SHOPPING FOR A PLUS SIZE MOTHER OF THE BRIDE OR GROOM SPECIAL OCCASION OUTFIT

Being a mother of the bride or groom means you will be a member of the bridal party – and appearing in the main photographs!  So that means you will want to look your very best for your child’s special day.

The first thing to take into account when finding your special occasion outfit, is that you need to feel comfortable in what you choose.  Wedding days tend to be long, so make sure your outfit isn’t too tight or too fussy and that you can move freely – think all the dancing at the reception after the wedding breakfast!

Many of our customers to Simply Devine buy their outfits from the high street, and we know from experience that not all of them offer clothes larger than a size 18 – particularly if you’re looking for a designer brand.

Popular style choices have changed over the years.  The traditional choice was always a straight shift-style dress with a bolero – which doesn’t always suit a curvier lady.  Personally I love the more “A” line styles in soft floaty fabrics, but there is a huge choice of designs available if you know where to look.

Trouser suits with a long chiffon jacket look gorgeous, but I would stay clear of jumpsuits which fasten down the back (think going to the loo!). American mothers of the bride or groom often wear full length gowns, but that trend hasn’t caught on in the UK.  And you don’t have to wear a jacket – particularly in summer.  Instead, wear a matching or contrasting pashmina which you can throw on if the day turns chilly.

BRANDS IN LARGER SIZES

We love Chesca (up to size 24) and Bombshell (size 22) outfits, which tend to be in the upper price range, Coast (up to size 26) Yours (up to size 32), and Phase Eight are more affordable and do sizes up to a 26, but you probably won’t find them in the shops, so you will need to order online.  Ann Balon designs go up to a 6XL (34/36) and we do have a collection of hatinators and fascinators in their colour palette. However, Curvy Chic Bridal – again online – have special occasion wear up to a size 46. Many of the more traditional brands ask you to call and see if they have your size in stock, so it’s probably best to visit your local stockists direct. Beware of Chinese sites where you cannot return items which are unsuitable or poorly made.

The other option is to have your outfit made by a dressmaker – and this is a very popular option for many of our customers.  Simply Devine does have a small couture collection of mother of the bride or groom outfits which are for sale in the shop in a size 16, but these can be custom made to any size.

Choose a colour which you know suits you – look in your wardrobe and see which colours you like to wear.  Our customers sometimes tell us that they want to match the colour scheme, when the palette clearly doesn’t suit their mature skin.  Conversely other customers tell us they don’t want to look as if they’re trying to match the bridesmaids!

Whatever style or colour you choose, we always tell our customers that you can dress up any outfit with a fabulous hat – of which we do have many in stock.  Even a plain dress can be made to look amazing with fabulous accessories.

And finally to your tip toes! Your shoes should be comfortable – or even get some of the fold up glitzy type which you can slip into your bag for after the official proceedings. High heels make you stand up straight and look taller, but if you’re not used to wearing heels, they will also make your feet ache, especially if they’re brand new.

And finally, take an extra bag with all your extra makeup (and those fold up shoes) rather than try to stuff them into your special occasion clutch bag.

Enjoy the day!