Fashion

Sassi’s Guide to Choosing an Elegant Mother-of-the-Bride or Groom Outfit

The day your son or daughter gets married will be one of the most memorable days of your life, and we want you to look and more importantly, feel incredible on the big day. Having worked with brides and their families for over 40 years, Sassi knows the importance of your role as the mother-of-the-bride or groom; not only will you be a great support, but you are a key member of the wedding party. That’s why she’s been designing both bespoke and ready-to-wear options for mother-of-the-bride and groom for decades, using her exquisite eye for detail and knowledge of the female form to empower you and your wedding look. We know the pressure you can feel when choosing what to wear; from avoiding a colour clash with the bridesmaids, to wanting to feel modern and ‘yourself’.

We sat down with Sassi to get her tips and advice on where to start, whether you have to stick to a dress and how to get the most out of your outfit. 

Have the styles and traditions of the mother of the bride/groom outfits, changed over the years?

Most mother’s-of-the-bride/groom no longer want a stiff formality about their outfit, they want a feminine and elegant feel. Today, a lot of women are going for a more glamorous look and want to enhance their figure. Knowing what flatters you the most and playing to that strength will be a great help when selecting your outfit.

Sassi Holford modern mother-of-the-bride outfit
Amesbury Dress | Photography by Olive Joy

Shop Amesbury Dress here.

Should you consult the couple, or other Mother of the bride/groom before you start shopping?

Traditionally mother of the bride gets first choice of colour when choosing an outfit, but it may be worth considering what colour the bridesmaids are wearing as you may find it helpful to know the colour theme of the wedding is, when selecting what to wear.

On that note; when is the best time to start looking for your outfit?

As soon as you know the date, you can start to think about your wedding outfit. Bear in mind that if you choose to have a bespoke outfit made by us it can take up to 6-9 months for a fully bespoke look. I strongly believe in creating garments that will last for years and can be reworn again and again; with bespoke, you can create something unique and perfect for your shape and style, and something that you’ll reach for, for many special occasions in the future. 

What should a modern mother of the bride/groom go for; how can she stay feeling stylish yet still timeless?

Stay classic with your outfit and go for timeless, something you can rewear easily. If you choose a print, stick to the same rule; something you know you’ll love for years to come. You can elevate with accessories, adding shoes or a fascinator can completely change the look. 

Sassi Holford modern mother-of-the-bride Chiswick dress
Bespoke Chiswick Dress

Shop Chiswick dress here.

Is there a classic look or style that you can’t go wrong with?

Stick to two colours only; this will keep your look classic and chic. Choose an outfit that suits your figure, something your feel fabulous in as this will ensure you radiate confidence throughout the day. I always advise avoiding going to ‘matchy matchy’. Mix things up, add a colour or print to your accessories to keep things contemporary. And finally, stick with your own individual style. Don’t try something new just for the day; choose an outfit that feels like ‘you’.

Do you have to wear a dress?

If you’re not a dress person, and don’t want to wear one, don’t feel you have to. Suits, jumpsuits, or palazzo pants are great alternatives if you don’t want to wear a dress on the big day. They’re also great pieces that can work well in your wardrobe after the big day.

Do you have a favourite mother of the bride/groom look that you have designed?

From my latest collection, it has to be the Somerton as it can be accessorised to show so many different personalities, so it’s a great option for a lot of women. It’s also timeless in its cut and silhouette making it not only flattering, but a piece you can wear again and again. 

My favourite bespoke dress was in pink, with feature split sleeves, and a soft a-line skirt with a high low hem. Sometimes the feeling surpasses the look, I remember she said “I feel better in this than I did in my wedding dress 35 years ago”, which is the best compliment I could hear.

Sassi Holford pink modern mother-of-the-bride dress
Bespoke Somerton Dress

Shop Somerton dress here.

If you’d like to start your own mother-of-the-bride or groom bespoke journey, click here to make an appointment at one of our boutiques. Or, you can view our ready-to-wear collections here. 

 

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