Category: Mother of the Bride Blog

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.

This season there have been lots of different shapes coming through in Mother of the Bride/Groom outfits. Fitted, fluted, peplum, A-line, you name it and it is somewhere on our wedding floor. Whilst a straight, fitted cut has often been favoured by many of the designers, A-line shaped dresses are becoming more and more popular among the collections. An A-line dress pinches in at the waist and flares out into a full skirt, giving a gorgeous feminine silhouette. This shape will do wonders if you are conscious about the size of your hips and thighs and is also perfect for dancing in!

If you are looking for a wedding outfit, make sure you try on different shapes to see which works best for you. If you fancy trying something A-line look out for collections by Fely Campo, Gabriela Sanchez, Aideen Bodkin and John Charles (featured in the photo).

It can seem daunting looking for a Mother of the Bride/Groom outfit that tones with the colour scheme of the wedding. Metallic shades, such as silver and gold, are wonderfully versatile and look gorgeous next to almost any colour. They also complement lots of different complexions. These shades offer a neutral palette that will allow you to accessorize with a pop of bright colour, or alternatively you can simply add different shades from the same palette.

When it comes to wearing neutral colours, the key is in the detail. Look for something with a touch of sparkle, pleating or lace. Beading, pearls, sequins or simply shimmer in the fabric. The overall look is sophisticated and elegant, glamorous at the same time as subtle and understated.