Summer wedding

Newly_retired

I would like some ideas on what to wear for a summer wedding celebration, please.
First, a private ceremony for bride, groom and witnesses only, I am one of the witnesses.
Then a few days later, an afternoon/ evening party for family and friends, outside if the weather allows.
Being MSE minded I am reluctant to spend a fortune on two outfits I will never wear again. I still have two hanging in the wardrobe from previous family weddings.
Typical wedding guest attire does not seem suitable somehow.
I don't do fashion, nor bare shoulders, nor short skirts.
All suggestions gratefully received.

Savvy_Sue

Do you need two different outfits? Could you re-accessorise just one? Even one of the existing ones, maybe.

I'd recommend using a personal shopper at somewhere like John Lewis to get ideas, even if you then go elsewhere.

(Being very MSE, the last few 'occasions' I've attended saw me in my charity shop finest. Whether I'd do that if ever any of my sons gets married I'm not sure. )

duchy

Newly_retired wrote: »

Typical wedding guest attire does not seem suitable somehow.
I don't do fashion, nor bare shoulders, nor short skirts.
All suggestions gratefully received.

I'm not sure why you feel normal wedding attire would not be suitable (but then what is normal to one person is idifferent to another)

Is your concern the season (most wedding outfits are for summer though) or that as a witness something more formal is needed to be worn?

What are the bride and groom wearing- ? Full big white dress and morning dress or something simpler to suit the smaller ceremony ? What they will be wearing will impact on your choices.

It's all a bit too general atm

I'd probably be looking at a dress with a same colour jacket- a proper wedding suit - - that could be dressed with different accessories for the two days and I'd be wanting to compliment or match the bride's colours with such a small wedding party for the ceremony

hamsterfan1

my son is getting married in August & I've bought a dress from Lindy Bop - it's a 50's style dress which can be dressed up with accessories ^ I'll be able to wear it afterwards as well - it cost around £30

Newly_retired

A bit more detail.
It is my daughter's second marriage. She has only just begun to think about it herself. She was not thinking of a wedding dress, as such, but has decided to up her game after hints from her fianc!! Nothing chosen yet.

We are not dressy people. Obviously I can't wear what I wore for her first wedding which was really smart. But I know her mother in law and another relative will dress to the nines.
I am a plus size, so not always easy to find something off the peg. DD is petite. It will all be informal for the party, just summer dresses, I guess, but I don't possess a summer dress as there is nothing in the shops I like, hasn't been for the last few years. Of course if it is wet, we will need wellies! Another reason not to go too formal.
I need to talk to DD some more about all this.

Newly_retired

Had a chat with DD.
The party will be informal, no seating plans or line ups or any of the traditional wedding customs. Bouncy castle, band, marquee, buffet, overnight camping available for guests, all in the paddock.
Sandals or wellies for footwear, depending on weather.
I'm thinking midi length dress (with sleeves) and jacket for me.

Savvy_Sue

Definitely try John Lewis, Debenhams, House of Fraser, anywhere they do a personal shopping service, maybe ring them first to check what plus labels they do.

Whereabouts are you? I'm sure someone, possibly IRL, mentioned a place which has several outlets where you can definitely shop for a range of 'mother' outfits for weddings. I can't for the life of me remember where it was, but maybe someone will suggest somewhere suitable!

Savvy_Sue

Also might be worth waiting until after Easter?

I know what you mean about not seeing any nice dresses. I'm on the hunt for one for holidays, impossible to find anything I like!

Newly_retired

Going to browse the shops this morning.......

Savvy_Sue

Newly_retired wrote: »

Going to browse the shops this morning.......

And? we're all agog ...

Newly_retired

Er, car wouldn't start, so my time in town was limited, by the time I got there. Just browsed a few high street stores. No time to get to John Lewis or House of Fraser. Saw nothing suitable.