Category: Mother of the Bride Blog

Drink plenty, and we are not talking just champagne! Make sure you keep drinking plenty of water. Keeping yourself hydrated will keep you cool.

If you have long hair, wear it up.

However tempting it may be to stand in the sun, stay in the shade. Once you get hot it is harder to cool down.

Make a fan part of your outfit. There are so many beautiful fans on the market you will get one to match your outfit.

Pack a little spritz in your handbag, they are super refreshing and a great way to keep cool.

Powdered make-up has more chance of staying put in the heat than liquid make-up.

And pack an umbrella – this is the UK afterall!!!

Established in 2001 by Jane Lewis who wanted to create a brand for a working woman but wanted the clothes to multitask. This is one of the great successes of Goat dresses, they can be worn day or evening and offer a style which will make you fee your best without fuss or ostentation. The wool crepe fabric hangs beautifully over the body and it is no wonder it has this discreet celebrity following with the likes of Victoria Beckham, Gwyneth Paltrow and the Duchess of Cambridge seen wearing the brand.

New season collection has just arrived in store and they are perfect for an autumn wedding. Just add the accessories and you are ready to go.

Even if you are planning a summer wedding always have a contingency for wet weather. You may have the idea of drinks and photographs outside but do think about where they would be if you had to inside. Maybe have a basket of umbrellas on hand at the church or venue and willing ushers to escort guests in case of a downpour. Manage your expectations well before the big day, embrace it and remember photographers actually prefer an overcast day as it can eliminate shadows, and can result in some incredibly moody and romantic images.

Irish label, Aideen Bodkin, with its heritage in all things feminine is basking in the glory of floral prints. The designs have always hinted towards a slight vintage look and with aline soft lines and pretty floral prints it really is a leading the way for feminine flair. Aideen works with small fabric mills to ensure that each piece she makes will be treasured for years to come. Whatever your special occasion whether it’s a wedding or race day the summer dress has arrived.

With three models, ten sets, there was plenty to see at the Occasion Fashion Shows. Brands including John Charles, Condici, Olvi Lace, Fely Campo, Paule Ka, Goat, Aideen Bodkin, Riani and Gina Bacconi all featured and topped with some fabulous hats. If you have a wedding in spring and early summer, now is the time to come and look for your outfit. The showrooms are full of wonderful colours and styles.  You really will be spoiled for choice.

Christina Felix is a Portuguese coat brand that is classically smart but with a few added embellishments to make them just that extra special. Framed necklines, faux fur trims and removable broaches all add to the fabulous styling. If you are in a church they will keep you cosy warm and even if your event is in one place it will give you the stylish entrance you want. With prices starting from £199 they won’t break the bank.

Other options to consider are the faux fur collars, huffs and stoles from Helen Moore. They will certainly add some glam with their cosiness!

It is a unique opportunity to see the bride in her natural habitat, surrounded by her dearest friends and revelling in the joy of the occasion. Getting hair and make-up done, chatting about all sorts of nonsense is all part of the build up to the event itself.

As mother of the bride just make sure everything is organised as you do not want to miss out because something last minute needs attending to. You can enjoy that extra special bond in her final single hours. You will remember those special hours as much as you do seeing her walk down the aisle.

There are colours out there that are universally flattering no matter what your skin tone. If you get the right balance of warm and cool shades mixed together you are on a winner. So if you are struggling to know what colour to plump for you can play it safe with colour. That’s not to say go neutral, in fact look at the opposite and choose purple, blue, teal and red. Obviously you need to get the right tone within those but autumn is a great time of year to plump for really rich colours and whether you are fair or dark you can guarantee added flattery.

We have been thoroughly spoilt this summer with weeks of glorious weather and no doubt a whole host of happy brides delighted as the weather has been beautiful for their wedding day. However with temperatures looking to break records this weekend here are our simple tips to help you and your guests keep cool and look fabulous.

Have plenty of water and soft drinks available, Even if you have a water station with ice buckets full of small bottles of water that guest can grab both at the church and the reception.

Baskets of umbrellas are quite common place at weddings so just swop them for parasols.

Mini fans on the tables for guest to use, you could have them almost instead of wedding favours.

Stay away from liquid make-up, go with powder-based make-up to avoid any slippage!

Tie your hair back – simple but effective.

Most importantly enjoy the day.

As we have mentioned before on this blog, we love receiving photographs from our customers in their occasion wear. It gives the girls on the shop floor a real sense of pride to see their customers looking fabulous. We have now installed a TV Screen on the first floor so we can show off such wonderful photographs. If you have recently sent one in, come in and try to spot yourself!

If you haven’t already sent us a photograph, but do have one in an outfit from us (be it at a wedding, garden party, a birthday, the races or any other special occasion), please send it in. We would love to keep them coming so we can keep updating the slideshow. You can send photographs to us via Post, Email, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.