Our pick of glamorous occasion pieces offer top-table elegance for mother of the bride and VIP guest, with relaxed suits, chic dresses and lovely outfits that can easily be transformed for day-to-evening parties
For mother of the bride and groom – and smart guests – a great wedding outfit needs to feel smart, but also match your personal style. No one wants to buy an outfit that only gets one outing, so our favourite designers offer adaptable and timeless pieces that can be worn multiple ways at future events. So if you’re splurging on a really gorgeous outfit or statement hat, you will most definitely want to show them off at future weddings, race-days and parties.
Edwina Ibbotson – Top dressing
The last word in wedding-day smart, this blue angled Moonstone hat with jaunty feather trim is by leading London milliner Edwina Ibbotson. It’s part of a wonderful couture collection at her Battersea store, with everything from swish cocktail hats and classic wide brims to divine bridal headpieces. edwinaibbotson.co.uk
Sassi Holford – Lace elegance
Part of the elegant collection of outfits for mother of the bride and guest available from Sassi Holford’s Chelsea flagship, this elegant silk dress with lace overlayer has a flattering wide draped neck with silk satin edging and lace three-quarter-length sleeves. Shown here in a sophisticated dusky pink, it’s also available in other colours and with lots of bespoke options. sassiholford.com
Lalage Beaumont – Royal silk
This lovely dress-coat is designed and made by Lalage Beaumont, whose Knightsbridge boutique is a treasure trove of smart occasion wear. In rich royal-blue silk, it’s shown here with a chic matching shift dress, but can easily be paired to other pieces in the Lalage Beaumont collection. lalagebeaumont.com
Joyce Young – Form leader
Perfect for a mother of the bride or groom, this dress and cropped jacket has a touch of Edwardian elegance with its softly draped neck and longer-line slim skirt with split at the back for ease of movement. Designed by Joyce Young and made in her own workrooms, it can be tailored to suit your event and wedding colours. joyceyoungcollections.co.uk
Ian Stuart – Mink luxury
This flattering number in a soft shade of mink has ruching across shoulders and bodice and a soft full skirt with flirty pleat and crystal detailing at the hip. Designed by Ian Stuart it’s part of a new occasion collection inspired by the glamour years of 1950s Hollywood. ianstuart-blewcoat.com
John Charles – Cocktail classic
This classic neutral cocktail gown from John Charles features an elegant draped neck with sparkling bead trim and soft transparent sleeves dotted with more beads. Perfect for a summer or destination wedding, it’s part of a dedicated mother-of-the-bride collection available at Nigel Rayment’s London and Manchester boutiques. nigelraymentboutique.co.uk
Sassi Holford – Lace luxe
Sassi Holford’s stunning blue lace dress is in a bold marine blue. Consisting of a simple slip dress with lace overdress, it has a flattering v-neck and soft lace sleeves. This is a relaxed and form-flattering design for a summer or destination wedding that will take you effortlessly from day to evening. sassiholford.com
Joyce Young – Pastel style
A swish outfit for a destination or high-summer wedding, this cool aqua pastel dress has bootlace straps and a soft lace border at the hem. It’s shown here with a matching lace-trimmed long wrap, but could easily be paired to a soft jacket or coat if you prefer more coverage. It’s part of an elegant bespoke occasion collection by Joyce Young. joyceyoungcollections.co.uk
Lalage Beaumont – Velvet nights
This stunning jewel-blue crushed velvet dress from Lalage Beaumont would be the perfect choice for a day-to-evening or autumn wedding. We love the soft and flattering line of the dress – which can be dressed up with a coat, but also looks perfect in combination with statement jewellery and glitzy black heels. lalagebeaumont.com
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