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Mother of the Bride Trends 2018

Mother of the Bride Trends 2018


Ali Moore
Ali Moore Updated:
8th of March 2023

As the mother of the bride or groom it's finally your time to shine - and look gorgeous to boot. We've been chatting to Elizabeth Bessant, a couture wedding outfit designer based in London, all about the upcoming trends for mother of the bride and groom designs. Elizabeth has been designing outfits in the industry for over 20 years and there's one thing she's sure about - your outfit should never be dull!

As a couture designer, I believe the most important things to bear in mind when choosing your outfit should be:

  • shape - go for a style that most flatters your figure
  • colour - more important than being on trend is choosing a shade that suits you
  • the bride’s preference - it's her special day so ask her what she'd like to see you wear
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(Karen: mother of the bride, Elizabeth Bessant couture)

The title mother of the bride or mother of the groom means you are likely to be 40 to 65 years of age and the majority of women at these stages of life still care about fashion and trends. Most weddings are planned two years ahead - if you rush to buy your outfit it may be slightly out of fashion by the time the wedding comes around.

I picked up on a trend last year that appears to be continuing into 2018 - the move away from fascinators back to hats. There's also quite a lot of pink appearing - triggered by Pippa Middleton’s wedding when her mother Carol and sister Kate both wore subtle shades of pink. Happily there are many variations of the colour pink so most women will be able to find a shade that suits them, but don’t choose an outfit that is too fussy or you could look like a bridesmaid!

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(Michele: mother of the bride, Elizabeth Bessant couture) 

Length is another consideration, generally the most flattering length is the base of the knees. From the side view, it cuts at the slimmest part of the leg and front on it hides your knees.

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(Loraine: mother of the bride, Elizabeth Bessant couture)

Some weddings held late afternoon or early evening dictate long frocks. Long is also popular for weddings overseas or here in high summer because these dresses can be worn with wedge sandals and no tights – make sure you treat yourself to a pedicure!

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(Becki: step-mother of the bride, Elizabeth Bessant couture.)

Location is also going to influence your choice of outfit. If your daughter is marrying in a church in Scotland, even in August, you will not consider wearing the same as for a wedding in Italy.

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(Tihomira: mother of the bride, Elizabeth Bessant couture)

Etiquette indicates that the mother of the bride and mother of the groom wear a jacket or coat with some kind of headpiece if the ceremony is in a church. Apart from that anything goes - as long as you don’t upstage the bride!

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(Wendy: mother of the groom, Elizabeth Bessant couture)

Just remember those all important photos; you want to look and feel at your best so choose something you are comfortable wearing. Thinking back over some of the things I wore in the 70’s and 80’s, I am so pleased the photos have vanished with the passing of time...

If you would like any advice on dressing for your daughter or son’s wedding, contact Elizabeth Bessant here or visit her at the National Wedding Show, Olympia from 16-18 February, Stand C20.

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Ali Moore

About the author


Ali Moore

Ali is experienced in all things Mother of the Bride. She is in regular contact with outfitters across the country and ensures this list of boutiques and Mother of the Bride suppliers is as up-to-date as possible; making it really easy for you to find your dream attire.

Read Our Essential Guide to Mother of the Bride Outfits

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