Your little girl is getting married and planning for the joyous event is in full swing. With these 10 must know style tips, as the Mother of the Bride, choosing what to wear can be another happy memory in leading up to the special day, her wedding day.

Tip 1. Prepare early

Begin shopping early. As soon as you know the bridal party’s look and colour scheme, begin shopping so you can adjust your options.

You may need alterations, you will have seasonal weather conditions to consider and you will definitely need to leave enough time to wear new shoes in if you are purchasing a new pair.

Ask to be on your favourite store’s mailing list – at Malvern Swish the girls keep a VIP list of customers special likes their preferred outfit colours and special occasions they may be seeking outfits for. This is a great idea and time saver.

A great team will keep you on their VIP list and alert you of all suitable new arrivals. This is a great way to find your size and style early.

I’m a planner; I like to pack my outfit weeks in advance. As a mother this always leaves me room for the unexpected – airline cancellations, last minute floral colour changes, bridal cake delivery delays or any number of unplanned time gobbling events and potential pre-wedding stress accelerators.

Tip 2. Do be colour conscious of the Bridal Party

The biggest tip here is to dress to complement the brides colour palette. This is her special day and you are going to help make it her dream day.

Tip 3. Know the transformative power of shape wear

I am a professional writer, fashion stylist and retail fashion sales assistant, with 35 years in the fashion industry beginning as a television model, my biggest tip for making any outfit look fantastic is to wear correct fitting underwear.

The power of a great fitting bra – one with cups and straps that keeps your bust point centre front and forward - trust me ladies your comfy most trusted sports bra with it’s sagging straps has lost all its elasticity and willpower.

Style Tip Extra – if our boobs are positioned too far south, this look can add width to our midlines and shorten our torsos.
Our bodies change all the time but with the right under garments, you have the power to mould your shape to your most flattering silhouette. Today there are so many choices for below the bust bodysuits that don’t leave you gasping for breath as they pinch and roll.

Ladies there are no excuses for wearing underwear past its used-by-date when dressing as mother of the bride.

Tip 4. Focus on the things you love about yourself

Accentuate Your Assets and let your fabulous personality shine. This is timeless advice for a great reason. Cinch in your fantastic waist or complement your striking hair.

You are an original, a one in a million.

One fabulous Swish Malvern customer with her siren red hair and joy filled personality-plus blue eyes found her perfect Mother of the Bride outfit in our Swish Steeple dress and blue flowing jersey pants. An outfit knew would be perfect for her daughters wedding day and an outfit she would wear to numerous other events.

Tip 5. Be comfortable 

Be comfortable. Just SAY NO to wearing anything that you don’t feel comfortable in.
‘You’re old enough now to know what works for you and young enough to follow your own heart.’

At this stage in our life we know what looks we like and what looks we don’t. We no longer suffer for fashion. We are open to suggestions but by now we know what feels comfortable and what doesn’t.

6. Expand your horizons

Colour, shape and pattern are yours for the taking. Know what looks great on you but be willing to embrace the new. Stuck in a style rut – then experiment with colours.

‘The best colour in the world is the one that looks good on you.’ Coco Chanel

We are no longer confined by colour rules and the colour palette is a kaleidoscope of endless variations. Have fun and choose from renaissance pastels, through to exotic jewel tones, vibrant block colours, elegant neutrals and sumptuous metallics.

Consider what your bride likes and have fun with the colours you love.

Sleeves, no sleeves you don’t have to compromise on style to cover up, there are beautiful lace boleros, or sheer sleeved jackets. Our style and colour choices are endless.

7. Keep it simple

Keep it Simple. Embellishment is fine, but remember your accessories are the last things you put on and the first thing you take off. 

A Mother of the Bride great tip – remember items such as pearls can be damaged by hairspray and perfume.

8. Shoes

One word, many times! Comfort, comfort, comfort. It’s a long day.
Style Tip - Remember to break new shoes in before the wedding day. It’s a long day.

9. Wear what you love

Being a woman over 40 is a powerful place to be and clothing is transformative and reflects our spirit.

People are drawn to you for who you really are and the most alluring and interesting people are those who know who they are, what they like and not afraid to colour brilliantly outside the lines.

As a Mother of the Bride, you want to have fun with your style and relax by knowing you are wearing what you love.

Tip 10. Smile and enjoy

Confidence begins on the inside and you will shine knowing everything is in place, giving you more time to share your biggest assest on your little girls wedding day – your smile filled with love and cool relaxation.

Mum knows best.