Choosing Your Outfit!

Forget the matronly outfits and unflattering hats of days gone by - today, the mother of the bride and groom can dress to their sartorial hearts' desires. A world of fashion-forward flair beckons, where everything from custom-made to haute couture can be donned to spectacular effect.

Remember - it's the bride and groom's day and, as such, the design stems from them, so take their requests and vision (theme, season, venue and colour scheme) as your cue.

Discuss the look the bride is focusing on and consult with her on your outfit ideas to ensure you merge with the wedding party while maintaining your own sense of individuality.

But remember the golden rule: "Always buy what makes you feel and look fabulous!".  "All eyes are on you after the bride so if you look utterly stunning you'll feel incredibly confident, too."

Colour is key
Avoid a colour conundrum by considering the overall colour scheme of the wedding, the shades the wedding party will be wearing and what hues suit you best. Not only are you dressing for yourself, you'll be reflecting the day, venue, season and bridal party, too.

"I always try to work with the theme of the wedding; for example, the bridesmaids' dresses and flower colours - and what colours suit mum," says a leading designer. "If it's a grey-themed wedding and mum has silver grey hair she'll look fabulous in a silver, charcoal, pink or lavender outfit. Generally, only the bride's mum is allowed to wear white or ivory - and that's with the bride's permission!"

Stick to shapely fashions
It's no mean feat: you have to dress to suit your own taste and body shape while keeping within the bride's remit and mirroring current and/or timeless trends. That means an honest meditation on what does - and doesn't - suit you, your frame and personality.

Just like the bride, you still want to look like you, so if your idea of dressing up is ditching your jeans for a sundress or a jumpsuit, be comfortable in what you wear and let it fit with your chilled out nature.

Finish with flair
It's important to take note of your entire head-to-toe ensemble. From your hair to the accessories, an element of harmonisation is key. "We advise matching Rainbow Club shoes and bags tinted to the colour of your outfit, as blending is key for mum's finished look," says Jo. "The hatinator, hat or fascinator also needs to be created from the colours and theme of the outfit to make it all look perfect, polished and super-chic!"

And don't forget to consider how you'll transition from day to night or venue to venue to ensure you feel comfortable and maintain an air of appropriateness at all times. "From day to night, it is just a case of taking off your hat, fascinator or hatinator and jacket and adding some extra jewellery to pep up the evening look," suggests Jo. "Maybe even change your shoes to sparkly ones to accentuate that party feel!"

And don't forget to get your hair and make-up done - whether it's by a professional or trusted friend. Remember, it's your day, too, to feel and look your very best!

Have a great day.