Mother of the Bride Commissions
15th July 2024
One of the most asked for commissions that I have is to make mother of the bride or mother of the groom outfits for that special wedding day. You have to remember that it is probably one of the few times that a proud mother gets to show off her son or daughter and to dress up to the nines!
The two most important reasons that I am asked to design and make a mother of the bride outfit are firstly to not arrive at the wedding wearing an outfit anyone else is wearing so there is no embarassment or disappointment and secondly many of my clients cannot find what they want or have envisaged to wear on the high street or online.
Some of my clients just love to have that special one to one service, perhaps for the one time in their life they have a special occasion outfit made for them and enjoy the proccess because this is also their special day. Other reasons to have a bespoke mother of the bride outfit made is because some clients have always dreamed of a particular style and never had a reason to have something commissioned. I also have clients who want to be made to feel special and having a garment tailored to you can give your figure a whole new shape and give you a real confidence boost.
Sometimes I have been asked to make very simple, classic tailored garments for a mother of the bride but with the view that this could be worn again in a different guise either by separating the components of the outfit, for example the skirt can be worn with different blouses and accessories or a beautiful tailored jacket can be utilised in many different ways after the wedding for a semi casual look with jeans or a more casual outfit, allowing the outfit or dress to live on and not just disguarded in the back of the wardrobe.
I have worked on a wide variety of outfits and dresses for many years and I can honestly say that everyone is different. I find that aside from the expectations of the bride to have her family and friends fit in to a colour scheme or a particular theme, the outfits I have been commissioned to make, often very much reflect the style and personality of each particular client. I have worked on very classical styles, vintage styles and styles which are completely unique in design and contemporary but each are perfect for the wearer.
I never know what I will be asked to make but my job is to put the personality of the mother of the bride into the outfit and to make her look and feel amazing, after all I am sure that they want to get compliments too! The proccess might start witn me being given an image of how a client wants to look and then we work together to make it work in the best way for her. I have to make sure the proportions work on the body to best flatter her and to make the garments fit correctly for the style and fabric.
Some clients bring their own fabric, sometimes a treasured piece of fabric or they might want to fabric shop themselves, I have even been known to meet a client to go fabric shopping in London to help find the right fabric. However a big part of my role is to source the right fabric for the occasion, garment and client, which can take some time to do.
I often need to source a range of fabrics in different weights for the client to choose from which depends on several factors. Where is the wedding being held is the first one because you need to think about the anticipated weather, particularly if you are planning a wedding in a typically hot location you obviously need a lighter weight fabric. This can also reflect the fabric compostition, for example synthetic or natural fibres, with natural fibres typically being more breathable but generally can crease more easily too. Other considerations will be whether you require some stretch within the fabric to make it more comfortable and forgiving, if you want to consider ethical fabrics, which is my speciality and of course one of the most visible and considered factors is the colour.
Colour is such a huge component of the finished design and needs very careful consideration. Some clients need to fit into a set colour scheme decided by the bride usually, however, one thing to consider is that you need the colour to suit your particular skin tone which will enhance your overall look, rather than drain the colour from your face. One way to find out what colours and tones suit you the best is to visit a colour analyst which can be a valuable asset if you do spend a lot of money on clothes, but particularly if you are having an outfit commissioned. What is the point of paying for a special occasion wear outfit and the colour makes you look washed out? I think unless you already know what colours enhance your face then it is definately something worth investing in.
Image courtesy of Amanda Richardson
It is also good to remeber that all colours have light and dark tones and if you are expected to wear blues for example, there will be a wide range of blues in the palette and there will be one which suits you more than the rest. My only footnote on that is that I still have to source that colour in the right fabric and it might not neccessarily be availble as colour options can be limited depending which type of fabric you require.
The type of fit of the garment is important and not everyone wants to wear something tailored or fitted. I am always open to working with my clients and find out what they feel comfortable with. Whatever your shape or size, age or syle I love creating something unique and making my clients feel special. Remember that you need to feel comfortable for the whole day and often through to a late night. You need to consider different venues you might be going to, perhaps looking super smart for the formal part of the wedding ceremony and perhaps feeling more comfortable for the festivities after the formal part. Are you looking after children, will you be dancing and are you looking to change throughout the day into more comfortable footwear and would you want an outfit to be adaptable during the day.
Once a basic design has been decided upon I make up a first block that will fit the body of the client and then this is made into a calico toile which is fitted and this is the start of the proccess. I require my clients to wear good fitting and supportive under garments which will be worn on the day or be similar to those worn on the day otherwise I cannot fit your garments properly. Bringing shoes the same or similar to those for the event are important, not only because I can see the finished proportions of the final look but also if you want to wear very high heels, you will be standing differently and it elongates your body but you also stand with your hips more forward. At this time it is good to gauge what type of shoe you will be comfortable standing in for a long time.
Whilst considering shoes this is also a good time to consider handbags and other accessories for the event. Remember, not everything has to match exactly but if you do want shoes in particular to match, there is a colour match dying service available in certain places and I can provide you with a swatch to take with you for this from your chosen fabric.
I would typically suggest at least three to four months in advance of the event to approach me for a consultation, however, once wedding season has started, usually from March, I can be fully booked for several months and my availabilty is limited. If you want something extra special and completely unique I will be able to bring your dream dress or outfit to life!
Please use the contact form on the website to arrange a consultation.
