

This kind of thing?
I'd be happy in something like this.

NotSpaghetti Wed 23-Apr-25 10:43:49

And here are some more

Calendargirl Wed 23-Apr-25 11:18:18

I wouldn’t worry about different outfits for each ‘do’, especially if it’s just you and the bride’s mother at the register office, at least that’s how I understand it.

Wear something reasonably smart, but comfortable and casual enough for you to feel ok in it. And something you can wear again afterwards, the wedding sounds pretty informal.

Far, far too many expensive MOTB and MOTG outfits never see the light of day again.

Pointless waste of money.

NotSpaghetti Wed 23-Apr-25 11:24:00

I'd wear the same thing to both too, Calendargirl

V3ra Wed 23-Apr-25 11:27:54

I'd suggest you talk to your future daughter-in-law and ask her guidance. She'll know what her mum will be wearing, she'll also know what you feel happy in. She'll want you to feel comfortable.

NotSpaghetti Wed 23-Apr-25 11:37:07

I'm not sure it matters about the outfit of the bride's mum to be honest v3ra.

If she is wearing (say) very formal tailored with heels and a big hat or a lace dress or a kimono it doesn't really help.

ExDancer Wed 23-Apr-25 12:21:36

The bride's mum will be having the exact same thoughts as you, so I think its a good idea to get together and discuss outfits.
I wish I'd done this when my children were married.

lafergar Wed 23-Apr-25 12:31:56

There is a half way house between MOTB and trousers and a top!

Something classic, well cut, fits well in a good colour for you. A shirt waister style, like a dress that almost isn't a dress? And some nice, comfortable stylish shoes.

Shelflife Wed 23-Apr-25 12:52:58

Just be comfortable! The Saturday sounds as though it will be relaxed and informal - so bear that in mind and be relaxed and informal. I see nothing wrong with smart black trousers and perhaps a tunic top with three quarter sleeves in any shade / pattern of green. You could wear the same outfit the the legal bit on Thursday as you do for the woodland celebration on Saturday. It sounds like fun - pizza , ice cream and games , can I come !? Just enjoy and do wear your most comfortable footwear!

Shelflife Wed 23-Apr-25 13:01:33

Saturday is a woodland setting - relax! It is obviously informal/ easy
celebration. Don't worry about what the brides mother is wearing, don't ask the bride for advise. Be smart but very importantly comfy! Especially make sure your feet are comfortable , nothing worse than painful feet! You will have a great time!

Jaxjacky Wed 23-Apr-25 13:51:43

I am mother of the groom in September too, RO then hotel reception, I’ve been told by the bride and my son to wear what I like. I’ll be wearing an inexpensive dress from Roman all day, no hat, no fascination, it’s not about me!
I think trousers and a top will be just fine, as others have said, be comfortable and enjoy the day.

GrandmaKT Wed 23-Apr-25 14:04:58

I love the outfits NotSpagetti has posted! The flowers make them look more dressy- I think they would fit the bill really well, with maybe some smart clogs?

Cossy Wed 23-Apr-25 14:13:14

Wear what suits you and what is comfy xx Enjoy the day xx

Norah Wed 23-Apr-25 14:13:14

I wear Birkenstock. I think these would be nice with black trousers and a green top. 'Gizeh EVA Black' (no cork on show). Quite comfortable.

Iam64 Wed 23-Apr-25 18:09:30

Ten years ago I was mob. I tried and failed to find a dress. Like you OP
I’m a casual dresser. I bought satin pewter trousers, a silk top and a Fabuous expensive jacket. I enjoyed the day because o went as me

In August I’m
Mob again. I’m struggling to find anything I want to wear. It’s an informal wedding but the bride wearing full gorgeous frock, flower girls and page boys so I’m off to see if I can up my game without morphing into the Lady Mayores

M0nica Wed 23-Apr-25 21:37:09

I would discuss the issue with bride and her mother. Saves any problems. I have only ever been the mother of t.hegroom. I did not wear a hat and the unstructured Silk suit I wore was making its third outing. My MA graduation, DS's PhD graduation and then his wedding.

Calendargirl Thu 24-Apr-25 06:49:54

I would discuss the issue with the bride and her mother

I wouldn’t.