Mother-of-the-bride dress hunting is much more difficult than I imagined it could be. In 10 weeks’ time, my daughter, Logan’s mum, will be getting married.
The excitement is mounting, the venue is booked, Kirsty has her dress, Courtney, the only bridesmaid has hers and I still do not have mine, though I have contenders.
I have an idea in my mind of the type of dress I want.
1 I want a dress that I will wear again, but one that is dressy, without being fussy.
2 I want to feel comfortable.
3 I want a colour that suits me.
4 I don’t want to spend a fortune.
The dress code is not formal and the bride-to-be just wants the dress to suit me and has put no restrictions on colours. Yay, I can wear what I want!
Initially, I went searching with my darling GG, recovering well from his hip replacement, but bored out of his tree, so he was happy to come shopping with me. To be fair, he is the perfect husband, as he never minds accompanying me, if there is a plan. As he took the photos, the pics were sent to both daughters, who delivered their opinions, without reservation. So, do you think I can wear what I want?
Here are the dresses that I felt were worthy contenders:
My first stop was Marc Cain in Malahide (you can follow them on Instagram), where I found the dress that I featured in our ‘Style not Age’ Rainbow challenge a few weeks ago. I really like the coral dress above and I wore a colour very similar to it to a wedding in Malta nearly three years ago (below). I seem to gravitate towards corals and pinks in the summer months.
We also headed to Naas in County Kildare to Kalu www.kalu.ie where Jenny looked after me. It is very easy to spend over an hour in this beautiful one-stop shop where you can be kitted out with all the accessories you might need also. My two favourite looks are below. I had to chop off my head as my tired, unmade-up face detracted from the photos.
WEAR MAKE-UP WHEN SHOPPING.
I am not sure that this jumpsuit would be right for the occasion. What do you think?
I did attend a wedding last summer where the mother -of-the-bride looked absolutely stunning in a white jumpsuit. But she is a model and has legs up to her armpits.
I was very attracted to the dress below, but felt it was too similar to a blue-and-black LK Bennett dress I already have in my wardrobe.
My next stop was Kildare Village where I visited the Umit Kutluk store which opened there recently. Here is a link to his website if you wish to look at more of his elegant designs.
While I loved the strong colours and the details in the dresses, neither of them fitted me properly as I seem to be an in-between size.
Ok, I can see there is a theme here ….I am definitely attracted to bright colours and blue and pink seem to be top of the list.
Have you a favourite so far?
Have you been a mother-of-the-bride?
What did you wear and have you any advice?
GG managed to take the photos even though he was on crutches, so big hugs to him.
I don’t think I have found what I am looking for yet, but I am having fun searching for my mother-of-the-bride outfit!
I really like the slightly longer length of the L K Bennett dress. The first one is also lovely (coral colour).
Thanks Mandy…I like the style of the longer dress, but I have one very like it…lacy and blue and black…please have a look at the next post….x
I’m in the same boat Hilda, two weddings this summer and have been feverishly searching. I’ve found one of the outfits, a tangerine dress similar to the style of the pink dress you’re wearing. A jumpsuit is a great idea. Your figure looks fantastic in the one you chose, but maybe a different colour? I like the Marc Cain dress but it’s quite similar to the other one you wore, so that would make me rule it out.
That is the way I am thinking Gail…I like the jumpsuit but the colour is too out there…very vivid and the dress is too like the other and the sleeves would not be good for the dancing..
First: you look great in anything!
Second: adore the coral dress and the pant suit!! I think my favorite so far is the pant suit.
Third: good job GG 😉
Thanks Loretta…. yes he is a sweetheart… more to come..xxx
You want comments……corral with sleeve yes, corral without yes bot needs wrap or something for ceremony, or sneaky cold breezes! Pantsuit….no way! (Unless you change for evening and think iof managing a quick visit to you know where!) Love the lace. Royal blue, way too matronly! Cerise…silly. There you have it!
Keep it simple and have a fantastic hat , but with no huge brim that a) catches the wind and b) you can manage the many kisses under! Great shoes, worn in, and a bag which can be slung over shoulder leaving hands free, one for shaking and the other for the badly needed double brandy! Two weddings later, there you have it! Have great day!
Thanks Jackie…I can always rely on you for sensible advice… and honesty…but no to the double brandy…it will have to be GIN
Wow! Great taste Hilda! You do look fabulous in pink and blues, and that lace coral dress may be my favorite! I do love the neckline style of the pink one.
I am with you, you want to be comfortable, and have a dress that you will wear again, not have it sit in the closet. 🙂
Have a great day!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Thanks Jess.. you are so good to comment…still have to find the ‘one’!
Well Hilda having been mother-of-the-bride twice I can say that both outfits I wore were bought in McElhinneys of Athboy and I wore one twice and the other one only on the day of the wedding! A lot of money was spent so I totally agree get something dressy but not too weddingish (new word!) and get to wear it as often as possible. I love the blue jumpsuit but I think a dress would be more suitable. My choice, so far, would be the first coral dress from Marc Cain. The style is lovely and that colour really suits you. Well done GG, you are one in a million, for taking the photos, so soon after your op, and being with Hilda shopping!! Looking forward to seeing your final choice.
Hilary thank you so much for your very helpful comment.. only getting around to answering now. Yes I agree with you…I do not want something ‘weddingish’. I have more to come….some are weddingish some not..xx
I love the navy and black lace dress Hilda, but they all look fabulous on you, what a crackling figure you have. I have been mother of the bride in 2010, I wore something totally out of my normal box – a peacock blue dress and jacket made of raw silk – loved it and only bought it two weeks before!! My second eldest daughter is getting married next year so I’ve been ‘sort of’ looking, but can’t decide on colour or style yet – I think when I ‘see’ i’ll know it’s the one! Looking forward to see what you pick Hilda, whatever it is you’ll look stunning! Jacqui Mummabstylish
Jacqui…thank you so much…that blue is stunning on you. As I said I will have to do a MOB outfit post of all those who wish to send me their photos. Will get organised on it soon….
I think the pink ones look better in your face. Although the blue dress is really stunning. It all has also to do off course in what outfit you feel the best!
Thanks Nancy…more to come…please keep commenting
I found buying the shoes a problem! The dress was easy enough.Wear what you like not what someone else thinks is good on you. Enjoy.
Thanks Susan…the shoes will be a problem for me too…I have a problem with bunions…not pretty and to top that a ganglion…
THE BLUE LACE IS MY FAVORITE!
NO PINK FOR YOU……………IN MY OPINION.BUT DO AS YOU WANT!
Don’t listen to this AMERICAN!
What is the wedding date……..MY SON is getting married TOO!!!!!!
Thank you LA CONTESSA…the search is still on…more to come! You will look amazing I know….have you been shopping?
I love that we got to come with you shopping, Hilda!!!
And the bright colors are so wonderful on you!! That pink one really took my breath away with the interesting details!! I feel like I always have to have items altered, so that’s no biggie when I’m shopping.
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thanks Jodie..more to come…of course you have an amazing mum who is an expert at altering…
Where’s my comment?
Hi Hilda, I liked the coral Marc Cain dress on you. I think the blue jump suit looks terrific but might be more suitable for day after wedding. Bright colours definitely suit you. I bought my MOB outfit in Lynchs of Banagher. ..definitely worth a visit.
Ah thank you Myrtle..part 2 of the search on the way…