Top 6 Outfits for the Mother of the Bride (or Groom!)
Needing some inspiration for (what’s probably) the second-biggest day of your life? Then you’re in the right place. We love a Joe Browns mum, so if you are one (or about to be converted to the wonderful world of JB), take a peek at our advice for what options the mother of the bride or groom could wear on this unforgettable day.
Stepping out feeling full of confidence, ready to walk down the aisle, greet guests and party the night away, you should be brimming with pride for many reasons – so let’s make your outfit one of them, shall we?
3 Tips for Choosing an Outfit as the Mother of the Bride or Groom
1. What’s the difference between Mother of the Bride and Mother of the Groom?
There’s no real traditional difference between outfits for the mothers of the bride and groom, however, wedding day etiquette does come into play. When waiting for the colour scheme and the dress code, it may be beneficial for the mother of the bride to select her outfit first. If you have 5 months before the big day, consider reaching out to the mother of the bride to see if they’ve made their decision. They may give you some extra tips that will come in handy. Typically, the mother of the groom will select an outfit that complements the mother of the bride. You could even make a day of it and go on a shopping spree together - not forgetting to stop for coffee and cake, of course!
2. When should I start shopping for my new outfit?
As the mother of the bride or groom, you’ll be privy to a lot of the details about the wedding, as well as knowledge of their preferences and what they expect of your outfit. Typically, you should start shopping after the bride has selected her wedding dress. But, if you have about 6 months or less until the day, check in with the bride on her timeline, or ask if you’re able to start shopping.
3. How do I successfully co-ordinate my outfit with the rest of the party?
If you’re unsure – ask! The bride may have an idea of complementary colours in mind on her big day, and even if not – she will most likely have a preference for what she wants the wedding party to look like. She may offer a colour scheme or a certain style or length of dress – so you should try to get an understanding that’ll match her overall vision, resulting in some incredibly chic photographs to treasure. While it may seem restrictive, it’ll also help you feel great knowing you’ve followed the dress code to a tee. There’s nothing like turning up in a fuchsia dress when everyone else is wearing neutral tones!
Our Top 6 Outfits for Mother of the Bride or Groom
From classic tailored suits to occasion dresses and accessories, there’s nothing like stepping out in an outfit that’s expertly curated when you’re at the centre of an event. Prepare for the compliments to flow faster than the drinks at the reception with these top 6 mother of the bride (or groom) outfits!
1. Pretty in Pastel
This trick to wearing a pastel-coloured piece is to make sure your outfit is equal parts elegant and formal, with plenty of room to show your unique sense of style. Chic styling really doesn’t get any better than this – it's pretty, preppy and a fabulous colour palette for a wedding!
Why not try a vintage-inspired A-line dress styled to just how you like it. All you need to do is add a pastel bag and shoe in a complementary shade like lilac or pink!
2. Vivaciously Vintage
Vintage style is classic and timeless, making it perfect for occasions. We love a midi tea dress for a summer look that exudes pure elegance. It treads the line between distinctive style and grace thanks to its vintage-inspired shape, bringing together a silhouette that embraces your unique sense of timeless, feminine style.
Simply pair a blazer or cardigan with your dress for that transition to the cooler evening with ease. Add your favourite jewellery and a pair of elegant shoes and bag. We love pairing a matching shoe and bag with a timeless dress like this, so Joe recommends wearing a matching shoe and bag in a pop of vibrant colour that complements the tones of your dress. When selecting one, take a look for a lighter shade with a ditsy print and choose your accessories that complement the colours in the print.
3. Dare to be Different
If dresses and skirts aren’t your thing, it’s not a big deal – they're not for everyone after all, so in this case, Joe recommends a chic, tailored suit that can be worn again and again. This works especially well for weddings full of colour.
The best thing about suits is your ability to add those extra pieces that make you feel confident, bringing an entire look together that’s truly yours. Think about the look you're going for and decide what top or blouse will look as good under the blazer as well as a stand-alone piece. We love a broderie style of top to bring a more feminine edge to this look. Why not try your hand at colour matching by seeking a pair of shoes and a matching handbag for a standout look?
4. Truly Classic Tailoring
If you’re drawn more to a suit shape but want to keep the colour a little more muted, try a pinstripe suit in a cream colour that brings a unique pop of personality to a classic premium women's suit set. We’ve also added a modern touch to our women's suit silhouettes with a wide leg shape on the trousers and also tailored the blazer and waistcoat ensuring a flawless silhouette that hugs in all the right places.
Add your favourite tailored blouse and a fascinator for a classic 3-piece suit set that exudes effortless class and add a pop of colour with a pair of shoes and a matching bag. We also love this suit when dressed down, so why not slip into flats as the night carries on?
5. Timeless and Traditional
If you’re a chic lady who loves the classic approach; a shirt dress is what you seek. With a classic collar and waist tie, this classic shape effortlessly flatters any figure.
Pair this dreamy dress with a blazer with a retro style blazer or cardigan. We’re aiming for a tweed-inspired look a la Chanel. This type of styling is as renowned as it is timeless and premium, giving a luxe, refined approach to styling a wedding ensemble. Carry that vintage look through to your shoes and bring together an iconic look faster than two shakes of a lamb’s tail.
6. Say “I do!” to the Jumpsuit
Lastly, a stylish jumpsuit is an outfit choice that we’ve seen rising in popularity across many occasions, and a magical wedding day is certainly no exception! With a choice of block colours or patterns, you’re free to experiment with different styles from boho and retro to classic or vintage. Don’t forget to add your favourite accessories to feel full of confidence as you step out in style.
Just as with suit styling, you can also dress a jumpsuit up or down. Don’t be afraid to slip into some ballet pumps or standout sandals to keep celebrating throughout the day and into the night!
Hopefully, you’ll have found some inspiration for your upcoming occasion to feel remarkable on a magical day. While an mother of the bride outfit might be for one day, how you feel while you make those memories will last a lifetime.
Don’t forget to check our Inspiration page for all of those summer occasions in the diary! If you fancy it, share your upcoming occasion outfit with us on our Facebook and Instagram!
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