Wedding advice-Mum of groom

Armchair23

I'm Mum of the groom, what started out as a small wedding seems to have gone ballistic and I'm now having a complete meltdown !

I'm late 50's and have really stopped bothering about make-up skincare and clothes since my husband died a few years ago. I have as they say 'let myself go'.

I'm not expecting to look stunning, 20 years younger and 5 stone lighter, but I'd really welcome some good,kind,sensible advice.

I'm a jeans and fleece person ( I know - there is no hope for me ) any pointers on how to make the next 3 months a time when I can make a bit of difference and advice on clothes etc I'd really appreciate.

And NO I will not be sporting a hat or fascinator !

Be gentle please....

McKneff

A short jacket and a dress.


I had on a short red jacket that just touched in the middle and a black and white swirly skirted dress.


I felt great.....

belfastgirl23

If you can afford it, you could consider a personal shopper with one of the big chain stores. My advice would be to go on a weekday when you're more likely to get someone experienced (rather than a Saturday person). Be honest with them. If you have particular things you won't wear and/or bits you want to cover be clear about that. I think they're used to working within budgets and limits. Whatever you buy, make sure you feel comfortable in it. There's nothing worse than spending your time hiking up your top or pulling down your skirt because something doesn't fit right.

But remember, your son might just be delighted that you're low key if there are other people making a huge fuss. He will definitely be delighted you're there. That's the thing to focus on.

hcb42

I dont do dressy much, but a fascinator is simple.....get some advice in store - you wont regret it!

Floss

Do you have someone whose opinion you trust, who could go with you to a large department store for a personal shopper session? Talk to the shopper about the occasion, your usual clothing, your comfort zones (hat or not, skirt or not, heels or not), and then try everything they bring you, no matter what you think of it.

Go with an open mind - you will look amazing on the day because you love your son and will be full of joy and some sadness for those who will miss what will an emotional day.

Armchair23

Thanks, I shall look into the personal shopper route.
Sometimes I think it's easier to take advice from someone you don't know. And after all they must be used to it !

ciderwithrosie_2

Book a hair appointment soon, ask friends for recommendations, preferably at a place that does beauty treatments as well. Ask for advice on a manageable hairstyle for the day and get them to be honest about whether you could do with a deep conditioning, colouring etc. Also ask opinion of beautician on state of eyebrows*, skin complexion, and advice on simple make up or go and have a pamper in a department store if you can afford to buy at least a couple of products in exchange for their time and effort. Thinking if you have a trial now, you've got time to get used to hair/face grooming.

*I'm in my 50's also and I know my eyebrows can get wayward really quickly unless I keep an eye on them!

Armchair23

Ciderwithrosie, are you psychic ? I was just looking in the mirror earlier and wondering where those crazy 'old lady' eyebrows had come from all of a sudden :rotfl:

I have eyeshadows older than I would care to own up to in public. So I'm going to spend a little on trying out a few things in store .

It's just getting over that hurdle of not feeling quite well dressed/groomed enough to even approach a make up counter.

But thanks for the good advice all.

chocolatelover93

If you want to get some make up, I would suggest Boots No7 range, they do a test that matches to your skin, or you could even go to a department store and get some test make up done and you've then got your make up for the wedding done free!
Clothes wise I always take someone I can trust with me, normally my mum, do you have a daughter or friend that will be honest with you?
In regards to what to wear, why not get a nice trouser suit? I think they look really nice
Hope I've helped
Claire x

Carfal

As mentioned, book yourself a hair appointment soon and ask your hairdresser for advice on where to go to for your eyebrows, nails etc.

If you see people of a similar age with a nice hat, shoes or outfit, compliment them on it and ask where they got it; you'll soon find out where to start to look locally for something suitable to wear.

If you feel uncomfortable in more formal clothes then start to make some changes now, e.g wear a jacket instead of the fleece. If you tend to wear boots or trainers then wear shoes sometimes so it feels more natural to you. You may find that if you're used to jeans and a fleece that you will be more comfortable in an outfit made of cotton, rather than a man-made fibre. Make sure the outfit fits well and that you have a well-fitted bra so it all hangs well. If you rarely wear skirts then a culotte slip may feel more comfortable.

hamsterfan1

I'm in a similar position to you - I've bought my dress - an navy 50s style one & I'm wearing a velver wrap instead of a jacke 0 &I bought a lovely necklace on amazon , so just shoes & bag to go on outfit.

I also treated myself to some decent make up - which came with instructions on how to apply it - will also have to arrange hair appointment ( I usually grow it long & cut it myself when it gets annoying)

Good luck getting sorted - a least you're not mother of the bride