Mother of the bride outfits. Help!

I am a similar shape i e. 5ft 6in with a bit of a tummy. I wore separates to both my sons' weddings with a calf length skirt so I could get different sizes. Also, as you'll be looking after little ones, make sure you can bend easily and definitely wear comfy shoes!

Oh yes,
I discovered this company recently- Olvis lace.
Really stunning dresses.
I tried one locally but it was more than I wanted to spend and a little snug - but even this was still really stretchy and would obviously be easy to wear.

My daughter found a once-worn on Vinted at a fraction of the price and wore it to a wedding. She said it was really comfortable.

If possible go to a shop that sells lots of different (and maybe more niche) brands if you don't want to be stuffed into a never-again outfit!

www.olvis-lace.com/

Su22 has written exactly what I was about to suggest.
Ann Balon.
No crease lace, fancy, stretchy and durable. I bought new the first time and it was a terrible price but subsequently have had two others that were second hand (vinted and ebay) both very cheap.
They don't crush, can be easily hand washed and worn as separates afterwards.
So easy to wear!

Good luck.

DD’s big wedding do was in France in summer, and I knew it was likely to be hot. I rarely wear dresses, but wanted a nice but simple one, not sleeveless and not too short, certainly nothing typically mother of the bride.

I even used a personal shopper in John Lewis. She couldn’t come up with anything at all suitable, though there were plenty of dresses that would have been lovely if I’d still been 39 and a size 10!

In the end I found one online from Poetry, but that was 10 years ago and I’ve never worn it since!

I hate wearing dresses in fact I don't even own one, when my son got married I dreaded finding an outfit to wear especially as being a large size.
After much searching and I will admit tears I found a
Anne Balon outfit mega expensive but got mine off eBay for a quarter of the price, most comfortable outfit to wear and so easy to pack in a suitcase no creases just hung it up when I got to the hotel, After the wedding I washed it and put it back on eBay and sold it

I last bought an outfit for a wedding in M and S but it was a dress .
I always think that M and S is worth a look .
If you are looking after a small grandchild wear something dark .
I once had sticky finger marks down my dress at an occasion !

I got a lovely outfit with a jacket and dress that had horizontal type pleats with lots of stretch in the fabric
Was comfortable throughout
Not cheap
Navy and pink:purple tones quite classic

I second the suggestion of using the John Lewis personal shopper. I’ve used this a couple of times with good results. It’s been an enjoyable experience

I’d echo the idea of a personal shopper session. The only time I’ve had one (for free, at Harvey Nick’s in Leeds) was before DD1’s wedding. I was a bit apprehensive, being far from your typical HN shopper, but I’m so glad I did this. She listened carefully to what I had in mind and what my (modest!) budget was, and came up with several great outfits. There was no pressure at all to buy, but the one I went for was perfect.

It may be hot in France in April. How lovely to be able to wear summer clothes.
I hope you find something you like that's comfortable and fits well.
I had a session at John Lewis with a personal shopper before DD's wedding. She had me trying on all kinds of outfits without pressurising me to buy any.
I enjoyed the session but wasn't pleased with the outfit I chose.
Lots of people wear trousers at weddings.

Have a look at Next Online , loads of choices . Easy to order and return too

I personally would go for a stylish trouser suit too, am not a dress person either, just make sure is a comfortable fit if you are looking after the GC as well.

I bought a matching dress and coat both very lightweight floaty chiffon type fabric. Both ankle length. Bo ho style. I absolutely loved it. Wore both pieces for the wedding anf took the coat/top layer off later.

Thank you

Look at Hobbs or Phase Eight trousers suits. Comfortable and elegant.
Mix and match a few items to change from day to evening. Good Luck.